A Tour of Lancaster City’s Art Museums and Galleries

a group of people looking at art on display

It’s no secret that downtown Lancaster, PA, is a central hub for art and entertainment. After all, the name of our hotel is the Lancaster Arts Hotel! While we’re one of quite a few places to stay in Lancaster, PA, we proudly boast our role as the only area hotel focused on uplifting the local art community that we all know and love.

So while you’re staying at our hotel, we suggest checking out the Lancaster art scene if you want to see more of what our beautiful city has to offer. Below, we’ve listed some of the city’s most popular galleries and art organizations!

Note: Please be aware that most of these galleries and museums are temporarily closed due to COVID-19. Check each location’s website for specific hours and regulations.

Art & Glassworks

With art and unique glass pieces from over 150 artists, Art & Glassworks in Lancaster is a local favorite. Featuring artwork from around the world and Lancaster-based artists, you’ll find an eclectic collection at this retail gallery. Each piece is handmade, making everything in the store completely one-of-a-kind!

Art & Glassworks features items such as stained glass panels, lamps, sun catchers, pottery, marbles, jewelry, tiles, and much more. You can even shop for pieces online if you can’t make it to the store!

Website: https://www.artandglassworks.com/
Address: 319 N Queen St, Lancaster, PA 17603

Artist Studio and Gallery @ Annex 24

Annex 24 is not your average art gallery—it’s much more! Owned and operated by a local mother and daughter duo, the Annex stages diverse exhibitions each month in its downtown Lancaster location.

With a modern approach to art and creativity, this gallery celebrates artwork in all of its forms. The Annex hosts artists at any level (novice to established) with a wide variety of exhibits. In the past, there have been black light installations, a #BlackGirlMagic exhibit, a 4-day pop-up show for Valentine’s Day, and other intriguing shows that highlight the diversity of the Lancaster art community.

Address: 24 W Walnut St, Lancaster, PA 17603

Demuth Museum

Dedicated to the appreciation and awareness of Lancaster’s visual arts, the Demuth Museum is one of two museums under the Demuth Foundation—the other being the Lancaster Museum of Art.

While each museum is separate and has its own identity, the Demuth Museum focuses on the art and life of Charles Demuth—an American modernist artist who was born and raised in Lancaster County. When you visit the museum, not only do you get to experience art but a piece of history as well!

Website: https://www.demuth.org/exhibitions
Address: 120 East King Street, Lancaster, PA 17602

Lancaster Museum of Art

Founded in 1965, the Lancaster Museum of Art has long been a leading source for culture and arts education in the Lancaster community. The 4,000 square foot museum is home to international and regional artists alike, making it a great stop whenever you’re visiting the city.

The museum is also home to many events such as artist lectures, panel discussions, and educational workshops for both children and adults. You’ll find the Lancaster Museum of Art is home to a diverse community that’s focused on fostering lifelong connections to the continuation of art and education.

Website: https://www.demuth.org/exhibitions-lma
Address: 135 North Lime Street, Lancaster, PA 17602

Pennsylvania College of Art & Design

A college may not be on your radar to visit when you come to a new city, but we highly recommend checking out the Pennsylvania College of Art & Design (or PCAD as the locals call it) when you’re in Lancaster. Their talented students are always working, and you can experience some of the best art the city has to offer in PCAD’s Prince Street gallery.

The main gallery features a balance of work from local, national, and international artists, and the CORE gallery focuses on students’ artwork. Each gallery has various changing exhibitions throughout the school year, so make sure you stop by on your next visit to Lancaster!

Website: https://pcad.edu/exhibitions/
Address: 204 N. Prince Street Lancaster, PA 17603

Phillips Museum of Art

While you’re thinking about art on college campuses, we have another Lancaster museum that’s part of Franklin & Marshall College—the Phillips Museum of Art.

The Phillips Museum has four different galleries containing various artwork styles: The Nissley Gallery contains a diverse collection of permanent pieces from the museum collection. The Dana Gallery features group and solo exhibitions that focus on multimedia and 3D work. The Rothman Gallery focuses on paper, photography, textiles, film, and digital art. And finally, the Gibson Gallery features a classroom setting and rotating exhibitions that highlight work from the college’s art students.

Best of all, this museum is within easy walking distance from the Lancaster Arts Hotel!

Website: https://www.fandm.edu/phillips-museum
Address: 628 College Ave, Lancaster, PA 17603

Looking for Art Closer to Your Hotel?

You’re in luck! When you’re researching places to stay in Lancaster PA, the historic Lancaster Arts Hotel can surround you with beautiful and inspired art right in our building. Our art gallery is located inside the hotel and features pieces from local artists, promoting the rich fabric of the arts in Lancaster County. The main art gallery can even be used for board meetings or cocktail parties! Get in touch with us today to schedule your next stay in the diverse city of Lancaster, PA!