In the four decades since its founding in 1962, by volunteer Ali (Mrs Moreau D.) Brown, the Philadelphia Antiques Show has raised nearly $15 million dollars for the advancement of patient care at the University of Pennsylvania Health System. As one of the premier American antiques and decorative arts shows in the country, it features 56 leading antiques dealers.

Each year the Philadelphia Antiques Show has a special loan exhibit composed of museum quality items culled from private collectors and institutions across the country. The loan exhibit also provides a theme for each show, and a variety of special events are created to reflect and magnify that theme.

A committee of more than 250 volunteers presents this annual event. Each year proceeds are directed to a specific department within the University of Pennsylvania Health System. Recipient departments have included the Division of Neurosurgery; the Multi-Organ Transplant Program; and the Departments of Aging, Oncology, Anesthesia, Radiology and Medicine.