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Upcoming Neighborhood Walking Tours
Text the word tours to 1 (267) 380-2441 to check meeting locations for upcoming tours and for any weather related cancellation notices
Northern Liberties
William Penn stipulated that 10,000 acres north of the original city become “liberty lands.” Once home to many of the city’s breweries, this funky, culturally diverse neighborhood today is the home of many artists and writersWilliam Penn stipulated that 10,000 acres north of the original city become “liberty lands.” Once home to many of the city’s breweries, this funky, culturally diverse neighborhood today is the home of many artists and writers. See the old and the new and make note of the many little neighborhood eateries along the way.
Central Bryn Mawr
The quiet country village was transformed in the 19th century by the construction of the paved Lancaster “turnpike” and various railroads, which facilitated nearby real estate speculation, including Frank Furness’ Bryn Mawr Hotel (now Baldwin School), several imposing churches, and the area’s characteristic large and comfortable housesThe quiet country village was transformed in the 19th century by the construction of the paved Lancaster “turnpike” and various railroads, which facilitated nearby real estate speculation, including Frank Furness’ Bryn Mawr Hotel (now Baldwin School), several imposing churches, and the area’s characteristic large and comfortable houses. This tour will also explore the sylvan campus of Bryn Mawr College, including buildings by Addison Hutton, Cope & Stewardson, Mellor Meigs & Howe, and Louis Kahn.
Skyscrapers Old and New
Penn Center, one of the country’s most acclaimed examples of 20th century, post World War II urban renewal, is a lasting legacy of Edmund Bacon and the Philadelphia City Planning CommissionPenn Center, one of the country’s most acclaimed examples of 20th century, post World War II urban renewal, is a lasting legacy of Edmund Bacon and the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. Learn how this world-famous city planner based this commercial development complex on William Penn’s vision that Market Street would be a commercial thoroughfare and see two generations of commercial architecture: Modern & Post-Modern.
Around Washington Square
Walk around one of William Penn’s original planned public parksWalk around one of William Penn’s original planned public parks. Learn how this square served as a burial ground for over 1,200 Revolutionary War soldiers, then as a potter’s field before receiving its present name in 1825. See The Athenaeum, the first Italian Renaissance building in the US, and learn how the Square became home to the publishing industry in the early 20th century. Today, many of the former office buildings are being transformed into residences as Washington Square serves as an important gateway to the nearby residential Society Hill neighborhood.
Old City
Explore colonial Philadelphia and walk some of its original streetsExplore colonial Philadelphia and walk some of its original streets. See famous Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest continuously occupied street in the US, and experience the walking/mercantile city, as well as a later generation of Victorian structures. Learn how this area remained the center of Philadelphia’s commercial, retail and governmental activities until the city finally moved “westward” to Center Square in the mid/late 19th century.
Spruce Hill Victoriana
Walk tree-lined streets graced with homes that are crowned with Italianate towers and Queen Anne Revival gablesWalk tree-lined streets graced with homes that are crowned with Italianate towers and Queen Anne Revival gables. Hear how public transportation encouraged development of this West Philadelphia neighborhood as a streetcar suburb.
Callowhill Cross Section
Just north of Center City, Callowhill Street and nearby blocks tell the story of Philadelphia’s emergence as an industrial “Workshop of the World” and the many strategies for revival after manufacturing declinedJust north of Center City, Callowhill Street and nearby blocks tell the story of Philadelphia’s emergence as an industrial “Workshop of the World” and the many strategies for revival after manufacturing declined. We will find traces of railroads, see how factories have been adapted for new purposes, and encounter unexpected outcomes of urban renewal. Our walk will include notable industrial and commercial architecture as well as parks, public art, and new construction projects that are enlivening the post-industrial landscape.
