Philadelphia’s art museum will revert to its original name, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, while keeping the griffin logo and brand identity launched in October 2025.
These updates follow recommendations from an interdisciplinary task force of trustees and staff, who reviewed the rebrand process and rollout, and conducted surveys among staff, trustees, members, and the local community.
The museum’s board of trustees unanimously approved this decision during a special meeting.
“An essential part of brand stewardship is innovating, and also listening,” says Daniel Weiss, George D. Widener Director and CEO of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
“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.”
New leadership
The brand updates will be rolled out gradually over the next few weeks. The new griffin logo will feature the Philadelphia Museum of Art name, which will also appear on the updated wordmark.
The museum’s website URL, email addresses, and social media channels will revert to “philamuseum.” The use of the PhAM acronym will be discontinued.
Survey findings reflected a strong preference among staff and trustees to return to the prior name, and equally strong views from the public perceiving the griffin logo as a bold symbol that encourages engagement with the museum.
“The board of trustees fully supports these updates and voted unanimously to embrace the task force’s recommendations,” says Ellen Caplan, chair of the museum’s board.
“Dan and the entire team have quickly and importantly found a way to embrace the heritage of the museum, and provide a platform to widen our audience.”
Weiss took over following the dismissal in November 2025 of the former director and CEO, Sasha Suda.
