Exhibition from September 9, 2016 through January 4, 2017. The Drexel Collection opened in 1891 when the Drexel Institute of Art, Science, and Industry was founded by Anthony J. “A.J” Drexel.  The first president of the institute, James MacAlister, traveled abroad to buy artwork for the collection. He traveled to places such as Greece, India, Pakistan, and Europe where he purchased various items including textiles, metals, ceramics, and glassware.

Throughout the years, the collection has continued to expand thanks to the donations of items from A.J Drexel’s family and friends, as well as alumni of the institute. New spaces, such as the Rincliffe Gallery and the Picture Gallery were built in the 1900s because of the continuous growth of the collection. These spaces offered an area for the collection to be displayed, and they gave students a space where they could experience the culture and the beauty of the artwork which was A.J Drexel’s goal.

This exhibition takes you through the past 125 years of The Drexel Collection. There have been numerous changes in the past three centuries, and there are even more to come.

The exhibition is on display in the Rincliffe Gallery on the third floor of the Main Building at 3141 Chestnut St. from September 9th through January 4th.

The Rincliffe Gallery is open from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Gallery is free and open to the public.