The Demuth Museum in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, focuses on Charles Demuth, a Lancaster-born American Modern artist, and his family. At its King Street location, the museum occupies Demuth’s historic home and studio; a second location on Lime Street presents exhibitions.
- King Street: 120 East King Street, Lancaster, PA 17602.
- Lime Street: 135 North Lime Street, Lancaster, PA 17602.
- Typical visit at King Street: 30–45 minutes, including the museum, special exhibitions and Demuth Garden.
- Admission: By donation; the suggested donation is $10 per person.
The museum and Charles Demuth
The King Street museum brings Charles Demuth’s life and work into the historic home and studio where he lived and worked. Demuth (1883–1935) was a Lancaster native, and the museum’s focus includes both the artist and his family.
The museum’s two locations are Demuth on King and Demuth on Lime. The King Street site is set in the historic home; Lime Street provides a separate exhibition space. If you’re planning to visit both, check the Lime Street exhibition calendar before setting out, since that location closes to the public between exhibitions.
What to see in the collection
The permanent collection contains more than 55 works, with 8–12 displayed at a time. Works on paper rotate to help protect them from fading and deterioration, so the selection on view can change.
At Demuth on King, allow 30–45 minutes for the museum, special exhibitions and Demuth Garden. The collection is presented alongside the historic setting of the artist’s home and studio, making the visit a focused stop for learning about Charles Demuth and his connection to Lancaster.
What are the Demuth Museum hours and admission?
Demuth on King is open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.; it is closed Monday and Wednesday. On First Fridays, the hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is by donation, with a suggested donation of $10 per person.
The museum also closes on New Year’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. Hours and closures can change, so check the official site before you go.
Demuth on Lime has an average visit of about 30 minutes, but it closes to the public between exhibitions. Check its exhibition calendar when planning a visit to that location.
How do you plan a visit to the Demuth Museum?
For a King Street visit, use the address at 120 East King Street. Metered parking is available throughout downtown Lancaster, and the museum identifies three nearby garages: East King Street Garage at 150 East King Street, Duke Street Garage at 150 North Duke Street, and Prince Street Garage at 111 North Prince Street.
Consider access needs before choosing a location. The King Street entrance has two steps, and the building has no elevator; its first-floor restroom is not currently wheelchair accessible.
The second floor is reached by the original staircase or, on request, an alternative staircase with wider steps and no turn. The museum offers English and Spanish captions for its Charles Demuth film and a large-print transcript.
At Lime Street, the accessible entrance is at the rear portico facing Musser Park, with ramps from the park and to the back entrance. The first-floor galleries and restroom are wheelchair accessible, though the building has no elevator. The Marion Street parking lot serving this location includes one accessible parking space.
For a broader city itinerary, the Lancaster city-centre guide covers planning a visit around downtown.
The museum follows ADA service-animal guidelines and recognizes qualifying individually trained dogs or small horses as service animals.
Classic Inn is a two-star motel; you can see its guest rooms when arranging lodging.
FAQs
How long should you allow for Demuth on King?
The museum estimates an average visit of 30–45 minutes, including the museum, special exhibitions and Demuth Garden.
Is admission to the Demuth Museum free?
Admission is by donation. The suggested donation is $10 per person.
Are both Demuth Museum locations open to the public?
Demuth on King has regular visiting hours. Demuth on Lime closes to the public between exhibitions, so check its exhibition calendar before visiting.
Is the Demuth Museum accessible by wheelchair?
Access differs by location. Lime Street has an accessible rear entrance and wheelchair-accessible first-floor galleries and restroom; King Street has entrance steps and no elevator.