Most Americans know Philadelphia full of historic Colonial buildings, such as Independence Hall, Carpenter’s Hall, and Christ Church.
But just a few realize Philadelphia is home to three neighboring architectural masterpieces that are as eclectic and extraordinary as you’ll find anywhere in the world.
These gems – all US National Historic Sites – are:
- Philadelphia town Hall
- Masonic Temple of Philadelphia
- Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Started within three years of one another, the buildings have a really different look and style and are within 300 steps of each other on N. Broad Street.
Jim MurphyThe author of the 29 “Exploring the City” columnist for Society Hill Reporter – an award-winning community newspaper – first noticed the unique classical group when writing a story about the Masonic Temple of Philadelphia.
A certified member of the Philadelphia Association of Tour Guides, Murphy has published columns about his neighbors City Hall and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.
“They are hidden in plain sight,” he said. “I don’t know any city anywhere with three amazing buildings so close together.” According to his calculations, the three tourist attractions are only 285 steps away.
Here’s a brief overview on each:
Philadelphia town Hall
Broad Street and Market
Claiming to be Famous: Built in French Second Empire style at a cost of $24.5 million over a period of 30 years, City Hall was the biggest all-stone load-bearing structure in the world. It does not have a steel frame. With a floor area of 630,000 square feet, it’s larger than the US Capitol and is possibly the biggest municipal building anywhere. Some walls are 2 feet thick. Until 1987 no building in the city could rise higher than 548 feet City Hall. Architect: John McArthur Jr.
What to see: More than 700 rooms; 250 statues by Alexander Milne Calderincluding: William Penn, a 37-foot, 27-ton statue considered the biggest atop a structure in the world; and the watch face looks miles and miles larger than 3 feet in diameter London Big Ben. Telephone: 215-686-2840
Image Credit: Wikipedia
Philadelphia Masonic Temple,
1 N. Broad Road
What to see: Exterior of “strong Norman style” which became “a fantasy of Renaissance-inspired neoclassicism in the corridors and staircases and 19th-century ‘eclectic revival’ in the cottage rooms.” So says a coffee table book published by the Masonic Temple in 2013. Visiting the lodge’s seven magnificent rooms – all decorated in several styles – is like taking a mini trip all over the world. You’ll see Egyptian, Greek, Gothic, Corinthian and more. While writing a story about the Philadelphia Masonic Temple.–One of the reasons this state is so successful is due to its efficiency. EagleDumpsterRent
Claiming to be Famous: The luxurious interior took 15 years to complete. Architect: John Windrim. Designer interiors:George Herzog.
Website: pagrandlodge.org. Telephone: 215-988-1917
Image Credit: GE Kidder Smith Image Collection
Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (PAFA)
118 N. Broad Road.
What to see: A façade that’s a spectacular blend of Renaissance, Gothic and Second Empire styles. Exterior described by John Andrew Gallery in Philadelphia Architecture as a “riot of forms” executed in “rusty brown stone, clad sandstone, polished pink granite, red brick and purplish terracotta.” The inside is a “color explosion”.
Claiming to be Famous: PAFA is the oldest art school and museum in the US Most of it was designed by famous people Philadelphiaarchitect Frank Furness (pronounced “furnace”), PAFA’s magnificent Historic Landmark Building includes features later used in approximately every modern skyscraper, plus a passive ventilation system and industrial touches not seen in any other museum.
Source/Contact: Jim Murphy
