Small-Group Public Walking Tour Exploring Philadelphia's Gilded Age to Now

This Walking Tour will also take you by and into some of Philadelphia's most prominent buildings. The buildings in this area are mostly from the mid-1800's through the present. Styles range from Beaux Arts, to Chicago and International style. We also wil see the newest and tallest buildings in Center City. We do not enter any of the buildings listed on the tour. We will be outside them while I tell you about them.

1. 1

   Reading Terminal Market

   Pass by

   One of the last old time food halls in the US. Created in the 1890's, Reading Terminal Market has undergone many changes over the years but remains a remarkable example of shopping from an earlier era.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   Pass by

   First International Style Building in the U.S., PSFS was created during the depression as a collaborative design between a local architect and a Swiss one using principles developed by the Bauhaus and European architects.

3. 3

   Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

   10 min

   The oldest art school in the US and a magnificent example of Frank Furness' architecture, this is one of his remaining High Victorian Gothic masterpieces. It opened just in time for the Centennial Exposition of 1876.

4. 4

   Masonic Temple Library & Museum

   5 min

   View the exterior of this magnificent structure created just after the end of the Civil War in Romanesque or Norman Castle style. If you have time, reserve a tour of the interior rooms which are spectacular.

5. 5

   City Hall Visitor Center

   10 min

   Walk around this great 2nd Empire Baroque Building, the largest municipal building in the U.S. It is the tallest masonry bearing wall building in the world, and the statue of William Penn on the tower is the tallest on any building in the world.

6. 6

   Macy's Philadelphia

   Pass by

   View the Market Street National Bank's Art Deco facade across the Street and then enter the John Wanamaker Building. We will see the Grand Court and its grand organ.

7. 7

   Stop 7

   Pass by

   See the former Girard Bank Building then the Land Title Building across Chestnut Street. The Bank was originally designed by Frank Furness in his High Victorian Gothic style, but that was rejected. The Land Title building is the first in the city by Chicago architect Daniel Burnham who said:"Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men`s blood and probably themselves will not be realized. Make big plans; aim high in hope and work..."

8. 8

   Stop 8

   Pass by

   Great early example of 2nd empire baroque style and one of the only structures built in Philadelphia during the Civil War. The club was created to support the Union troops.

9. 9

   Stop 9

   Pass by

   Once the grandest hotel in America designed by George Hewitt, once a partner with Frank Furness. It is Beaux Arts stylistically with a French chateau look at the top.

10. 10

    Academy of Music

    Pass by

    Original home of the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Academy of Music is based on La Scala in Milan and was originally an opera house. The Italianate façade was to be in marble, but brick and brownstone were substituted to save on the cost.

11. 11

    Stop 11

    Pass by

    Great copy of the Strozzi Palace in Florence. Designed originally for Anthony Drexel's financial company, the exterior retains all the trimmings of Renaissance palazzos.

12. 12

    Shops at Liberty Place

    Pass by

    Two towers that broke the 548' height barrier. There had been a gentleman's agreement to build no higher than the City Hall statue of William Penn, but that changed in the 1980's with these two buildings, opening the way for a more modern skyline.

13. 13

    Comcast Center

    10 min

    1st and 2nd tallest buildings in Philadelphia. Comcast Center is a sleek combination of mirror and clear glass rising in a tapered form while the Comcast Innovation Center has 3 story groupings with a zig-zag pattern on the outside and a 10 story hotel at the top.

14. 14

    Penn Center/Suburban Station

    5 min

    Art Deco headquarters of the Pennsylvania Railroad, this building was created in the 1930's to replace Frank Furness' High Victorian Gothic terminal across from City Hall. The style was intended to represent the sleekness and speed of modern trains.

15. 15

    Love Park

    5 min

    Tour ends at the Love sculpture in what is referred to as Love Park. This park has now been redesigned several times and offers a variety of activities depending on the time of year, as well as a grand view up the Ben Franklin Parkway to the Art Museum.

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
• Minimum age is 16 years

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.