The Philadelphia Museum Of Art, A Parthenon of Culture.

When you hear the word, Parthenon, most people think of Ancient Greece, but that is not the case in Philadelphia. Residents of Philadelphia think of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, which is the third largest art museum in the United States. The museum resembles three linked Greek temples and first opened in its current location in 1928. It was designed by Julian Abele, which was inspired by the Parthenon in Greece. The museum contains over 250,000 objects located in its 200 galleries.

Mr. Abele, who was the first African-American man educated in architecture at the University of Pennsylvania. He had a profound love of learning. He was much impressed with how the Greek Parthenon represented a love of learning and a respect for God. He reflected these two loves in his design work on the Philadelphia Museum of Art, even though all the credit went to the firm he worked for, Horace Trumbauer Firm.

Today, the museum is featuring a fascinating exhibit of 15 garments made by one of Philadelphia’s best known tailors, Francis Toscani. Clothing reflects the culture of a nation and included among the pieces are a frock coat, morning ensembles and a dinner jacket. Wonder what the ancient Greeks would think of his work, or the museum, for that matter.

The museum is also currently featuring an exhibit on embroidery. Cultures have used different sewing techniques. This exhibit features the sewing of England from 900 to 1200. If you ever wondered what the history of straight, chain and French stitches were, visit this exhibit to find out. Along the way, learn the history of how cotton twill formed the culture of England.

Different cultures have worked together to form the world. The builders of the original Greek Parthenon were filled with awe. The English at 1000 were a decidedly conservative people. Francis Toscani represented a time of luxury. What will tomorrow bring?