architectural tour of philadelphia

I am now fully vaccinated! While we are still doing in-person tours,  masks optional and socially distancing, we also have Virtual and Self-guided tours to choose from.

  PHILADELPHIA HISTORIC  ARCHITECTURE TOURS

If you only have two to three hours in Philadelphia, spend it getting to know this historic city through an architectural walking tour by phillyPHAT. We take your family and friends through a memorable Philadelphia sightseeing trip and a fun historic and architectural outing. 

We offer organized and thought-provoking Philadelphia walking tours, both public and private. Experience our historic, World Heritage city through the eyes of an architect.

We also offer two GPS based self guided walking tours using the Voicemap app on your phone. These offer a convenient, inexpensive option when we are not available for a tour, or if you prefer doing them on your own. See the Self Guided Tours page .

"Great buildings and monuments give a city the illusion of being static and timeless. But cities are best seen in movement, in the everyday life of their people, and in the sinews and connective tissue that hold the organism together. Walking is what makes a city livable and, above all, pleasurable. That is the way to survive a city, whether you are a resident or a visitor." Ben Wilson in his book Metropolis

Every building in Philadelphia has a story to tell, from the materials, technology, and styles favored when it was constructed, to the people who designed, built, lived and worked there. Events of historic proportion take place in and around buildings as well. Come with me on this journey to discover all the secrets each building on our tour is waiting to tell us.

The Philadelphia Architecture in-person walking tours we offer include:

Discovering Colonial Philadelphia - The Road to Revolution : We will visit a number of notable properties during this walking tour. We will see buildings that go back almost to the founding of the city in 1682, learning about their styles and the historical events that took place at each.

Phillytecture:  Philadelphia Architecture has been around for 330 years. In that time the city has gone from small houses to skyscrapers over 1,000 feet tall. We will visit a number of notable properties during this public walking tour. We will see buildings that go back almost to the founding of the city in 1682, in styles such as Georgian, Federal, and many Revival styles, learning about American history along the way. We will also explore the transformation of Old City and Society Hill into the diverse cultural and architectural neighborhoods they have become in the last 50 years.

Exploring Philadelphia's Guilded Age to Now: This Walking Tour takes you by some of Philadelphia's most prominent buildings. The buildings in this area are mostly from the mid-1800's through the present. Styles range from Beaux Arts to Chicago and International style.

Hamilton - The Tour Where It Happens!: Hamilton spent a good deal of time here in Philadelphia (some even with his short-term mistress Maria Reynolds), and we explore his life and the places here. We will meet a cast of characters along the way, such as George Washington, John Adams, Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison, among others.

**Spirits of Our Founding Fathers: On this walking tour, not only will we be visiting important sites in the Colonial Philadelphia area, we will also make two stops to do some tastings. The tour concludes with an optional third tasting as well.

**(Unfortunately due to venues closing, this tour is temporarily unavailable)

Discover Our Philadelphia Tours

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“This tour was so amazing. I had a great time exploring Colonial Philadelphia with my significant other who just moved out here but has never been to the historical sites. Reid’s storytelling and knowledge of history was really one to remember. We were thinking about going to a museum but it doesn’t compare. Reid makes this tour not only interesting but also interactive. We were all so engaged. Don’t miss out on an amazing tour!!!”

Kassandra V.

+1 610-996-9666

[email protected], contact info, philadelphia, pa 19106 usa, useful links.

City Hall Tower Tour

See the city from William Penn's point of view! The City Hall Tower Tour offers a panoramic view of Philadelphia's landscape from 548 feet above ground. Ascend to the top of the historic building via elevator to enjoy a spectacular view of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and city skyline from the city’s highest open-air observation deck.

Tours depart from the City Hall Visitor Center.  

1 Penn Square Philadelphia , PA 19107 United States

Directions...

City Hall Visitor Center

City Hall Interior & Exterior Tour with Tower Tour

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Philly’s most iconic buildings, mapped

From the Philadelphia Museum of Art to Independence Hall, these buildings are the heart and soul of this city

For whatever reason, Philly doesn’t often count among the list of cities with great architecture. Sure, New York is, well, New York, and Chicago is the city of skyscrapers . But what Philly has over most cities is age and wisdom, and buildings steeped in rich history.

That’s why we’d argue that Philly has some of the most iconic buildings in the U.S., from Independence Hall (It was the birthplace of America, after all) to the always dazzling Philadelphia Museum of Art.

It’s not just old buildings that are worthy of the “iconic” status—there are newbies like the Comcast Technology Center (the first and second towers) and the Barnes that can’t be ignored. The following 24 (we just couldn’t keep it under 20) buildings, listed from west to east, have all left unmatched marks on Philly and are must-know works of architecture.

Plus, this is a great chance to take your relatives for a building tour around the city this holiday season and show them what Philly has to offer.

We know this is not a complete list, so if you have another favorite Philly building that you consider iconic, please share in the comments!

Vanna Venturi House

The iconic Vanna Venturi house in Chestnut Hill was designed by Philly starchitect Robert Venturi for his mother and built in 1964. It’s often considered the first post-modern home in the country and has been named one of the 10 Homes that Changed America. It has oddly fascinating features like a pitched roof, random curves, and a staircase that leads to nowhere. Today, it has a new owner and is listed on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places .

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Margaret Esherick House

Of all of Louis Kahn’s few and far between residential designs , the Margaret Esherick House in Chestnut Hill is perhaps his most iconic. Kahn designed the one-bedroom home for Esherick in 1959. It’s a 2,500-square-foot concrete-and-stucco rectangle, with a flat roof and a wall of windows in the two-story living room. Today, it is home to new stewards who restored the modern home from top to bottom .

Fisher Fine Arts Library

The Fisher Fine Arts Library stands out on Penn’s campus, thanks to its  fiery red brick facade and its jaw-dropping interiors. Designed by Frank Furness between 1888 and 1890, the library’s soaring reading room made a prominent cameo in the Tom Hanks movie Philadelphia. It’s been praised by modern architects like Robert Venturi, as well as Louis Kahn, who chose to teach his studios at PennDesign here instead of in the design school next door.

