The Athenaeum of Philadelphia invites the public to explore its rich architectural heritage and extensive archives, featuring a special exhibition that highlights the institution’s legacy. Established in 1814, the Athenaeum serves as a valuable resource for scholars and the general public alike, showcasing Philadelphia’s architectural history.
Architectural Heritage and Collections
The Athenaeum boasts a striking Italian Renaissance exterior and an equally impressive interior. According to Kristina Wilson, Archivist and Gladys Brooks Curator of Architecture, the building has been home to the Athenaeum since 1847. The institution, founded before the existence of free public libraries, aimed to create “a place of common and agreeable resort for learning,” as noted by Beth Hessel, Executive Director of The Athenaeum.
The collection at the Athenaeum is vast, encompassing approximately 350,000 architectural drawings and around 80,000 books in its circulating collection. Additionally, the Athenaeum houses a diverse array of artifacts, furnishings, and decorative arts. Hessel emphasizes the importance of providing access to these resources, stating, “A really core part of what we do is providing access to scholars and preservationists, historians, and also people in the general public who want to learn more about the built environment.”
While primarily a membership library, the Athenaeum opens its archives to the public, allowing access by appointment. Wilson encourages visitors to reach out and explore the archives, stating that anyone can come in and look at the materials. Currently, the Athenaeum has over 3,000 members, creating an intergenerational community focused on learning and discovery.
Exhibitions and Unique Historical Significance
One of the highlights of the Athenaeum is its special exhibitions gallery, which is always free and open to the public. The current exhibition, titled “To Encourage Outstanding Scholarship,” celebrates the collecting legacy of Dr. Roger Moss, who served as the Athenaeum’s director from 1968 to 2008. This exhibition will remain on display until December 20, 2025, and features significant pieces, including an original 1805 sketch of the Arch Street Meeting House.
In addition to the exhibition, the Athenaeum holds various archival materials that illuminate Philadelphia’s history. Visitors can find photographs, drawings, and etchings showcasing the city’s architectural evolution. Tours are available, giving guests a chance to see the entire building, including the member lounge and the Busch Room. Hessel describes the Reading Room as “the most beautiful room in Philadelphia,” inviting guests to experience a sense of stepping back in time.
The Athenaeum also maintains a “Record of Strangers,” listing notable visitors such as Charles Dickens, Edgar Allan Poe, and Marquis de Lafayette. Wilson highlights the significance of this history, mentioning that Eliza Hamilton, widow of Alexander Hamilton, visited the Athenaeum in her nineties.
For those interested in rare collections, the vault houses prized items, including blueprints and an original cross-section of the dome of the Capitol Building, designed by Thomas Ustick Walter. Wilson asserts that the archives remain vibrant and alive, as each new viewer brings a fresh perspective to the historical documents.
Hessel hopes that visitors leave the Athenaeum with a sense of “wonder and amazement” and a deeper appreciation for Philadelphia’s architectural landscape and the history of those who contributed to its development. The exhibition “To Encourage Outstanding Scholarship” is open to the public by appointment, offering a unique opportunity to engage with the rich educational resources of The Athenaeum of Philadelphia.
For more information, visitors can contact The Athenaeum of Philadelphia at 219 S. 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106.
