Philadelphia, January 27, 2026 – The Philadelphia Art Museum will introduce Pay What You Wish Friday Nights for the final three Fridays of its Dreamworld: Surrealism at 100 exhibition. Admission on January 30, February 6, and February 13 will include full access to the exhibition at no additional charge after 5:00 p.m., marking the first time that a major special exhibition is part of the art museum’s Pay What You Wish offering.
Dreamworld has received critical praise from multiple outlets including The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. Philadelphia is the exclusive U.S. venue and the final stop on the exhibition’s international tour. During these Pay What You Wish Friday Nights, visitors can also enjoy the art museum’s signature Friday Nights experience, featuring a special surreal cocktail, light bites, and live music from resident DJ, yōsukeDj. Capacity is limited and last entry is at 8:15 p.m.; visitors should plan to arrive early to make the most of their experience.
“We are thrilled to have brought Dreamworld to Philadelphia – and that many thousands of visitors have already enjoyed this important celebration of Surrealism,” said Daniel Weiss, the George D. Widener Director and CEO of the Philadelphia Art Museum, “Providing even more access to this exhibition in its final weeks is precisely in the spirit of our museum’s mission.”
Curated by Matthew Affron, the Muriel and Philip Berman Curator of Modern Art, Dreamworld traces the evolution and influence of Surrealism across six thematic sections. The Philadelphia Art Museum’s presentation includes a unique exploration of the artists who fled Europe during World War II and developed new creative practices in Mexico and the United States. The show highlights artists who expanded the visual imagination through experimentation, global dialogue, and bold new forms of expression.
With the galleries open late, guests can unwind from the week, explore highlight artworks, and discover new favorites. On February 6, the Philadelphia Ballet will perform Connection, a sculptural and hypnotic pas de trois choreographed by Juliano Nunes in 2020 that explores what it means to be connected. The final Pay What You Wish Friday Nights will land on February 13, the same evening as the art museum’s Black History Month celebration. Visitors can enjoy a special live performance by Indigo Ensemble, a pop-up studio session with Oluwafemi, communal art-making inspired by Julie Mehretu’s prints in Gallery 251, and the opportunity to learn more about local organizations and art institutions around Philadelphia.
After February 13, the art museum will continue to offer its regular half-off discounted rates on Friday evenings at $15 for general admission. Admission for the first Sunday of every month is always Pay What You Wish.
The Philadelphia Art Museum has a world-class collection for visitors from around the world to see. Accessibility is and will remain a priority. To ensure that everyone is welcome, the art museum offers various discounts for seniors, students, and youth. Children, 18 and under, are always free.
‘;