Boathouse Row

We know: Boathouse Row actually consists of 12 buildings, not one. But for the purposes of this list, we’re grouping them all into one. After all, Boathouse Row is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city. The boathouses date back to the 19th century and were designed by architects like Frank Furness and the Wilson Brothers. They range in styles from Victorian Gothic to Mediterranean to Colonial Revival and they all continue to be used by rowing clubs to this day. Fun Fact: The Sedgeley Club boasts the only lighthouse in the city.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta (@dadvailregatta) on Nov 5, 2018 at 7:45am PST

30th Street Station

The 30th Street Station we know today is considered one of the last-remaining  grand train stations in the U.S.  Built between 1929 and 1933, it was designed by Graham, Anderson, Probst and White with a neoclassical exterior and  Art Deco details within . The main concourse stretches the length of two football fields and its 95-foot tall ceilings are no doubt the most striking features of the train station. Despite its iconic look, the structure is being renovated and should see some contemporary updates soon.

Cira Centre

The 29-story Cira Centre earns a spot on this list because it was the first new building to pierce to sky west of the Schuylkill River in 2005. Designed by Pelli Clarke Pelli, the glassy, diamond-like structure has four sides at its base and six at the top. While no longer the tallest building in University City (that honor goes to its neighboring FMC Tower ), it’s fare to say that the Cira Centre kicked off the development boom of the neighborhood and its ever-changing skyline.

Philadelphia Museum of Art

In 1893, the city decided that it was time to build a new art museum. It chose to build the Philadelphia Museum of Art on the hilltop of Fair Mount, and tasked prominent architect Horace Trumbauer to design it. Much of the design, however, can be owed to Trumbauer’s partner Julian Abele , the first African-American graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s architecture program. Built in 1928, it is a monumental work of architecture, made even more famous in modern times for its prominent role in the Rocky movies. The museum is currently undergoing a $196 million renovation led by Frank Gehry

Barnes Foundation

When plans were announced to move the immense and quirky art collection of Albert C. Barnes from his home in the ‘burbs to a new museum on the Ben Franklin Parkway, many were skeptical if not aghast. But  Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects’  Barnes Foundation proved them wrong. Built for $150 million in 2012, the museum has already won a slew of accolades, including a  2013 AIA Institute Honor Award . It was also named one of the most iconic works of architecture by Architectural Record , along with the Vanna Venturi house and the PSFS Building.

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Eastern State Penitentiary

This colossal Gothic Revival prison in Fairmount is steeped in history, and when it opened in 1829 it became one of the most famous and expensive prisons in the world and the first penitentiary in the country. Designed by architect John Haviland, Eastern State Penitentiary was groundbreaking in that it was the first prison designed to make prisoners feel true regret and penitence for their crimes. The penitentiary sat on 11 acres of farmland called Cherry Hill. Today, the historic landmark is open for daily tours year-round and nightly tours during the Halloween season.

Comcast Innovation and Technology Center

The glossy new Comcast Technology Center just opened this year, with designs meant to complement its neighbor, the original Comcast Center. Whereas the OG center saw a super industrial, contemporary design, this one brings a little more nature and creativity to its spot. The first floor lobby is covered in wood, with live trees growing in the middle. Plants decorate the walls of a cafeteria upstairs, and colorful murals run throughout the upper floors. Plus, it’s all topped off with a Four Seasons hotel—and stunning, 360-degree views—at the very top.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nico Giampietro (@nicogiam) on Nov 9, 2018 at 9:39am PST

Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul

The Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul at Logan Square holds the title of being the largest brownstone structure in the entire city, as well as the oldest building on the Parkway (It was one of the few buildings that weren’t demolished to make way for the Parkway .) Open since 1894, the basilica was designed by local architect Napoleon LeBrun, who was only 25 at the time. The interiors, considered some of the most beautiful in the city, feature murals, mosaics, and stained glass windows by Constantino Brumidi.

Comcast Center

Designed by Robert A.M. Stern, this 57-story tower became Philly’s tallest building —and tallest LEED-certified building—when it opened its doors in 2008. It’s an impressive work of architecture, and the 83-foot-tall LED screen in the lobby is a building highlight. It remains the glassy headquarters of Comcast, and recently saw a new, equally glassy (and iconic) neighbor— Comcast’s second headquarters just opened next door.

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One Liberty Place

One Liberty Place will go down in history as the first building to dethrone Philadelphia’s City Hall as the tallest edifice in Philadelphia. When it was built in 1987, One Liberty Place became the first skyscraper to break the so-called gentleman’s agreement that no building should ever surpass the height of the William Penn statue atop City Hall. The 61-story tower was designed by Helmut Jahn and has been compared to the Chrysler building in New York City.

Kimmel Center

Designed by Rafael Viñoly Architects, the Kimmel Center for the performing arts was built in 2001 at the height of the city’s plan to create a performing arts district along South Broad Street. The showstopper on Broad wows with its barrel-vaulted glass roof, which features a an expansive terrace beneath. Though it has not gone without its critiques , the Kimmel Center remains one of the standout buildings along the Avenue of the Arts.

The Bellevue-Stratford Hotel

Today, it’s simply referred to as the Bellevue, but when it opened as a hotel in 1904, it soon earned the nickname “The Grand Dame” of Broad Street. The Bellevue-Stratford Hotel was designed by G.W. and W.D. Hewitt, with an ornate French Renaissance facade, a slate mansard roof, and 1,090 guest rooms. It even debuted with light fixtures designed by Thomas Edison. The hotel has hosted more than a dozen presidents and dignitaries—it even managed to survive a 1977 outbreak of Legionnaires disease. Today, it is home to a Hyatt Hotel , offices, and retail.

