From 1925 until 2011, the gallery building, designed by Paul Cret, served as the home of the Barnes Foundation. In 1996, Venturi, Scott, Brown and Associates completed upgrades and added the gate house. DIGSAU designed the latest renovations to this historic space, fully integrating the Maguire Museum with the University’s campus. The Maguire Museum now features refreshed and modernized interiors, including 15 galleries, teaching and performance space and enhanced accessibility. The latest renovations to this famous structure express a new vision for the space that emphasizes light and volume.

View Maguire Art Museum Map

The Frances M. Maguire Art Museum celebrates the power of art to inspire imagination and curiosity and to cultivate critical thinking and dialogue. Reflecting Saint Joseph’s University’s mission, the museum fosters diversity, inclusivity, and social justice. Through exhibitions, educational programming and direct engagement with the museum’s permanent collections, the museum builds community among university students, employees, alumni and the general public.

Together with her husband James J. Maguire ’58, “Frannie,” as she was known by friends and family, was one of the University’s greatest benefactors. Through their jointly established Maguire Foundation, the couple grants hundreds of scholarships to students at every level from grade school through college, connecting them to a faith-and justice-based education.

Frannie was known for her great talent and passion for the arts. She began her training studying painting and sculpture at the Cheltenham Art Center. She also studied at the prestigious Vermont Studio Center and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA). Saint Joseph’s is the beneficiary of Frannie’s artistic talents: the Chapel of St. Joseph – Michael J. Smith, S.J., Memorial is home to a bust of Fr. Smith, sculpted and donated to the University by Frannie.

Learn More About Frannie M. Maguire

Hours of Operation 

The Maguire Art Museum at Saint Joseph's University is open from Thursday - Saturday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Museum will be closed in July and August 2023 and will reopen with the beginning of the fall semester.

Directions, Parking & Accessibility 

• 50 Lapsley Lane, Merion Station, PA 19066
• Access Lapsley Lane from City Avenue. There is no access to the museum from Latches Lane.
• There is limited parking available in the gated lot at 50 Lapsley Lane. There are three accessible parking spots in this lot.
• The museum is ADA accessible. Bathrooms are located on the lower level and second floor and are accessible via elevator. Six galleries contain seating. Wall texts for the permanent collection are written in English and Spanish. 
• The galleries are identified with three-dimensional number and Braille. 

Admission

Admission is free for all visitors. Suggested donation is $10.

Plan a Visit

To plan a group visit of 7 or more, please email Veronica Farr (vfarr@sju.edu) to streamline your entry to the museum. 

The Maguire Art Museum relies on the generosity of our community of friends and alumni to fulfill our mission of being accessible to all. 

Give

If you would like to make a donation, here are the many ways you can give:

• Giving by Mail: Please make checks payable to: 

Maguire Art Museum at Saint Joseph’s University
Mail to: Maguire Art Museum Director
Saint Joseph’s University
5600 City Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19131

• Giving online, click here

Volunteer

We are looking for museum greeters, gallery attendants, docents, and event and special project assistants. If you are not sure how you can help, we can figure it out together! Kindly complete the Volunteer Application so that we may contact you: https://forms.gle/bHyHE5rAbCdAwy5k6

We invite you to be part of the Maguire Membership family to support museum sustainability and future programming. You will enjoy advanced viewing of new exhibitions, private events, and discounts as a thank you for your ongoing contribution. 

Early Membership Pricing

• Contributor Membership       $50   $40
• SJU Students, Faculty & Staff      Free

NOTE: Membership good until 6/2024

Learn More About Membership Information

Got a question? Contact Frances M. Maguire Art Museum at Saint Joseph's University.

Contact Frances M. Maguire Art Museum