Philadelphia Architecture Hike 11 of 12: Best of Modernist Style
Details
3-4 hours, 4-5 miles, brisk pace between stops, best examples of Modernist architecture in Philadelphia, lunch afterward if there's interest.
Modernist architecture is polarizing. This is especially true in Philadelphia, where from about 1940 to 1970 Modernist buildings were frequently plopped among Colonial-era buildings that are 200 years older. Whether you love or loathe Modernist architecture, I think you'll like this hike. We'll visit Philadelphia's most interesting and visually appealing Modernist buildings. Whatever your opinion going in, my hope is that you'll appreciate the style a bit more by the end of the hike.
Our first stop will be the former Rohm and Haas building, which is just a block from Independence Hall, but probably won't be mistaken for Independence Hall because it features more than 73,000 square feet of Plexiglas (Independence Hall features 0 square feet of Plexiglas . . . as far as I know). Afterward we'll wind through the Old City and Society Hill neighborhoods, which - despite their age and reputations - contain several interesting Modernist buildings. Then we'll head west on Market Street to admire a series of Modernist office buildings that should get more love than they do, including one that was the first International Style skyscraper to be constructed in the US . . . take that, New York!
We will move quickly between locations, while stopping for enough time to enjoy and discuss each one. As always, no knowledge of architecture is needed . . . just an interest in seeing beautiful places and a willingness to stay with the group.
GENERAL RULES: ••Hike at my pace. ••Hike lengths are approx.: allow 30 min - 1 hour extra. ••Donation requested. All monies donated to recreational charities like Natural Lands and the Friends of Wissahickon. ••For ~360 events each year donate $20 (2026), $30 for 2 or family or donate $5 for each event. ••Pay in person or at Zelle (Sidney Goldstein 215-247-4459). Please text Sidney after you donate so he can properly give you credit. The yearly donation goes down to $15 in July; to $10 in Sept-Nov; Dec new year. Thanks.