A post shared by Hyatt at The Bellevue (@hyattbellevuephilly) on Dec 31, 2016 at 7:23pm PST

Philadelphia City Hall

With 14.5 acres of floor space and more than 700 rooms, Philadelphia City Hall is the largest city building in the country. It’s no wonder it took 30 years of construction to build the Second Empire building, which was designed by John McArthur, Jr. and Thomas Utsick Walter. When it finally opened in 1901, it was the tallest building in the world. Today, it still holds the title of having the world’s tallest sculpture on top of a building—the 33-foot-tall William Penn statue by Alexander Calder that gets a bath every 10 years or so. Head here for a video tour of the masterpiece, and make sure to check out the yearly holiday light show that’s projected against its facade.

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Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

Designed in 1871 and built five years later, the Historic Landmark Building at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is considered by some as the first modern building in America. Designed by Frank Furness and George Hewitt (they parted ways a year before the building opened in 1876), it resembles a jewel box both inside and out and is a lesson in functionality, heavily influenced by the industrial boom that Philadelphia was relishing in at the time.

The Parker-Spruce hotel

The former Parker-Spruce hotel certainly has a sordid past. The building has been around for 100 years, and was a popular spot for boxers and jazz musicians to stay during the early 1900’s. It’s also seen some not-so-great guests, and a whole ton of lore. Nevertheless, the building is an iconic piece of Philadelphia’s history and the history of the Gayborhood where it stands. Recently, it’s changed hands and undergone a massive renovation , as the new owners hope to breathe new life into the towering structure.

PSFS Building

Today, the 33-story tower at 1200 Market is a Loews Hotel. But when it opened its doors in 1932, it was heralded as the country’s first International-style skyscraper and home to PSFS. Architects George Howell and William Lescaze were encouraged by PSFS bank president James M. Willcox design something "ultra-practical" and modern. Indeed, it was the second building in the country to have central air-conditioning. Although it now serves as a hotel, much of the original, high-end finishes and details remain, including custom Cartier clocks in the lobby and above the elevators. Its PSFS signs atop the building remain just as iconic as ever.

View this post on Instagram Arguably the first International Style skyscraper in the United States- Howe and Lescaze's PSFS Building in Philadelphia (1932). It's a real beauty and you can find out more on claass HAUS today. #philly #internationalstyle #usa A post shared by claass HAUS (@claasshaus) on Jul 28, 2017 at 8:12am PDT

Divine Lorraine Hotel

Designed by architect Willis G. Hale and built in 1894, this Romanesque beauty opened its doors on North Broad as the luxurious Lorraine Apartments, serving the nouveau rich of the industrial boom. It was also one of the first examples of fireproof steel-frame construction.

It later served as the Divine Lorraine , the first racially-integrated hotel for people of all races and classes in the country under the eye of Father Divine. Over its long history, it has been dubbed an icon as well as a beacon of blight. Today, it has been restored into its original purpose, a luxury apartment building. It’s also seeing nearby growth.

Independence Hall

No list of iconic Philadelphia buildings would be complete without Independence Hall, the very place where our country was founded in 1776. Master builder Edmund Woolley is considered responsible for the design of Independence Hall, which is a great example of Georgian architecture, while Andrew Hamilton oversaw the construction, which ran from 1732 to 1748. Fun fact: The original designs did not include a steeple—this was added in 1750. Independence Hall (known then as the State House) served as the country’s capitol for 10 years before it moved to Washington.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Amanda Balke-Schiermeier (@abalke) on Nov 9, 2018 at 7:33am PST

The Bourse Building

What would this list be without The Bourse, a stunning—and historic—stone structure right in the heart of Old City? Built in the late 1800s, The Bourse was originally a commodities exchange, but has since changed hands several times. In the 1980’s it got a food court (and very ‘80s) interior makeover, and became a hotspot for tourists stopping in for a bite while traversing the historic neighborhood. But recently, it’s seen another change —one that aims to restore it to the historic beauty it once had, with bright white walls and contemporary food stands, the new building tries to draw in tourists and locals alike.

Society Hill Towers

This trio of 31-story residential towers was part of an urban renewal effort led by city planner Edmund Bacon in the early 1960s. I.M. Pei won the competition, designing these identical apartment buildings along with low-rise townhouses nearby. The towers were notable not just for their sheer size amid a neighborhood of 18th- and 19th-century rowhomes, but also their floor-to-ceiling windows and poured-in concrete facades.

Christ Church

Christ Church in Old City is one of the oldest churches and buildings in Philly . Frequented by the likes of Ben Franklin, Betsy Ross, and other key players in this country’s founding, the Georgian-style church was modeled after the work of an English architect by the name of Sir Christopher Wren. Construction and designs are attributed to John Kearsley. But the most prominent feature of Christ Church, its 196-foot-tall wooden steeple, was not added to the edifice until 1751-54. From that point on, Christ Church would remain the city’s tallest building for the next 100 years.

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Extant Magazine

Published three times a year in collaboration with Hidden City Philadelphia, Extant magazine is distributed free to members and supporters.

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• Places to Save: RCA Building No. 8; Benjamin Cooper House, Camden; Philadelphia History Museum; Simpson’s Apothecary
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• Unlisted Philadelphia: Marine Barracks
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Walking Architectural Tour | Philadelphia Walking Tour

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Walking Tours in Philadelphia

An architectural feast for the eyes.

North Broad Street offers a unique collection of grand buildings . A stretch of two blocks from the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts to City Hall is open book of 19th and 20th century architecture , style and engineering often unnoticed and overlooked by commuters. Bring your cameras!

Enjoy a private tour with an expert guide highlighting some impressive architectural wonders

• Second Empire: City Hall
• High Victorian Gothic: Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts
• Commercial Style: Liberty Title Bldg . Aloft Hotel/ One City Apartments
• Norman/ Romanesque Revival : Masonic Temple
• Brutalism: Municipal Services Building

You will appreciate a different perspective of the sculptures on the piazza:

• Your Move (1996)
• Government of the People (1976)

Private guide – 2.0 hrs – Minimum guests 12

Contact Us To Book Your Tour

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The Athenaeum of Philadelphia’s National Historic Landmark Building is open for tours to individuals and groups. Learn about the early days of our building, view our beautiful Reading Rooms, and browse our unique collections. Prospective and new members can learn about the Athenaeum’s Circulating Collection, workspaces, and other member benefits. School groups are encouraged to use the Athenaeum as a tool to learn about libraries, archives, architecture and more! Scheduled tours are not required to visit the building or gallery. If you’re looking for an in-depth tour about our history and collections, please see the options below.

