An Unforgettable Experience Awaits
An important opportunity for young art students to see some of the USA’s most famous and emotive galleries and works in New York and Philadelphia.
Trip Highlights
The huge inspiring Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC
Contemporary installations at MOMA in NYC
Renaissance & Impressionists at Philadelphia Museum of Art
Collection of Rodin sculpture at Rodin Museum
Philadelphia
Recommended excursions
Metropolitan Museum of Art
This vast museum has over two million artworks spanning 5,000 years. It’s one of the most important collections in the world and a fantastic source of inspiration for students of all disciplines. A labyrinth of corridors holds paintings, textiles, ceramics and costume, chronologically reflects global regions in sky-lit spaces and architectural relics
Guggenheim Museum
The Guggenheim NYC is devoted to the art of the 20th century and beyond. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright the building itself has become an architectural icon. The very particular collection includes much of the avant-garde and impressionist movements, with tours, classes and film screenings helping to enrich student’s experience of this vital arts centre.
Museum of Modern Art (MOMA)
The maze of glass walkways and 110ft atrium lobby ensure this is a breathtaking experience from the get-go. The most influential modern art collection in the world has highlights like Monet’s Water Lilies and van Gogh’s Starry Night, with a recent face-lift by Yoshio Taniguchi creating space for huge contemporary installations and three movie theatres.
Whitney Museum of Art
This museum gives students the chance to experience new movements and ideas in art. Exhibits focus on the promising, lesser-known artists as well as an astounding permanent collection of 20th – 21st century American art. There are highlights such as Rothko, Pollock, Lichtenstein and a number of Georgia O’Keeffe’s spectacular flower paintings.
Frick Collection
Once the private residence of steel baron Henry Clay Frick, this opulent Upper East Side museum houses an exceptional collection spanning the Renaissance to late 19th century painting. Highlights include Rembrandt, Renoir, Manet’s The Bullfight (1864) and an enclosed portico in the Fifth Avenue garden displaying a spectacular collection of sculpture.
Street Art Community Mural Tour (Graffiti Tour)
Mural graffiti is a fundamental element of community art in New York, expressing peace and conflict, cultural shift and reflecting zeitgeist. The tour visits a number of major murals in the Lower Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx and Harlem districts, with knowledgeable guides to discuss the evolution of graffiti and elaborate on the storyboards and memorial walls.
Top of the Rock
With views to rival those of the Empire State Building, Rockefeller’s multi-floor observation deck is 70 floors high. A thrilling Plexiglass screen installation shows the construction workers hanging on the high beams, with a chance for you to ‘walk’ across one too, far above the city streets. Exhibits include the history and a model of the building.
Empire State Building
Built at the peak of the skyscraper craze in 1931, the 1250ft Empire State Building is an Art Deco symbol of NYC. A ride in the express lift to the observatory floors gives students an unrivalled view of the city with outdoor decks and restored original interiors. A handheld device acts as an audio and visual companion with engaging videos, image galleries, quizzes and maps.
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
This unique visitor attraction offers three levels of multi-sensory immersive experiences on the top of the fourth tallest building in Manhattan. Visitors will experience a blend of art installations and technology against the backdrop of the Manhattan skyline. Amazing photo opportunities during the day or at night!
Statue Cruises
Take the Statue Cruise from Battery Park to the Statue of Liberty, one of the world’s most iconic structures and a symbol of freedom and democracy. Continue to Ellis Island and be inspired by the history and stories of the immigrants entering America between 1892-1954. This hop-on, hop-off service allows you to explore at your leisure.
Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises
When arriving in New York, a great way to appreciate the scale of the city and avoid crowds is to take a boat cruise. Students can see the famous skyline and get to know the layout of Manhattan with excellent photo opportunities. The Full Island Cruise takes in over 100 landmarks including the Statue of Liberty and Yankee Stadium.
9/11 Memorial Museum
Documenting September 11, 2001, the museum examines the implications of the events and commemorates the nearly 3,000 men, women and children who died on 9/11 and in the 1993 World Trade Centre bombing. Using multimedia displays, narratives, archives and artefacts, the museum presents powerful accounts of the monumental struggles faced by a nation and the legacy of that day.
National 9/11 Memorial
The memorial quadrant is a poignant reminder of the 9/11 devastation and an inspiring testimony by citizens to honour those who died. Twin reflecting pools and manmade waterfalls mark the spot where the Twin Towers stood, with the names of everyone lost inscribed into bronze panels around the outside.
The Edge, Hudson Yards
Complement your visit to the Edge with REACH FOR THE SKY, a virtual STEM education Programme. Students take a behind-the-scenes look at amazing innovations of architecture and engineering and learn about the STEM, history, and social impact of this gravity-defying structure through digital resources and a Virtual Field Trip.
Independence National Historic Park
The birthplace of American Independence and democracy, it was in this historic area that a group of colonists planned independence from the King of England, which ultimately lead to the creation of the USA. Sites to visit include Independence Hall, the President’s House, The Liberty Bell Center, Carpenter’s Hall. The Independence Visitor Center is a gateway to the Historic Park.
Independence Hall
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Independence Hall is seen as the birthplace of America. See the Assembly Room where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were both signed. It was here in the Courtroom of Pennsylvania Supreme Court that militiamen tore down King George III’s coat of arms in an act of defiance.
