Philadelphia Architecture Hike 10 of 13: Best of Beaux-Arts Style

2-3 hours, 2-3 miles, brisk pace between stops, best examples of Beaux-Arts architecture in Philadelphia, lunch afterward if there's interest.

When someone says they don't like fancy architecture, they're probably thinking of Beaux-Arts. Well, they're wrong. The Beaux-Arts style can be overwhelming, but when it is executed well, the result is breathtaking. Beaux-Arts buildings came to prominence in Philadelphia from about 1890 to 1930. By the end of the period, the city was home to a few dozen excellent examples of the Beaux-Arts style. We're going to visit as many of these as we can in a few hours.

One of our first stops will be the Commonwealth Title & Trust Company, an absolute gem that sports two lovely stone "eyes" on the top floor. Yes, that makes no sense, but you'll see what I mean if you come on the hike. Then we'll head west down Chestnut Street and Walnut Street to Broad, where we will marvel at a hotel that is mostly known for a deadly disease outbreak that occurred there, but which should be known for its over-the-top Beaux-Arts ornamentation. Finally, we will hike through the heart of the Rittenhouse neighborhood to check out an exquisite Beaux-Arts apartment building and a private home that were both built for Philadelphia's elite.

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.