Historic Philadelphia is one of the most culture-rich cities in America. In addition to its museums, world-class hotels, and activities for the entire family, Philadelphia is also the location of over sixty national historic landmarks. Relax and discover some of the Philadelphia historic home and business landmarks.
Philadelphia Academy of Music
The Academy of Music in Philadelphia is one of the registered historic landmarks of Pennsylvania. Located at Broad and Locust Streets, the Academy opened in 1857, making it the oldest musical auditorium in the world. The Philadelphia Academy of Music was designed by Napoleon Le Brun and was modeled after some of the most famous opera houses in Europe. Since it was designated a national historic landmark in 1962, the auditorium has been upgraded and refurbished, and continues to be the home auditorium for the Philadelphia Orchestra (Academy of Music).
Athenaeum Philadelphia
Located at 219 South 6th Street, Athenaeum was finished in 1847. The building was designed by John Notman and was one of the first palazzo-style buildings in the United States. Athenaeum was made a national historic landmark on December 8, 1976 (Athenaeum).
Boathouse Row
Boathouse Row is located in Fairmount Park in Philadelphia. This historic landmark was designed in order to meet the outdoor and sporting needs of the residents of Philadelphia. Boathouse Row has been a breeding ground for athletic champions, including Olympic athletes. Public access to Boathouse Row is available, but there are erosion problems in the area. Proposed recommendations involve protecting the boathouses at risk from erosion through the use of construction and additional building (Boathouse Row).
Carpenters Hall
Carpenters Hall in Philadelphia was designed to be a meeting hall for the Carpenters’ Company of Philadelphia. This example of Georgian architecture was completed in 1771 and also served as a meeting house for the First Continential Congress. This building was also repurposed as a medical treatment center for troops in the Revolutionary War (Carpenters Hall).
Christ Church Philadelphia
Christ Church Philadelphia is a beautiful church that was built during the twenty-seven year period of 1927 to 1954. Like Carpenters Hall, it is an excellent example of the Georgian style of architecture. Christ Church Philadelphia is accessible to the public, but has a number of safety issues that need to be rectified. In 2006, some safety systems were installed or improved, but further improvements need to be made to protect visitor safety (Christ Church).
Eastern State Penitentiary
Eastern State Penitentiary Philadelphia was designed by John Haviland and built between 1823 and 1836. It is an example of the Gothic Revival style of architecture, which actually helps to reflect the Pennsylvania prison system philosophy. The foreboding architectural style evokes thoughts of punishment and confinement (Eastern State Penitentiary).
Reference Materials
“Academy of Music.” National Historic Landmarks Program. National Park Service.
“Athenaeum.” National Historic Landmarks Program. National Park Service.
“Boathouse Row.” National Historic Landmarks Program. National Park Service.
“Carpenters Hall.” National Historic Landmarks Program. National Park Service.
“Christ Church.” National Historic Landmarks Program. National Park Service.
“Eastern State Penitentiary.” National Historic Landmarks Program. National Park Service.
