At 219 S. 6th Street in Philadelphia’s Society Hill, the Athenaeum is a special collections library and museum in an 1840s brownstone designed by John Notman. Its Italianate architecture and 19th-century interiors give the building as much to explore as its collections of architectural drawings, photographs and manuscripts. See what is on view in the first-floor gallery, then look for details such as the grand staircase and ornate lighting. Exhibitions, lectures and performances also bring the historic rooms into use.
A library founded in 1814
The Athenaeum began in 1814 as a member-supported, nonprofit library with a stated aim of spreading useful knowledge. It later developed into a special collections library, with public exhibitions and events alongside its research holdings.
Its focus on American architecture and interior design makes the collections a resource for exploring the work of architects and firms through books, drawings, photographs and manuscripts. The materials include more than 180,000 drawings and 350,000 photographs, as well as manuscripts connected with American architects.
Notman’s Italianate brownstone
Architect John Notman designed the three-story brownstone, built in the 1840s. The Athenaeum is recognized as a National Historic Landmark, and its Italianate Revival exterior sets the tone for the interiors.
Inside, look for the grand staircase, elaborate light fixtures and dark Victorian wallpaper. The first-floor exhibition gallery gives the building a changing display space, so the subject of an exhibition can add a different focus to a return visit.
The reading room and public programs
The second-floor members’ library and reading room has antique glass bookcases and a high ceiling supported by two dozen ornate columns. Its furnishings include a sofa designed by Paul Cret and a chess table more than 200 years old.
The Athenaeum also hosts exhibitions, lectures and performances. Past events have included a classical guitar performance and a family-friendly program about an early American flight from Philadelphia. Check the calendar to see what is scheduled during your visit; membership includes access to subscription events and lending-library benefits.
Preguntas frecuentes
Where is the Athenaeum of Philadelphia?
It is at 219 S. 6th Street in Philadelphia’s Society Hill section.
When was the Athenaeum founded?
The member-supported library was founded in 1814.
What can you see inside?
The building has a first-floor exhibition gallery, a grand staircase and a second-floor members’ library and reading room. The collections focus on architecture and interior design.
Does the Athenaeum host events?
Yes. Its public program includes exhibitions, lectures and performances. Check the events calendar for what is scheduled during your visit.