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15 Places Architects Must Visit in Philadelphia

Right from the 17 th century, when the first settlers arrived in Philadelphia, the city has seen diversity in its architecture . With no particular style overpowering any other, 18 th century saw a trend in brick and 19 th century saw growth in Victorian architecture because of architects like Frank Furness. The architecture is a mix of historic and modern styles with many iconic structures dotting the city and here are a few, every architect must visit when in Philly.

1. Philadelphia Museum of Art

With its famous steps, Louvre-inspired architecture, and prime spot right at the end of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the most well-known and well-loved buildings in Philadelphia .

Comprised of three buildings —the Rodin Museum, which sits on a different part of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and the Perelman Building , which is just north of the main building, and the central museum itself—it holds over 240,000 artefacts, objects, and works of art, including everything from sculpture and paintings to armour, decorative arts, and entire rooms meant to evoke other times, civilizations, and parts of the world.With its large space and high visitor count, the museum is among the largest and most visited museums on Earth. This museum may house some of the world’s greatest works of art, but the building is its own work of art. It is home to over 200 galleries that span 2,000 years, although, in accordance with the Uni

versity of Pennsylvania and their collection of museums, they do not have any Egyptian, Roman, or Pre-Columbian artefacts. Aside from being home to many works by artists such as Rodin, Picasso, Dalí, Duchamp, and Brancusi, it also has several features unique to a museum of its stature, including its massive armoury featuring suits of armour from throughout the medieval period. Its rarest and most notable feature is the several architectural marvels located throughout the Asian wing, including a full Japanese teahouse and garden, a Chinese palace hall, and a 16th-century Indian temple.

2. Wanamaker Building

Inspired by two great central markets, London’s Royal Exchange and Paris’ Les Halles, John Wanamaker decided it was time to bring what would become one of the first department stores to America. He envisioned a grand shopping hall which would sell his already established menswear and would expand to sell woman’s clothing and dry goods.

Opened in 1877, the store was the first to use electrical lighting (in 1878) and the first to use a pneumatic tube system for transporting cash and documents (in 1880). By 1910, Wanamaker had begun updating his store, slowly phasing out the old Moorish facade that followed the Grand Depot styles of London and Paris, in favour of the lavish, Florentine style it still has today. The new building featured the incredible Wanamaker Organ, formerly the St. Louis World’s Fair pipe organ. Despite the organ’s imposing size, it was decided that it was not large enough to fill the Grand Court with its music, and was expanded by Wanamaker’s own staff of organ builders. After a period of a few years, the organ had become the largest in the world.

3 . Kimmel Centre for the Performing Arts

The brightest light on the Avenue of the Arts is the  Kimmel Centre for the Performing Arts , a dazzling regional performing arts centre whose discreet brick exterior rises to a bold 150-foot glass vaulted rooftop for startling views of the city.

The spacious and acoustically vaunted facility is rarely dark and on any given weekend might presents a jazz quartet, French circus, The Philadelphia Orchestra and pops or family events. The 21st century centre’s main stages are the elegant Verizon Hall, whose red mahogany 2,500-seat interior is shaped like a cello and features adjustable acoustical panels, and the 650-seat Perelman Theatre, with an unusual rotating stage and equipment that enables chamber music, dance and drama.

4 . Comcast Centre

Comcast Centre, also known as the Comcast Tower, is a skyscraper in Centre City, Philadelphia , Pennsylvania. The 58-story, 297-meter (974 ft) tower is the second-tallest building in Philadelphia and the state of Pennsylvania. First announced in 2001, the Comcast Centre went through two redesigns before construction began in 2005. Comcast Centre was designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects for Liberty Property Trust.   Designed to be environmentally friendly, the skyscraper is the tallest Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified building in Philadelphia. Relatively new to Centre City, the imposing glass Comcast Centre looms over Market Street, and with its enormous light displays throughout the year, inventive art and statues, and enormous glass facade, it’ll certainly catch your eye. Comcast’s presence in  Philadelphia  has been growing steadily for years, but this is its flagship tower, with several more to follow in the coming years. Be sure to stop by the upscale food court for everything from sushi to artisanal cheese and charcuterie.

5. Independence Hall

The first capital of the United States and the place where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed, Independence Hall is a must visit stop on a tour of Philadelphia. Visitors can acquire free tickets at the visitor centre, head over to check out the Liberty Bell, and finish up right in time for their scheduled tour of the iconic building. The tour goes through the east wing, where visitors get the chance to see the historic rooms and learn more about the history of nation from experienced guides. Independence Hall touts a red brick facade, designed in Georgian style. It consists of a central building with bell tower and steeple, attached to two smaller wings via arcaded hyphens. The highest point to the tip of the steeple spire is 168 ft, 7​ 1 ⁄ 4  inches above the ground.

6 . 30 th Street Station

One of Philadelphia ’s major train stations also happens to be one of its most beautiful buildings. 30th Street Station was built in the early 20th century and is a main hub for SEPTA, Philadelphia’s local transit system, as well as Amtrak, serving as part of both the Northeast and Keystone corridors. As Amtrak’s third busiest station, the building is also on the register of National Historic Places, and was originally built by the now-defunct Pennsylvania Railroad. If you’re travelling in or out of Philadelphia by train, be sure to stop in, visit the bustling food court, and marvel at the building’s stunning columns, high ceilings, and majestic exterior. Chances are you are one of those million-plus passengers who have passed through here, whether it was on your way to New York’s Penn Stationor to hop onto the SEPTA Regional Rail. Either way, happening upon the station’s grand concourse, with its five-story-high windows and Art Deco chandeliers, is no doubt a highlight of many travellers’ experience.

