Philadelphia Museum of Art Drops Philadelphia Art Museum Rebrand
35Feb. 6, 2026
Four months after announcing its rebranding as thePhiladelphia Art Museum, thePhiladelphia Museum of Artis reverting to its old name, effective immediately. The institution will retain the griffin logo and brand identity that accompanied the October renaming. The museum in a press release said that its board had voted unanimously to drop the new moniker after a research task force comprising staff and trustees recommended that they do so. Among those the committee members spoke with were staff, trustees, museum members, and locals.
“An essential part of brand stewardship is innovating and also listening,” said Daniel Weiss, PMA’s director and CEO, in a statement. “The new logo, with the griffin, is a bold, yet historical approach that we are heartened to see is being embraced by the public. Returning to the name that is beloved by staff, trustees, and members is an important gesture. We now have a system that our entire community can rally around—so we can dedicate ourselves to the important opportunities of our mission.”
Rolled out this past October under the directorship of Sasha Suda, the rebrand was controversial from the start. Intended to be abbreviated to the inclusive and welcoming “PhAM,” the name was frequently shortened to “PhARt” by its detractors. Some trustees claimed they had not officially approved the rebrand before its introduction. Suda was fired shortly after the rollout and subsequently sued the institution, alleging that her dismissal was “without a valid basis.” The museum countersued, claiming that she had misappropriated funds. Though Suda had pushed for a jury trial, the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas last week ordered that the conflict between the PMA and its ousted director be settled via arbitration.