Bankers’ Row
In the early years of the new Republic, Philadelphia was the nation’s financial capital, home to the first stock exchange (1790), the Bank of the United States, the US Mint, the first securities exchange, the first commodities exchange, and other early banking and insurance institutionsIn the early years of the new Republic, Philadelphia was the nation’s financial capital, home to the first stock exchange (1790), the Bank of the United States, the US Mint, the first securities exchange, the first commodities exchange, and other early banking and insurance institutions. The epicenter of this activity was Chestnut Street in Old City, where important early institutions were housed in architectural treasures, ranging from Greek Revival “temples” to later brick and limestone buildings such as The Bourse Building and the US Customs House. Explore the history of this important part of Philadelphia by visiting notable architectural landmarks, visible evidence of Philadelphia’s early financial prominence.
Littlest Streets Fitler Square
Experience yet another intimate neighborhood within Center City, just southwest of Rittenhouse Square west of Broad StreetExperience yet another intimate neighborhood within Center City, just southwest of Rittenhouse Square west of Broad Street. Learn about the early Irish settlers and other immigrants who first settled here and about their industrial ties to the nearby Schuylkill River.
Up and Over the Ben Franklin Bridge
You’ve crossed it by car or viewed it from afar; now experience this magnificent bridge from a whole new perspective! Walk from Philadelphia to Camden with our guide to learn about the history and construction of what was once the longest suspension bridge in the worldYou’ve crossed it by car or viewed it from afar; now experience this magnificent bridge from a whole new perspective! Walk from Philadelphia to Camden with our guide to learn about the history and construction of what was once the longest suspension bridge in the world. Look down on the mighty Delaware River between Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Get acquainted with the past, present and future of waterfront development on both sides of the river. At the end of the tour, walk through the Rutgers-Camden campus for a return trip to Center City on the PATCO Hi-Speedline (not included in price).
Chestnut Hill
Take a leisurely stroll through this bucolic “Garden City” neighborhood, a suburban setting within the city limitsTake a leisurely stroll through this bucolic “Garden City” neighborhood, a suburban setting within the city limits. Learn how the Pennsylvania Railroad extension to this area, spearheaded by Henry Howard Houston in the 1880s, created this style-conscious development and later, with his son-in-law, George Woodward, continued it into the 1920s. Explore this haven of late Victorian, Arts & Crafts, English Cotswolds and Modern residences and see how it emerged as a desirable and complete neighborhood.
Beaux-Arts
Explore outstanding examples of late 19th century and early 20th century architecture influenced by the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in ParisExplore outstanding examples of late 19th century and early 20th century architecture influenced by the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris. From intimate residences in Rittenhouse Square to meticulously designed public spaces, see why Philadelphia is often described as the “Paris of the US.”
Art Deco
This popular early 20th century style, synonymous with the Jazz Age, has been described as having one foot in the past and one foot in the futureThis popular early 20th century style, synonymous with the Jazz Age, has been described as having one foot in the past and one foot in the future. Its sleek appearance foretells the debut of Modernism while its use of Mayan and Aztec motifs echoes the past. Among Philadelphia’s outstanding examples featured on this walk is the flamboyant WCAU Building on the 1600 block of Chestnut Street.
Lansdowne
Explore historic Lansdowne Borough and its early Victorian subdivisions that were created as a result of the expansion of the West Chester and Philadelphia RailroadExplore historic Lansdowne Borough and its early Victorian subdivisions that were created as a result of the expansion of the West Chester and Philadelphia Railroad. Lansdowne has two National Register listed Historic Districts, 12 locally designated districts and hundreds of historic buildings, all within a square mile. Come explore the tree-lined streets of two neighborhood districts and the central business district, which includes the iconic Lansdowne Theater.
Queen Village
Explore this worker’s neighborhood and be amazed by its history because it predates William PennExplore this worker’s neighborhood and be amazed by its history because it predates William Penn. Queen Village was developed in the 1630s, first as a Dutch settlement, later becoming home to a large influx of Swedish settlers. Visit one of the few remaining 17th century structures in Philadelphia today, Gloria Dei Church.
