Philadelphia Art Museum Launches Two-Hour 'Queer(ing) Art' Audio Tour

Philadelphia, PA – The Philadelphia Art Museum (PMA) has introduced a new, two-hour "Queer(ing) Art" audio tour, offering visitors a focused exploration of LGBTQIA+ identity and themes within its extensive collection. This new offering comes as some patrons, such as social media user "Purple Cabbage," have noted a perceived reduction in the scope of the museum's general audio tour, describing it as "nerfed" and stating that a "comprehensive tour is now gone."

The "Queer(ing) Art" audio tour provides unique perspectives from museum staff, who share their personal reflections and connections to artworks by queer artists, those featuring queer subject matter, or pieces holding particular relevance for LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities. Developed in conjunction with the PMA’s Queer Representation in Art Learning Community, this self-guided tour is available free of charge, enhancing the museum's commitment to inclusivity. It has been prominently featured as part of the museum's Pride Month celebrations.

While specific details regarding the alleged discontinuation of a "comprehensive" audio tour remain unclear from official sources, the museum's current visitor guide highlights a "self-guided audio tour through your mobile phone" that focuses on "greatest hits." This suggests a potential shift towards more curated or thematic audio experiences. The museum also offers audio tours for special exhibitions, such as "The Time Is Always Now: Artists Reframe the Black Figure," which runs through early 2025.

The introduction of the "Queer(ing) Art" tour underscores the PMA's ongoing efforts to diversify its interpretive content and engage with various communities. This initiative aligns with broader trends in cultural institutions to provide accessible, in-depth narratives that reflect diverse identities and experiences within their collections. The museum continues to encourage visitors to explore its offerings through mobile-friendly digital guides.