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The Athenæum of Philadelphia and its collection

The Athenæum of Philadelphia
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The Athenaeum of Philadelphia is a special collections library and museum situated at 219 S. 6th Street in the Society Hill section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This historic institution was founded in 1814 and has since been a significant part of the city's cultural and educational landscape. Visitors can explore a wide range of materials connected with the history and antiquities of America, and the useful arts.

Collections and Focus of The Athenaeum of Philadelphia

The Athenaeum of Philadelphia boasts a rich collection of architecture and interior design history, particularly from the period 1800 to 1945. The institution's focus is on the history of American architecture and building technology. It houses an impressive architectural archive of 180,000 drawings, over 350,000 photographs, and manuscript holdings of about 1,000 American architects. This makes it a fascinating destination for those interested in architecture and design.

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FRAthénée de Philadelphie
ENAthenaeum of Philadelphia

History & Anthropology History & Anthropology Science & Technology Science & Technology Historic house Language & Literature Photography Profession & Craft

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#17 Free museums in Philadelphia #31 History & Anthropology in Philadelphia #7 Science & Technology in Philadelphia #24 Historic houses in Philadelphia #7 Language & literature museums in Philadelphia #2 Photography museums in Philadelphia #3 Profession & craft museums in Philadelphia #31 Free museums in Pennsylvania #60 History & Anthropology in Pennsylvania #15 Science & Technology in Pennsylvania #45 Historic houses in Pennsylvania #7 Language & literature museums in Pennsylvania #5 Photography museums in Pennsylvania #6 Profession & craft museums in Pennsylvania #69 Language & literature museums in United States #71 Photography museums in United States #47 Profession & craft museums in United States

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The Athenæum of Philadelphia
219 S 6th St
PA 19106 Philadelphia
Pennsylvania

Images of The Athenæum of Philadelphia

Visitor information The Athenæum of Philadelphia

Opening hours

Monday
9:00 – 19:00
Tuesday
9:00 – 17:00
Wednesday
9:00 – 17:00
Thursday
9:00 – 17:00
Friday
9:00 – 17:00
Saturday
10:00 – 15:00
Sunday Closed

Admission

0+Free

Facilities

We don't have information about the facilities of The Athenæum of Philadelphia.

Location & Map

219 S 6th St, Philadelphia

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Exhibitions

No exhibitions in The Athenæum of Philadelphia have been found.

The Athenæum of Philadelphia Reviews

The Athenæum of Philadelphia has 1 rating.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    The Athenæum of Philadelphia is a specialized library and museum that offers a rich experience for history enthusiasts and researchers. Located in the heart of Philadelphia, this institution houses an extensive collection of rare books, manuscripts, and architectural drawings.

    Visitors appreciate the Athenæum's quiet and studious atmosphere, which is conducive to research and reflection. The building itself, dating back to 1847, is noted for its impressive Greek Revival architecture, adding to the overall experience.

    The museum's strengths lie in its vast collection of materials related to American architecture and interior design from the 18th to the 20th centuries. Researchers and academics find the resources invaluable for their work. The staff is generally described as knowledgeable and helpful, enhancing the visitor experience.

    However, it's important to note that the Athenæum may not appeal to all visitors. Its specialized nature means it's more suited to those with specific research interests or a deep appreciation for historical documents and architecture. Some visitors might find the experience less engaging if they're looking for more interactive or broadly appealing exhibits.

    The Athenæum offers guided tours, which many visitors find informative and worthwhile. These tours provide context and highlight significant items in the collection, helping to make the experience more accessible to general visitors.

    While the Athenæum of Philadelphia may not be a typical tourist destination, it stands out as a valuable resource for researchers, history buffs, and those interested in architecture and design. Its focused collection and historical significance make it a respected institution in Philadelphia's cultural landscape.

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