7. Vanna Venturi House

The iconic Vanna Venturi house in Chestnut Hill was designed by Philly starchitect Robert Venturi for his mother and built in 1964. It’s often considered the first post-modern home in the country and has been named one of the 10 Homes that Changed America. Many of the basic elements of the house are a reaction against standard Modernist architectural elements: the pitched roof rather than flat roof, the emphasis on the central hearth and chimney, a closed ground floor “set firmly on the ground” rather than the Modernist columns and glass walls which open up the ground floor. On the front elevation the broken pediment or gable and a purely ornamental appliqué arch reflect a return to Mannerist architecture and a rejection of Modernism. Thus the house is a direct break from Modern architecture, designed in order to disrupt and contradict formal Modernist aesthetics. The house was constructed with intentional formal architectural, historical and aesthetic contradictions. Venturi has compared the iconic front facade to “a child’s drawing of a house.” Yet he has also written, “This building recognizes complexities and contradictions: it is both complex and simple, open and closed, big and little; some of its elements are good on one level and bad on another its order accommodates the generic elements and of the house in general, and the circumstantial elements of a house in particular.”

8. The Fisher Fine Arts Library

The library’s plan is exceptionally innovative: circulation to the building’s five stories is through the tower’s staircase, separated from the reading rooms and stacks.

The Main Reading Room is a soaring four-story brick-and-terra-cotta-enclosed space, divided by an arcade from the two-story Rotunda Reading Room. The latter has a basilica plan – with seminar rooms grouped around an apse (like side-chapels) – the entire space lit by clerestory windows. Above the Rotunda Reading Room is a two-story lecture hall, now an architecture studio. The Main Reading Room, with its enormous skylight and wall of south-facing windows, acts as a light well, illuminating the surrounding inner rooms through leaded glass windows. The three-story fireproof stacks are housed in a modular iron wing, with a glass roof and glass-block floors to help light the lower levels. It was designed to initially hold 100,000 books – but also to be continuously expandable, one bay at a time, with a movable south wall. Furness’s perspective drawing highlighted this growth potential by showing nine-bay stacks, although the initial three-bay stacks were never expanded.

9. Boathouse Row

Boathouse Row actually consists of 12 buildings, not one. Boathouse Row is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city. The boathouses date back to the 19th century and were designed by architects like Frank Furness and the Wilson Brothers. They range in styles from Victorian Gothic to Mediterranean to Colonial Revival and they all continue to be used by rowing clubs to this day. Fun Fact: The Sedgeley Club boasts the only lighthouse in the city.

Local boating clubs take great pride in their historic 19th-century boathouses, which line the Schuylkill River just west of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. At night, lights outline one of the city’s loveliest views, aptly named Boathouse Row.

10. Cira Centre

The Cira Centre is a 29-story, 437-foot (133 m) office high-rise in the University City section of Philadelphia, across the Amtrak’s 30th Street Station. Developed by Brandywine Realty Trust and designed by César Pelli, it was built in 2004-05 on a platform over rail tracks.

The building , a silver glass curtain wall skyscraper with 731,852 square feet (68,000 m2) of floor space, includes retail and restaurant space, a conference room, a nine-story parking garage and a pedestrian bridge that links the Cira Centre’s lobby with 30th Street Station. The building ‘s lighting, designed by Cline Bettridge Bernstein, includes a wall of LEDs on most of its facade that can change colour to create various patterns and effects.

11. Barnes Foundation

When plans were announced to move the immense and quirky art collection of Albert C. Barnes from his home in the suburbs to a new museum on the Ben Franklin Parkway, Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects’ designed the Barnes Foundation, built for $150 million in 2012. The museum has already won a slew of accolades, including a 2013 AIA Institute Honor Award. It was also named one of the most iconic works of architecture by Architectural Record, along with the Vanna Venturi house and the PSFS Building.

Set on four-and-a-half acres of landscaped grounds, the Barnes Foundation boasts an impressive collection that features 181 Renoirs (more than any other collection), 69 Cézannes (more than in all of France) and groundbreaking African art.

The Barnes Foundation also hosts groundbreaking temporary exhibitions, including a major retrospective of works by female impressionist painter Berthe Morisot and an installation by the pioneer video artist Bill Viola.

12. Eastern State Penitentiary

This colossal Gothic Revival prison in Fairmount is steeped in history, and when it opened in 1829 it became one of the most famous and expensive prisons in the world and the first penitentiary in the country. Designed by architect John Haviland, Eastern State Penitentiary was groundbreaking in that it was the first prison designed to make prisoners feel true regret and penitence for their crimes. The penitentiary sat on 11 acres of farmland called Cherry Hill. When Eastern State Penitentiary opened in 1829, spectators from around the world marvelled at its grand architecture and radical philosophy.

Once built, it was the most expensive construction in the United States at the time.

After 142 years in use, Eastern State finally closed its doors as a prison in 1971. It has since been named a National Historic Landmark. Today, the historic landmark is open for daily tours year-round and nightly tours during the Halloween season.

13. Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul

The Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul at Logan Square holds the title of being the largest brownstone structure in the entire city, as well as the oldest building on the Parkway, with its massive stone columns and highly recognizable great dome. Open since 1894, the basilica was designed by local architect Napoleon LeBrun, who was only 25 at the time. The interiors, considered some of the most beautiful in the city, feature murals, mosaics, and stained glass windows by Constantino Brumidi.

Opened in 1864, the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter of Paul serves as the principal or Mother Church of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, as it houses the chair or “cathedra” of the Archbishop.

The largest Catholic Church in Pennsylvania, the Basilica was modelled after the Lombard Church of St. Charles in Rome and is the only cathedral in the United States built in the Roman-Corinthian architectural style.

14. Christ Church

Christ Church in Old City is one of the oldest churches and buildings in Philadelphia. The Georgian-style church was modelled after the work of an English architect by the name of Sir Christopher Wren. Construction and designs are attributed to John Kearsley. But the most prominent feature of Christ Church, its 196-foot-tall wooden steeple, was not added to the edifice until 1751-54. From that point on, Christ Church would remain the city’s tallest building for the next 100 years.

