ABOUT
Pentimenti opened in Old City, at the center of Philadelphia’s vibrant art and design district. In 2004, the gallery relocated just a block away to a space rich in history, having once served as a tavern and later as a foundry. This expansion not only increased the gallery's exhibition space but also enhanced its capacity to host larger exhibitions, reinforcing its role as a key supporter of contemporary art. The gallery’s white cube aesthetic allows viewers to engage with the art as the primary focus.
Pentimenti exhibits contemporary art in a wide array of mediums, by a line of established artists alongside up-and-coming talents. Through curated exhibitions, participation in prominent national and international art fairs, public programs, and outreach initiatives, the gallery cultivates a sense of community. Our program fosters a wide variety of voices, offering a platform for artists whose works challenge conventions and inspire reflection.
Over the years, Pentimenti has received critical acclaim from leading art publications such as Hyperallergic, Artnet, Colossal, Whitehot Magazine, and Artsy. The gallery has successfully placed artworks in private and institutional collections, such as the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) New York, the RISD Museum, the Cleveland Museum of Art, the San Antonio Museum of Art, and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA), among others.
The gallery is a proud member of the New Art Dealers Alliance.
Pentimenti’s mission is to empower and advance the careers of its artists by fostering opportunities, extending their creative reach beyond the gallery walls, and building partnerships with institutions and museums.
PARKING
Metered street parking
Old City Parkominium, 231 N 2nd Street
Old City Parking, 304 Race Street
Committed to expanding and supporting the arts beyond the gallery, Christine Pfister has dedicated her career to the visual arts as an educator, advocate, curator, and gallerist. She has participated in various panels, including a recent one at the Barnes Foundation on "Women Who Run Galleries," where she had previously taught a course on the "Contemporary Art Market." Beyond her work, she is an active community participant, working to connect Philadelphia's art scene with the city's economic sector. She is currently active with the Women’s Committee of PHILADELPHIA250. Pfister holds a business degree from Switzerland and studied at Christie’s Education in New York.
The name PENTIMENTI is the plural of "pentimento," an Italian word derived from pentirsi. In art, it refers to hidden changes made by an artist beneath later layers of paint. Notable artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Pablo Picasso, and Jamini Roy are known to have left pentimenti in their works, offering insight into their evolving thought processes and techniques.
Pentimenti is part of the GCC.
Copyright Pentimenti 2025