Girard Estate
Trace the history of this South Philadelphia neighborhood from its origin as a colonial farm to the early 20th century planned development of “Ideal City Homes.” See outstanding examples of Bungalow, Colonial Revival and Spanish Revival residential styles.Trace the history of this South Philadelphia neighborhood from its origin as a colonial farm to the early 20th century planned development of “Ideal City Homes.” See outstanding examples of Bungalow, Colonial Revival and Spanish Revival residential styles.
Wharton Esherick Museum
Visit the Wharton Esherick Museum, home and studio of American artist, sculptor, and woodworker Wharton Esherick, honored at the 2025 Preservation Achievement Awards for WEM’s colorful silo restoration. Esherick considered his Studio an autobiography in three dimensionsVisit the Wharton Esherick Museum, home and studio of American artist, sculptor, and woodworker Wharton Esherick, honored at the 2025 Preservation Achievement Awards for WEM’s colorful silo restoration. Esherick considered his Studio an autobiography in three dimensions. The final addition to the Studio was the Silo, a cylindrical form reminiscent of the grain silos that dotted the nearby farmland, on which Esherick celebrated the dappled colors of the surrounding woods. Esherick’s hand-built studio was constructed over a span of 40 years starting in 1926 and includes the studio, garage, and additional workshop designed in partnership with architect Louis Kahn.
Experience a glimpse into the mind of Wharton Esherick throughout the studio space and enjoy the collection of Esherick’s woodblock prints, imaginative furninture, handcrafted architectural details, sculptures, and more.
Spring Garden
Stroll through this early city suburb, developed in the late 19th century, that was home to merchants, workers and even prisonersStroll through this early city suburb, developed in the late 19th century, that was home to merchants, workers and even prisoners. Enjoy a diversity of exuberant late Victorian homes and view the world-renowned Eastern State Penitentiary, built in the 1820s and studied by penal experts from Asia and Europe at that time.
Ambler
Ambler was first settled by white Europeans in 1682 and was a small mill town until it was transformed into a factory town for asbestos company Keasbey and Mattison. The “asbestos king” built his own castle here. We will walk from the train station and learn who has lived in Ambler since the time ofAmbler was first settled by white Europeans in 1682 and was a small mill town until it was transformed into a factory town for asbestos company Keasbey and Mattison. The “asbestos king” built his own castle here. We will walk from the train station and learn who has lived in Ambler since the time of William Penn’s arrival. We will walk by a castle and grand Victorian homes, and see some of the serious environmental impact that industrialization has had on the town.
Chinatown
Philadelphia’s Chinatown is well known for their busy streets, restaurants, and unique markets but how did it get there? Join us on a journey to uncover Chinatown’s history, view the impacts of Philadelphia’s development, and struggles the community faced as they carved their place into Philadelphia.Philadelphia’s Chinatown is well known for their busy streets, restaurants, and unique markets but how did it get there? Join us on a journey to uncover Chinatown’s history, view the impacts of Philadelphia’s development, and struggles the community faced as they carved their place into Philadelphia.
Garden Court
Join Preservation Alliance Executive Director Paul Steinke for a walking tour of his former neighborhood, Garden CourtJoin Preservation Alliance Executive Director Paul Steinke for a walking tour of his former neighborhood, Garden Court. The brainchild of developer Clarence Siegel, Garden Court took shape in the 1920s, occupying in a tiny sliver of undeveloped land in the midst of West Philadelphia’s older streetcar suburbs. A planned community of detached, semi-detached and row homes rose up before the Great Depression, along with several distinctive multi-family apartment buildings. The neighborhood’s tree-lined streets, front gardens and accommodations for the increasingly popular private automobile set it apart from the older neighborhoods surrounding Garden Court.
Old City
Explore colonial Philadelphia and walk some of its original streetsExplore colonial Philadelphia and walk some of its original streets. See famous Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest continuously occupied street in the US, and experience the walking/mercantile city, as well as a later generation of Victorian structures. Learn how this area remained the center of Philadelphia’s commercial, retail and governmental activities until the city finally moved “westward” to Center Square in the mid/late 19th century.