A beautiful example of Georgian colonial architecture, Christ Church is bordered by a tree-lined brick path, a small park and a cobblestone alley, which provide the perfect setting for this historic treasure. Notably, the tower and steeple made it the tallest building in America until 1856. Guided tours dive into its 300-plus year history and the prolific role that the Church played during the American Revolution.

15. Pennsylvania Academy of The Fine Arts

Designed in 1871 and built five years later, the Historic Landmark Building at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is considered by some as the first modern building in America. Designed by Frank Furness and George Hewitt (they parted ways a year before the building opened in 1876), it resembles a jewel box both inside and out and is a lesson in functionality, heavily influenced by the industrial boom that Philadelphia was relishing in at the time.

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A Tour of Philadelphia’s Georgian Architectural Landmarks

Named after the four royal Georges of the British House of Hanover, Georgian architecture refers to a style popularized between 1714 and 1830 and characterized by relatively simple buildings, a smaller amount of ornamentation, and symmetrical features. Read on for where you can find examples of Georgian architecture right here in Philadelphia.

Independence hall.

One of Philadelphia’s most famous buildings, Independence Hall is in the Georgian style, with a simple exterior and excellent symmetry. A Venetian window is located on its south façade, and it features architectural elements such as marble keystones. Due to its simplicity, it was atypical of most state houses when it was built.

Independence Hall, 520 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA, USA

Now the Morris House Hotel, the Reynolds-Morris House in Washington Square West is a classic Georgian townhouse, with three stories of perfectly symmetrical windows. It is also home to M Restaurant and plays host to plenty of Philadelphia weddings.

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Morris House Hotel, 225 S 8th St, Philadelphia, PA, USA , +1 215 922 2446

Located in Germantown, Cliveden is an estate that was a major part of the American Revolution, even though it was originally built by Benjamin Chew to avoid the yellow fever outbreaks plaguing Pennsylvania.

Cliveden, 6401 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA, USA , +1 215 848 1777

Stenton Mansion

Originally the home of James Logan, who was the colonial mayor of Philadelphia and the Chief Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, Stenton is in North Philadelphia and is an example of early North American Georgian architecture.

Stenton, 4601 N 18th St, Philadelphia, PA, USA , +1 215 329 7312

President’s House

The President’s House , which was home to both George Washington and John Adams, has mostly been torn down, but the outline of the house’s basic architecture remains just steps away from Philadelphia’s most historic sites.

President’s House, Philadelphia, PA, USA

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What’s New?

Our physical space at 1218 Arch Street is now named the Center for DesignPhiladelphia, marked by new window signage and exterior flags on the building.

We are also excited to announce that several design associations will be joining AIA Philadelphia and the Community Design Collaborative as In Residence Partners . This partnership will bring exhibitions, events, and programming to our space.

Stay up-to-date with all the latest news and updates by signing up for our newsletters! Be the first to know about new exhibitions, events, and the launch of our upcoming podcast, Together We DesignPhiladelphia, hosted by our Executive Director, Rebecca Johnson.

What’s staying the same?

Our programming: Design Education, the Festival, the Edmund N. Bacon Urban Design Awards, and the Louis I. Kahn Lecture will all continue underneath the new DesignPhiladelphia brand.

AIA Philadelphia and DesignPhiladelphia will continue to coexist in our shared space. As part of this collaboration, both organizations will have shared staff members, including our Executive Director, Rebecca Johnson, and our Director of Development & Strategic Partnerships, Jermaine Jenkins.

The Community Design Collaborative will also continue operating their programs from our space. Furthermore, we are delighted to host PhilaNOMA (National Organization of Minority Architects), Design Advocacy Group, and Creative Mornings PHL for their meetings and events.

We look forward to this exciting new chapter as DesignPhiladelphia and can't wait to share our journey with you. Sign up for our newsletters now to stay connected and informed!

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Upcoming events, visions in steel - 11 march 2024.

AISC's Visions in Steel exhibit shares the vibrant and often untold stories of the steel fabricators who bring the buildings we design to life; their skilled work has shaped the fabric of our cities for years to come. As we continue to recognize the importance of diversity in… Read more

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Read + Make Workshop: Fashion Design - 13 April 2024

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Down To Earth: Crafting Collages with Upcycled Fabrics - 20 April 2024

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Jaw-dropping views, hidden history: a visit to philly’s city hall, america’s largest municipal building is an architectural marvel that's worth exploring all the way to the top....

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• 1400 John F. Kennedy Boulevard Philadelphia, PA 19107
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The elevator motor whirs as dusty scenes glide past the glass door. You catch glimpses of things you’d imagine would be inside a clock tower from the 19th century: plenty of bricks, arched windows and a smattering of tools.

Just as you begin to think about how old this elevator is, the doors open and you step out onto a 360-degree observation deck —  the only one in Philadelphia offering panoramic views of the city.

You’re in Philadelphia’s City Hall , home to 88 million bricks, 250 sculptures, 14.5 acres of floor space and one of Philly’s most iconic pieces of art: the 37-foot-tall statue of city founder William Penn.

Clocking in at 548 feet, City Hall was the tallest habitable structure in the world until 1908, and it remained the tallest building in Philadelphia until 1986 (a little more on that later). It’s still the largest municipal building in the United States today.

But numbers really don’t do this massive building justice. Built in the eclectic Second Empire style, City Hall’s beauty lies not in its size, but in the intricate details awaiting discovery around nearly every corner — and a view that can’t be beat.

The Experience

City Hall can (and should) be admired from the outside (which isn’t that hard to do, considering that William Penn and the building’s iconic clock can be seen from many spots throughout the city).

A view of City Hall from North Broad Street   — Photo by M. Edlow for Visit Philadelphia

But history buffs, architecture fans, folks who love a good story and anyone interested in a jaw-dropping skyline view (so, everyone?) should find time to hop on a guided tour of one of Philly’s most iconic buildings. Here’s how.

