The guilty plea closes a criminal case that has raised questions about internal financial oversight at one of the city's most prominent cultural institutions. Harling, who held a senior leadership role overseeing personnel and diversity initiatives, was accused of using the museum's credit cards for expenses unrelated to her job.

The charge, receiving stolen property, is a misdemeanor under Pennsylvania law. Details of the plea agreement, including any restitution or sentencing terms, were not immediately available.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art, located on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, is one of the nation's largest art museums and a major driver of the city's tourism economy. Its leadership has faced increased scrutiny in recent years over labor disputes, budget pressures, and governance issues.

Harling's role as chief people and diversity officer placed her in charge of workplace culture and equity efforts at the museum, making the criminal case particularly sensitive for an institution that has publicly committed to improving its internal practices.

The museum has not issued a public statement on the plea. It is unclear whether Harling has repaid the funds or whether the museum has changed its credit card policies in response to the incident.

The case was handled in Philadelphia's criminal courts. A sentencing date has not been scheduled.