Joseph Widener was an American businessman and philanthropist, known for his significant contributions to the arts and his role in the development of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Born in 1871, he was a prominent figure in the Widener family, which made its fortune in the transportation industry, particularly through the Pennsylvania Railroad. Widener was a passionate collector of art, particularly European paintings and decorative arts. His collection formed the basis of the museum's holdings, and he played a crucial role in expanding its facilities. Widener passed away in 1943, leaving a lasting legacy in the cultural landscape of Philadelphia.