City Hall Tower Tours

Offered both as part of the interior and exterior tour (see below) and as a standalone option, the City Hall Tower Tour takes you to a glass-enclosed observation deck 500 feet above street level — and just a few feet below the massive bronze statue of William Penn.

  — Photo by M. Edlow for the Independence Visitor Center Corporation

The ascent is a bit of a rustic experience, with four visitors at a time joining an operator inside a small, 100-year-old elevator to reach the top.

The payoff is more than worth it as you take in rare, 360-degree views of Philadelphia from William Penn’s perspective.

Pro tip: After admiring the city view, be sure to look up through openings in the ceiling to examine details of the iconic statue up close.

Interior & Exterior Tours

In addition to the tower tours, guided tours offer a more comprehensive look at City Hall.

As you stroll around the perimeter of the building and through the center courtyard, tour guides offer insights and anecdotes about the history of the building, from its prolonged 30-year construction (1871 to 1901) to a gentlemen’s agreement among developers that kept William Penn as the tallest point in the city’s skyline until 1986.

(An ensuing Philly sports curse was reversed when a miniature William Penn statuette was placed atop the Comcast Center in 2007.)

As you listen, keep your eyes peeled and look up to examine some of the 250 sculptures designed by Alexander Milne Calder.

  — Photo by M. Edlow for Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation

Inside the building, you’ll explore the grandest of its more than 700 rooms. Stops on the tour include the ornate City Council Caucus Room where council members publicly debate and vote on bills — and the lavish Mayor’s Reception Room, which is lined with portraits of the previous mayors in the city’s history.

The tour ends with a trip to the top of the City Hall Tower, where you’ll experience sweeping, 360-degree views of the city from an enclosed observation deck.

Heads up: The building still serves as the official seat of Philly’s government, so expect a quick trip through a security checkpoint as you enter the building, and keep an eye out for busy staffers.

The History

In his original 1682 design for the city, William Penn planned five public squares, setting aside the Center Square for public buildings.

But it took 200 years before the square was used for that purpose.

The first City Hall was located at 2nd and Market streets, then moved to 5th and Chestnut streets when the Independence Hall complex was built.

Architect John McArthur, Jr. supervised the construction of the present-day City Hall on Center Square, which began in 1871 and took more than 30 years to complete.

The building’s exterior is covered with intricate sculptures representing the seasons and continents, as well as allegorical figures, animals and masks.

All of the sculptures were designed by Alexander Milne Calder, including the 27-ton statue of William Penn atop the tower.

Admission & Info

Both the City Hall Tower Tours and the Interior and Exterior Tour depart from the City Hall Visitor Center.

For more information on hours of operation and to purchase tickets, click the button below.

Things to Do Nearby

Self-Guided Tour

Can’t hop on a guided tour? No problem.

Philly’s Association for Public Art has an excellent self-guided tour featuring more than a dozen key artworks on and around City Hall.

A Quest for Parity: The Octavius V. Catto Memorial   — Photo by A. Rogers for the Association for Public Art

Click the button below to learn more about the self-guided tour.

Dilworth Park

Speaking of around City Hall, Dilworth Park — located on the building’s west side — is well worth a visit any time of year.

City Hall’s fantastic front yard has a retro-themed roller rink and tree-lined fountains (splashing encouraged) in warm weather, and an ice-skating rink with a ski chalet vibe in winter.

Fountains at Dilworth Park   — Photo by M. Fischetti for Visit Philadelphia

Also on-site: year-round pop-up concerts, fitness events, festivals, a cozy cafe and great access to public transit.

Click the button below for more about Dilworth Park.

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exploring philadelphia's urban landscape

An Architectural Aria in Rittenhouse Square Dazzles from Within

The Academy of Vocal Arts at 1920 Spruce Street. | Photo: Michael Bixler

It is difficult to imagine, but in late 1930s the elegant townhouses of Rittenhouse Square, designed by the leading architects of the day, had lost their value. In part due to the Great Depression, but perhaps in more considerable measure, due to the exodus of high society to the suburbs and an influx of the middle class. This explains how the Frank Furness-designed treasure at 1920 Spruce Street was donated to the Academy of Vocal Arts (AVA).

The French Second Empire-style townhouse, a historically certified building on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places, came with an architectural pedigree. The entire 1900 block of Spruce Street was originally built in 1868 and sold within the year by developer Ebenezer Burgess Warren, director of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and a vice president of Hahnemann College. The block is part of the Rittenhouse-Fitler Historic District . These townhouses marked an architectural departure from Philadelphia’s red brick row houses with light stone trim to the fashionable brownstones of New York City. The names of the first owners came straight out of Philadelphia’s Blue Book.

The first owner of 1920 Spruce Street was industrialist Randolph Wood and his wife Elizabeth. Sadly, Wood committed suicide following serious financial loss, thereby installing himself as the property’s resident ghost. The elegant property quickly fell into good hands with its next owner, Joshua Z. Gregg, in 1881. Gregg commissioned Frank Furness and George W. Hewitt to design the first floor interiors. This was just five years after Furness and Hewitt designed their landmark building Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts.

This incredible fireplace has Frank Furness’ name written all over it. | Photo: John Chew

To this day, visitors to AVA are awed by the elaborately carved floral mahogany woodwork, leaded glass panels, and wainscoting. While there is no documentation that specifically references Furness’ individual contributions, the architect’s embrace of Japanese design is evident in the wood carvings.

When Furness and Hewitt parted ways, G.W. Hewitt teamed up with his brother W. D. Hewitt. They were hired in 1902 by the subsequent owner of 1920 Spruce Street, Horace Brock. Their changes included classical revival detailing of the receiving room, the decorative plaster ceiling of the living room, a Delft tile fire place on the third floor, and the addition of the music room that today serves as AVA’s theater.

Audiences will be forgiven for taking their eyes off of the performers to stare in wonderment at the theater’s bas reliefs on themes from A Midsummer Night’s Dream , an imposing mosaic inlaid fireplace, carved wooden beams, and seven oil paintings by Ellen Day Hale and Gabrielle de Veaux Clements, students of William Morris Hunt at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.

