The Athenaeum of Philadelphia invites visitors to explore its exceptional collection of architectural archives and a special exhibition dedicated to its rich history. Located at 219 S. 6th Street, this esteemed institution has housed architectural treasures since its foundation in 1814 and has been situated in its current Italian Renaissance building since 1847.
Visitors can expect a warm welcome, as the Athenaeum aims to be a hub for learning and exploration. “We are extremely welcoming, and we encourage everybody to come in,” states Kristina Wilson, the Archivist and Gladys Brooks Curator of Architecture. The Athenaeum was established when public libraries were scarce, with the founders envisioning it as a communal space for knowledge and discovery.
Expansive Collections and Public Access
The Athenaeum boasts an impressive collection focused on Philadelphia’s architecture and architects, featuring approximately 350,000 architectural drawings and around 80,000 circulating books. The institution also maintains a diverse array of artifacts, furnishings, and paintings, contributing to its robust object collection. “A really core part of what we do is providing access to scholars, preservationists, historians, and also people in the general public,” adds Beth Hessel, the Executive Director.
While membership is available, many resources, like the archives, are accessible to the public. “You do not need to be a member to access them. All you need to do is contact The Athenaeum and make an appointment,” Wilson explains. Currently, the Athenaeum has more than 3,000 members of all ages, creating a vibrant intergenerational community focused on learning.
The Athenaeum also features a special exhibitions gallery that is always free to the public. The ongoing exhibition, titled “To Encourage Outstanding Scholarship,” celebrates the legacy of Dr. Roger Moss, who served as the Athenaeum’s director from 1968 to 2008. This exhibition, which will remain on view until December 20, 2025, showcases various fascinating archival materials, including an original 1805 sketch of the Arch Street Meeting House.
Engaging Tours and Historical Significance
The Athenaeum offers guided tours that provide insight into its architectural significance. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the entire building, including the member lounge and the Busch Room. Hessel notes that many guests describe the Reading Room as “the most beautiful room in Philadelphia,” emphasizing its historical ambiance.
Additionally, the Athenaeum maintains a ‘Record of Strangers’ that documents notable visitors, including Charles Dickens, Edgar Allan Poe, and Marquis de Lafayette. A particularly interesting fact shared by Wilson is that Eliza Hamilton, the widow of Alexander Hamilton, visited the Athenaeum in her nineties.
The tours are the only way to access the vault, which houses rare books and invaluable pieces from the collection, including blueprints and an original hand-rendered cross-section of the dome of the Capitol Building, designed by Thomas Ustick Walter.
“Archives aren’t static,” Wilson concludes. “They’re as vibrant and alive as they ever were.” She hopes visitors leave with a sense of “wonder and amazement,” as well as a deeper appreciation for the architectural history of Philadelphia and those who contributed to its development.
For more information about the exhibition “To Encourage Outstanding Scholarship” and to make an appointment, interested individuals can visit the Athenaeum’s official website or contact them directly.
