1450 John F Kennedy Boulevard Philadelphia, PA 19107 +1 215 686 2840
Gothic and neoclassical influences dominate the features of City Hall. The statue of William Penn that resides atop City Hall's clock tower remains a Philadelphia skyline marker-until the 1980s there was a "gentleman's agreement" that no Philadelphia building would be built higher than the rim of Penn's hat. City Hall provides a majestic backdrop for shoppers and businesspersons alike as it is situated on the intersection of the city's two main arteries, Broad and Market Streets. The tour of the City Hall lasts for 1.5 to 2 hours.
313 Walnut Street 320 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19106 +1 215 925 0167
Guild halls were as important in the young America as they had been in Europe. Carpenter's Hall stands as a tribute to the hands that built America. This historic locale is appropriately situated amongst the many other historical sites in the area, since none of them would be there if it were not for the tradition of American workmanship. It's a simple, well-made structure. Books and souvenirs relating to American history and architecture are stocked as well as postcards and related children's playthings.
105 South Fifth Street Philadelphia, PA +1 215 440 3400
The American Philosophical Society has an earned reputation of being a leader in the promotion of scholarly research, publication and library resources in the sciences and humanities for over 250 years and has played a significant role in American culture and history. The society, most famously started by Benjamin Franklin, has seen many prominent members like George Washington, Charles Darwin, Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein and Robert Frost. The building, in which the society and all its resources have been housed, is just as much part of Philadelphia's history as the society. After years of financial struggles and permit issues, the Philosophical Hall was completed in 1789 and became the site of the society's meetings, library and gallery of artifacts. Today, the historic structure is a landmark in the city, a museum and still serves as the administrative offices to the prestigious APS.
1200 Market Street Philadelphia, PA +1 215 627 1200
Established in 1816, the Philadelphia Savings Fund Bank was the first savings bank to do business in the United States. By the 20th Century, the PSFS had attracted the largest amount of depositors anywhere in the country. With such great success, the bank had begun to outgrow itself, thus needing a new space to call home. In the 1920's, the PSFS made a monumental move and commissioned the most modern skyscraper of its time. Completed in 1932, the 30-story skyscraper was constructed using the finest materials and innovations including granite and marble throughout the interior of the building and a limestone covered tower on the exterior. Now revered as the first American skyscraper, the PSFS is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city. Although the bank eventually went under in the early 1990's, the building has maintained its historic place (including the famous PSFS sign atop the building) and is now the Loews Philadelphia Hotel.
143 South 3rd Street Philadelphia, PA +1 215 597 8787
Although not used for any commerce or trade today, The Merchants' Exchange Building is a city landmark that is hard to miss. Situated between Dock Street and Third Street, this Greek-revival building is an architectural treasure of the city and is now a national historic landmark. In its heyday, the exchange building was used for real-estate dealings, business transactions, auctions and as a post-office after it was built in the mid 1800's. The architect, William Strickland, used Athenian structures as a model for the Merchants' Exchange Building and later went on to design other national landmarks like the U.S. Mint and the U.S. Naval Asylum. Today, the stately building is run and occupied by the Independence National Historic Park and houses a small exhibition room to display the building's history.
1427 Walnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 +1 215 568 7475
Calderwood focuses on maintaining an extensive collection of decorative works from the first half of the 20th century. Buyers from around the globe come here to seek pieces from a number of genres: Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Surreal and Forties works highlight the inventory.
North 11th Street Filbert Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 +1 215 580 7897/+1 215 580 7800
One of the most vital transportation hubs in the region, this underground station serves all of SEPTA's Regional Rail lines except the R6 Cynwyd. Pedestrian connections can be made at station level to the Market Frankford High Speed Line and at street level to many bus routes. Market East is adjacent to The Gallery, a popular downtown mall, and near attractions such as the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Jefferson Hospital, and Hard Rock Café. Both Chinatown and the Historic District are within walking distance.
1717 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19103 +1 215 567 8787
The magnificent Bell Atlantic Tower stands 53 story high and is also the fourth largest building in Philadelphia, is sure to take your breath away. The tower is 739 feet tall and has many offices within. On the top floor (51st floor) of the building, is a banquet hall called the Top Of The Tower and it is available for public rentals. Weddings and other social celebrations take place on a grand scale. And wouldn't it be amazing to be perched on the 51st floor and have the whole city at your feet!
701 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19106 +1 215 574 0380
The African American Museum is famous for carefully preserving and analyzing the pictorial and material culture and heritage of the African Americans. Over so many years of efforts, the museum has stored about 5 lac objects, images, documents, dressings, pictures and books of the natives. Major events held here are Celebrate Africa 2008!, Discover Greatness, AAMP Art and Quilters' Roundtable. Generally, on Saturdays, there are Family Days which feature face painting, story telling sessions, choreographed dances and projecting films. Local artists put on their beautiful art-work based on lives of entertainers, politicians and freedom fighters.
Chestnut Street is perfect for window shopping. With plenty of great stores, such as Boyd's, Maron Chocolates and Shops at Liberty Place, you can lose track of time. Not only are there a lot of stores, a 10 block section has been closed to traffic so pedestrians can have an easier time shopping. So grab some friends and shop the day away.
Description:
This is one of Philadelphia's most popular, unusual and entertaining
tours. Join costumed tour guides for a leisurely stroll through Society Hill in the historic heart of the city at Independence Park and on the edge of the nationally ...
Description:
The society's collection is highlighted by the continuing exhibit, "Finding
Philadelphia's Past." Over 500 antiques and personal items chronicle the city's history through 1900, including the wampum belt of Pennsylvania founder William Penn and George Washington's desk. Videos delving ...
Description:
The Library Company of Philadelphia, founded by Benjamin Franklin in
1731, was the first circulating library in America. Today, it is an independent research library with more than a half a million books, graphics and other rare printed items ...