The former music room of 1920 Spruce Street was converted into a theater. | Photo: John Chew

Such was the grandeur of 1920 Spruce Street when it was donated in 1938, five years after the Great Depression, to AVA, then known as The School for Vocal Scholarships. Originally founded by Helen Corning Warden and a small group of supporters in 1934, the school had previously rented rooms at the Art Alliance. From the start, AVA’s mission was, and still is, to provide tuition-free, intensive opera training equal to that of acclaimed European vocal academies. This has enabled talented young Americans vocalists unprecedented opportunities for over 87 years, during which time economic upheavals and the recent global pandemic have not interrupted their training.

Between 1982 and 1983 Otto Sperr Associates restored the theater to its original dimensions, providing room for a 30-piece orchestra. In 1996 AVA hired architects Leung Hemmler and Camayd to suggest further changes. They concluded, “Because of the remarkable character of the Furness interior, it is recommended that the principal spaces of the first floor be restored toward the Furness era.” Thanks to a generous grant from the William Penn Foundation restorations were made in the first floor entrance hallway, the main offices, and the Furness Lounge.

In 2000 AVA expanded, purchasing the adjacent townhouse at 1918 Spruce Street as well as a carriage house behind the property. In 2008, AVA bought 1916 Spruce Street which includes an interior was designed by architect William Woodburn Potter in 1933. Deeds held by the Philadelphia Archives state that both of these properties were developed by E. Burgess Warren and first sold in 1869.

The courtyard and carriage house at the Academy of Vocal Arts. | Photo: John Chew

According to the former owner of 1916 Spruce Street, President John F. Kennedy dined there during his 1960 Presidential Campaign. Records from the JFK Presidential Library Archives indicate that Kennedy was indeed in Philadelphia for a fundraising dinner and speech in October of that year.

Today, AVA students continue to receive exceptional vocal training inside an architectural masterpiece that brings joy to audiences and comforts the ghost of Randolph Wood.

Tags:     adaptive resuse Frank Furness Rittenhouse Square

About the Author

Stacia Friedman is a Philadelphia freelance writer and visual artist who tried New York and Los Angeles on for size and came home to roost. Her articles have appeared in WHYY’s Newsworks, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The New York Times, Broad Street Review, and Chestnut Hill Local. She loves the city’s architecture, history, and vibrant arts scene.

4 Comments:

Great historical summary of the place so many of us have been privileged to think of as a second home with so many second families. Thanks so much Scot for the timely reminder after a year away from this special gathering place for our students, faculty and staff, and patrons.

Thank you! My Grandson attends AVA, so appreciate seeing this!

Much appreciate the writer’s transmission of historic details in a personal context of ownership and architects’ input. Well done!

It is a small detail, ordinarily invisible to most visitors inside the building, but I seem to recall that at some point, probably in the 1980s, the rear of the building was extended all the way to the rear of the property on Delaney Place. This had the special benefit of adding several extra feet of depth to to the back of what had been a tiny and seriously congested stage in the theater, thus upgrading it from “tiny” to “small”! Relatively speaking this created some much-needed space for the stage, rendering the stage less cramped than it had been.

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East Falls Walking Tour

This walking tour takes visitors on a tour of the East Falls neighborhood of Philadelphia by way of architecture and remnants of its industrial heritage. Standing at the Schuylkill River looking uphill, one can see a smattering of churches and remains of industry, modest homes built to house mill workers, and grander homes of those who made their fortunes from the industries of East Falls. A variety of architectural styles exist throughout East Falls in a relatively small geographical area. Styles include Federal, Gothic, Greek Revival, Tudor and Italianate with buildings originating from the early 1800s up through the current day. This tour is approximately 1-2 miles long depending on whether you take certain spurs, and much is walking uphill.

• Twin Bridges Parking Lot N40°00.457’, W075°11.497’ Public parking under Route 1 overpass between Ridge Avenue and Kelly Drive. Built as a “green” parking lot, this parking lot has a stormwater basin and native plantings. The Philadelphia Mural Arts Program, working with the East Falls Development Corporation, will be creating a new series of murals on the overpass columns beginning in the spring of 2009.

3600-3610 Indian Queen Lane, c. 1928, N40°00.567’, W075°11.522’ . These six homes are recognizable as classic Philadelphia rowhomes. The house at 3602 Indian Queen Lane was the model home for this series of homes, and along with the church and café on Indian Queen Lane, was featured in the movie, “Cover,” with Lou Gossett, Jr. and Patti LaBelle.

3500 – 3506 Indian Queen Lane, N40°00.642’, W075°11.285’. Now the site of a community garden, this location was once the site of the Hohenadle Brewery, from 1898-1930.

Make a left onto Vaux Street. Vaux Street intersects Midvale Avenue. From here, travel further uphill to visit the popular neighborhood park, McMichael Park ( N40°01.085’, W075°11.323’ ).  McMichael Park was established in 1929 and was named for a former mayor of Philadelphia. Numerous Indian artifacts have been found at this site, indicating that it was once the location of an Indian village. In 1777, Lafayette’s headquarters were in the Morgan House, located nearby at Henry Avenue and Coulter Street.

Warden Drive. Most of the homes on Warden Drive were built in 1924-25 as the “English Village” by Mike McCrudden on the land once occupied by a brewery dam.

SEPTA rail station, N40°00.674’, W075°11.573’.

Take a right on Ridge Avenue past Mason’s Building. Then take a left on Calumet to Falls Bridge. The Falls Bridge was completed in 1895 to connect East Falls to West Fairmount Park. The Bridge was recently lit to accent its trademark ironwork.

From this point on the Schuylkill Trail, one can continue downtown to Center City or proceed to Valley Forge by travelling through the Manayunk portion of the trail.

Contact MDC

Visit the Manayunk Development Corporation Contact page for full contact information.

Phone: 215-482-9565

Office: 4312 Main Street, Philadelphia, PA 19127

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