69th Street Historic District
Explore the historic 69th Street Shopping District in Upper Darby, a major retail center built at the terminus of the Market Street Elevated primarily by real estate developer John McClatchy in the early 20th centuryExplore the historic 69th Street Shopping District in Upper Darby, a major retail center built at the terminus of the Market Street Elevated primarily by real estate developer John McClatchy in the early 20th century. See such notable sites as the Moorish style McClatchy Building, the Romanesque 69th Street Terminal and the Classical Revival Tower Theater along with numerous Art Deco buildings; the most concentrated group of this style in the Philadelphia area.
Daytrip to the Raymond Farm Center + Nakashima Woodworkers
In honor of this year Preservation Achievement Award to the Nakashima Foundation for Peace for their documentation of the Nakashima family home, the Preservation Alliance is excited to arrange a joint tour with the Raymond Farm Center and Nakashima Woodworkers in New Hope to share the incredible stories of architect and designers Antonin & NoémiIn honor of this year Preservation Achievement Award to the Nakashima Foundation for Peace for their documentation of the Nakashima family home, the Preservation Alliance is excited to arrange a joint tour with the Raymond Farm Center and Nakashima Woodworkers in New Hope to share the incredible stories of architect and designers Antonin & Noémi Raymond and George Nakashima.
The Raymond Farm was originally a 18th and 19th Century Quaker farm. It became the home and summer studio of Noémi and Antonin Raymond in 1938 when the Raymonds renovated the Farmhouse in their unique fusion of Modernist/ Japanese design and craft. The Raymonds’ international careers, which spanned from the 1910s through the 1970s, included practicing architecture in addition to designing furniture, lighting and textile designs, as well as ceramics, flatware and ironwork. Working between their Japan and New York offices, the Raymonds established one of the most avant-garde design studios in the world. In Japan, Antonin would eventually become known as the “Father of Modern Architecture.”
The Nakashima Woodworkers, neighboring the Raymond Farm Center is located on a three-acre property consisting of their family home, workshops, and a series of outbuildings and experimental structures. The Nakashima family first came to New Hope in 1943, when the Raymonds assisted them in being released from the Japanese Internment Camp in Minidoka, Idaho, tragically created in the aftermath of Pearl Harbor. George Nakashima and his family lived shortly at the Raymond Farm before settling at what would become the Nakashima Woodworker compound in 1946. Over the years, George designed and expanded the complex adding buildings including the remarkable Conoid Studio, the Showroom, Arts Building, and many others. The studio continues George’s legacy by preserving its unique works of architecture and producing George and Mira Nakashima’s furniture designs.
Itinerary:
10am: Meet at the Raymond Farmhouse at 6370 Pidcock Creek Road, New Hope PA 18938 (map). Tour until 11:45 am
12pm-12:50pm: Picnic lunch at the Raymond Farm Center (Please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions!)
1pm: Meet at the Nakashima Woodworkers (5 minute drive) at 1847 Aquetong Rd, New Hope, PA 18938 (map)
The tour will conclude at 3pm.
Fishtown
Situated to the northeast of Center City, Fishtown figured prominently in Philadelphia’s great industrial age of the late 19th/early 20th century when it was developed to house many of the workers who were employed by the major industries that built factories in this part of the citySituated to the northeast of Center City, Fishtown figured prominently in Philadelphia’s great industrial age of the late 19th/early 20th century when it was developed to house many of the workers who were employed by the major industries that built factories in this part of the city. Discover how Fishtown’s residences are going through restoration as it becomes a sought after location in which to live.
Frank Furness: A Talk and Tour
Explore the work of one of Philadelphia’s most colorful architects by taking this comprehensive, first-of-its-kind tourExplore the work of one of Philadelphia’s most colorful architects by taking this comprehensive, first-of-its-kind tour. Buildings that have been demolished or that are beyond walking distance will be discussed by illustrated presentation inside the Furness-designed First Unitarian Church. After the presentation, join your guide for a walking tour of nearby Furnessian gems.