The 8 Most Important Buildings in Philadelphia

And why they play a role in Philly’s architectural history.

By Taylor Carson· 11/4/2017, 8:51 p.m.

Independence Hall

Style: Georgian, the dominant form of architecture in 18th-century Philly.
Completed: 1753.
Why it matters: You're kidding, right?

Photo: miralex istock

One Liberty Place

Style: Postmodern, influenced by Art Deco elements of the Chrysler Building.
Completed: 1987.
Why it matters: The NYT said it was "probably the best" attempt at a glass rendering of 1920s style. It was also the first skyscraper to rise above City Hall — changing Philly’s skyline forever.

Photo: luminouslens istock

The Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (a.k.a. the Penn Museum)

Style: Arts and Crafts and eclecticism, which both emerged as reactions to the strict rules of the early 1800s.
Completed: Original wing, 1899.
Why it matters: The Harrison Rotunda is one of the most celebrated all-masonry self-supported domes in the country.

Photo: Photo by M. Fischetti for VISIT Philly

City Hall

Style: Second Empire, in vogue in the 1870s; its trademark element is the mansard roof.
Completed: 1901.
Why it matters: It survived multiple demolition attempts.

Photo: Roman Babakin istock

Pennsylvania Hospital (Pine Building)

Style: Georgian and Federal — the latter gained prominence after the Revolutionary War.
Completed: East wing, 1755; west wing, 1797; center section, 1804.
Why it matters: It was the first hospital in the nation.

Photo: aimintang istock

PSFS Building

Style: International, which spread from Europe to the U.S. as a less-decorated form defined by geometric shapes.
Completed: 1932.
Why it matters: It was the country's first International Style skyscraper (and the first of its size to have central AC).

Photo: James Mitchell via Flickr

Vanna Venturi House

Style: Postmodern, the successor to 20th-century modernist styles; a mix of classical elements and new ideas.
Completed: 1964.
Why it matters: The Chestnut Hill residence is considered the original postmodern building.

Photo: Steve Davis and Steven Goldblatt, via Kurfiss Sotheby’s International Realty

PAFA Historic Landmark Building

Style: Victorian Gothic, trendy in the mid-1800s due to a renewed interested in medieval design.
Completed: 1876.
Why it matters: Erected for the Philadelphia Centennial.

Photo: James Mitchell via Flickr

» See Also: The Know-It-All-Guide to Philly Architecture

Published as “8 Big-Deal Buildings” in the November 2017 issue of Philadelphia magazine.

The 8 Most Important Buildings in Philadelphia

Sign up for our weekly home and property newsletter, featuring homes for sale, neighborhood happenings, and more.

Independence Hall

One Liberty Place

The Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (a.k.a. the Penn Museum)

City Hall

Pennsylvania Hospital (Pine Building)

PSFS Building

Vanna Venturi House

PAFA Historic Landmark Building

» See Also: The Know-It-All-Guide to Philly Architecture

Trending

On the Market: Renovated Chestnut Hill Tudor House for Sale

Historic Wayne Shingle Style House for Sale

Just Listed: Starter Condo Atop the Academy House for Sale

Just Listed: “Fifty Shades of Grey” in Maple Glen Bondage House

Inside the New Henck Design Showroom on Fabric Row

IN THIS SECTION