The Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show was founded in 1977 and was the first retail craft show established and organized by a volunteer committee for the benefit of a non-profit institution. This trailblazing Show has served as a prototype for successful subsequent shows in cities such as Washington, D.C., and Evanston, Ill among others. The Show is presented each November by the Museum's Women's Committee and the Craft Show Committee for the benefit of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. A portion of each year's proceeds is dedicated to the purchase of a craft object for the Museum's permanent collection. Funds raised are also used to underwrite education and publication projects within the Museum special exhibits. Proceeds have enabled the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment for the Audio-Visual and Conservation departments and monies have been contributed to the renovation of both Museum infrastructure and galleries as well as external installations such as the Rodin Museum and Mount Pleasant, an 18th century house in nearby Fairmount Park.

In 43 years the Show has grown from 125 to 195 of the finest craft artists in the nation selected through a highly competitive jury process. This dynamic and premier Show has always been in the forefront of craft education by presenting symposia, on-site artist demonstrations, collection and studio tours, room settings of craft furniture and accessories, and student exhibitions. In 2001 a guest artist program was added whereby artists from a single country are selected to participate. Countries that have participated thus far include Japan, England, Ireland, Germany, Finland, Canada, Israel, Korea, Scotland and Lithuania.