The Liberty Bell Center and Liberty Bell
See the Liberty Bell, formerly housed in the Pennsylvania statehouse (Independence Hall) whose inscription came to be an extraordinary symbol of freedom. “Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants Thereof (Leviticus, 25:10)” Historic documents, a video presentation and graphic images in the Liberty Bell Center explore the facts and myths around the bell.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
This is one of the most important and largest art museums in the US with a vast collection of Renaissance, American and Impressionist art. Located on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway the impressive neo-classical museum is one of the most popular attractions in Philadelphia. The Museum houses over 200 galleries spanning 2,000 years. There is also an outdoor sculpture garden, and the famous ‘Rocky Steps’.
Rodin Museum, Philadelphia
This museum houses more than 120 of Rodin’s sculptures including bronze casts of Eternal Springtime, The Gates of Hell, The Burghers of Calais, and The Thinker. Several of the most famous works can be seen in the sculpture garden which was originally designed by the French landscape designer, Jacques Greber.
Barnes Foundation
This is considered to be one of the greatest private collections of post-impressionist and early-modern art with over 3,000 exhibits. The collection is arranged in groupings, known as ensembles, according to light, line, colour and space. Works on display include 181 Renoirs, 69 Cezannes, 59 Matisses, 46 Picassos, 16 Modiglianis and 7 Van Goghs.
Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (PAFA)
This is the nation’s oldest art school and art museum, with a collection housed in a magnificent Historic Landmark Building built in 1876. The permanent collection includes American art by some of the nation’s most talented contemporary artists. There are also works by Charles Willson Peale, Thomas Eakins, Nancy Spero, Elizabeth Murray and Kehinde Wiley.
Institute of Contemporary Art
Founded in 1963 the Institute of Contemporary Art, part of the University of Pennsylvania, showcases the work of emerging and lesser known artists. It was the first ever museum to have a show of Andy Warhol, Laurie Anderson, Agnes Martin, Robert Indiana and other influential artists. It has been described as one of the most adventurous showcases in the United States.
National Constitution Center
Interactive exhibits explore the history of this important and influential document, the four most powerful pages in America’s history. One of the rare original public copies of the Constitution is on display. The multi-media live performance “Freedom Rising” in the Kimmel theatre is a dramatic depiction of events bringing history to life for students.
Hop on Hop off Big Bus City Tour
Explore the city of Philadelphia on an open-top double decker bus, and take in landmarks including Liberty Bell, Philadelphia City Hall, Elfreth’s Alley, The Love Sculpture, Betsy Ross House, Independence Seaport Museum, Boathouse Row, Museum of Art, and many more. Hop on or hop off at any of the 27 locations. A guide will give historical background, facts and stories about the city and its people.
Philadelphia City Hall
The impressive Philadelphia City Hall, completed in 1908, is considered to be at the centre of the historic city. A statue of the founder of Pennsylvania, William Penn stands proudly on top of the tower. The exterior is richly decorated with sculptures representing the seasons and continents and there are lavish interiors.
Reading Terminal Market
This bustling, colourful indoor food market is one of the oldest in the USA dating from 1892.The market has a great selection of fresh produce, cheeses, baked goods, confectionary, flowers, crafts and jewellery, and makes a great lunch stop with a seating area and a wide variety of different takeaway foods including the famous Philly cheesesteak.
Typical accommodation
West Side YMCA
Why groups like it:
- Steps away from the Lincoln Centre, Broadway & the American Museum of Natural History
- Close to Central Park
- Brilliant access to public transport
Facilities:
- Twin bedded bunk rooms; Shared facilities
- Large health facility including two indoor pools
- 24 hour security & free Wi-Fi in lobby
The New Yorker Wyndham Hotel
Why groups like it:
- Large iconic Art Deco style building
- Great location in Midtown West
- Just a few minutes from Penn Station and Madison Square Garden
Facilities
- All rooms with private facilities
- TV, hairdryer and flat-screen TV
- Breakfast and dinner can be arranged at a diner next door (on request)
Itinerary suggestion
1 Flight to New York. Flight time approximately 7 hours
2 Airport transfer to your accommodation
3 Arrive at accommodation. Evening meal (own arrangements)
1 Breakfast (own arrangements)
2 Frick Collection
3 Museum of Modern Art and Top of the Rock
4 Evening meal (own arrangements) and Broadway Show
1 Breakfast (own arrangements)
2 Metropolitan Museum of Art, Central Park
3 Guggenheim
4 Evening meal (own arrangements) before visiting the Empire State Building
1 Breakfast (own arrangements)
2 Depart by coach to Philadelphia (approximately 3 hours)
3 Reading Terminal Market. Walking tour of Independence National Historic Park, Independence Hall and Liberty Bell Center
4 Evening meal (own arrangements)
1 Breakfast (own arrangements)
2 Philadelphia Museum of Art
3 Rodin Museum
4 Evening meal (own arrangements)
1 Breakfast (own arrangements)
2 Barnes Foundation. Academy of Fine Art
3 Airport transfer
4 Overnight flight to the UK, flight time approximately 8 hours
1 Arrive in the UK
Learning outcomes
Subject focus
Students can:
- Explore a variety of art at some of the world’s most important art museums
- Learn how New York City has provided the inspiration to artists of the 20th-century
- Gather inspiration to generate their own artwork
- Compare and contrast examples from fine art to contemporary
Student outcomes
Students will have had an opportunity to:
- See first-hand an unparalleled selection of works
- Expand their knowledge of various techniques by artists
- Gain an understanding of message and motivations behind artwork
- Encounter a range of influences to inform their own creatives
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Very good service and personalisation of our trip
Kelvinside Academy
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