The Palmer Museum of Art. Photos by Jana MacGinnes
The above title is a slight variation on the instantly recognizable fall chant, “We are Penn State!” the familiar roar heard throughout the college football season. And here are two other reasons: The Palmer Museum of Art and the Arboretum at Penn State.
As a graduate student back at the turn of the century (the 21st), I was fortunate to review a special art exhibit at the original Palmer, clandestinely cloistered in the heart of the Penn State campus. The museum then was in a railroad car-size of a building, narrow and long on Curtin Road. Just a little shy of a quantum leap (two dozen years) later, the newly opened Palmer is a dream destination well worth the 90-minute drive from Harrisburg. Today, “the little museum that could” is a massive, two-story granite, glass and blond wood shrine to art celebrating its one-year anniversary in its new locale at the Arboretum.
In its first three months from June through August of last summer, over 25,000 art lovers walked through its doors. That is pretty heady stuff, even for a university the size of Penn State. The Palmer is known as “the museum for academics” as well as the largest museum between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Designed by Allied Works, the museum houses 20 galleries on two floors with inspirational views of the grounds of the Arboretum next door.
On our visit to the Palmer this past fall, we were astounded at the breadth of art before our eyes. First and foremost, the building itself is its largest work of beauty—a testament to farsighted visionaries, patience, perseverance and time. The Palmer celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2022 knowing that, in just a few years, the new museum would be finished. It opened its doors on June 1, 2024, to a resounding response, especially given that the summer school season sees fewer students, activities and events. However, as part of the arboretum’s grand appeal, there was much fanfare and built-up anticipation for its grand opening. Like the “Field of Dreams,” “build it and they will come,” and they did, in record numbers. Now, a full year later, there is much to celebrate as the Palmer is a must-see stop from Wednesdays through Sundays, its days of operation.
During our pilgrimage, we were blessed with an uncommonly warm early November day. Sally Kalin, our art ambassador, graciously gave us a tour, representing the museum in the very best light. Sally readily shared her own “best of” picks, giving us an erudite assessment of the history, relevance and meaning behind many major American paintings. She has served as board president during her 12 years at the Palmer, and present day finds her doing what she does best—sharing the back stories, “a true labor of love,” she divulged. As for her personal favorite work, it is George Luks’ oil-on-canvas, “Thompson and Bleecker Street,” painted in 1905 and later donated by the Palmers themselves. If that wasn’t the best museum experience we’ve had in our seven years covering art, I’m not sure what is. We also spoke at great length with Penn State student Sophia Heltman, on desk duty that Sunday as a visitor’s associate and tour guide.
“Working at the Palmer at its new home next to the Arboretum has been exciting,” she told us. “Getting to tour visitors and see their reactions to the new space has been fulfilling. It’s great to see the turnout and everyone’s engagement with the collections.”
Located in University Park, this modern monument to art is chockablock full, floor to ceiling of one gallery after another. It boasts its own museum store and café. As a key component of Penn State’s land grant mission, the Palmer is a cultural conduit serving scholars, faculty and the university’s 85,000 students. The 11,000 works of art span the globe and cover periods from the Renaissance to the 21st century, with mediums ranging from paintings and sculptures to prints, drawings and photographs. In addition, there are collages, works on paper, pastels, contemporary studio glass, watercolor and ceramics. Joyce Robinson, interim director, weighed in on what the new museum and arboretum mean to her.
“Our new location at the Arboretum has already greatly expanded access to the Palmer and it’s exceeding expectations,” she said. “There is always something new to see in our light-filled galleries.”
Sarah Wharton, the museum’s marketing and communications director, estimates that 75,000 people will visit the new museum over its first year of operation.
Perhaps the best complement to your visit is the 395-acre Arboretum at Penn State, adjacent to the Palmer. This is the perfect time of year to visit, as spring and summer provide the lushest scenery with sunflowers, black-eyed Susans and cone flowers in bloom, in addition to roses, clematis and irises. The beautiful, serene setting is perfect for picnics with benches throughout the grounds, as well as hidden nooks and crannies. Walking trails include the 1.3-mile Bellefonte Central Rail Trail. Be sure to spend time at the Childhood’s Gate Children’s Garden, Pollinator Garden and Bird Garden. A magical encounter on the verdant grounds leads one to the H.O. Smith Botanic Garden and 10 acres of themed garden spaces with another 14 acres of walking paths and rolling meadows to explore. Our favorite part was the iris walk and garden bower bathed by wisteria. Be sure to pack water for the adventure, and comfortable walking shoes are a must. With seasonal activities taking place on most days, the Arboretum has classes geared for children from early June through the end of August. A family pumpkin festival is held in October with a winter version set for the holidays in December.
No matter the time of year, the Palmer Museum of Art is high on our list of art museums anywhere. This summer is perfect for a getaway road trip or overnight stay. The campus is less congested, the art and arboretum await, and the weather forecast is nothing but blue skies. So, hop in the car, put the top down, and cruise on to State College. When you pull up outside the museum doors, be sure to cheer, “We are Penn State!” For us, art is something to roar about!
The Palmer Museum of Art is located at 650 Bigler Rd., University Park. For more information, visit www.palmermuseum.psu.edu. The Arboretum at Penn State is located at E. Park Avenue and Bigler Road, University Park. For more information, visit www.arboretum.psu.edu. Admission to both is free.
Special thanks to the staff of the Palmer Museum, including Sally Kalin, Sophia Heltman, Sarah Wharton and Joyce Robinson.
Photos by Jana MacGinnes
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