Explore the 5 ‘Must-See Art And Architecture Spots’ in Philadelphia
If you were visiting Philadelphia, which attractions would you see? For Bridget Gleeson, a contributor to the website Islands, Philadelphia art and architecture has several sights not to be missed. Gleeson…
If you were visiting Philadelphia, which attractions would you see? For Bridget Gleeson, a contributor to the website Islands, Philadelphia art and architecture has several sights not to be missed. Gleeson recommends the following five destinations to explore.
30th Street Station
The 30th Street Station is a 1920s architectural landmark with marble floors, Corinthian columns, and Art Deco chandeliers. The building serves as a gateway to mural tours and to Calder Gardens, both part of the city's vibrant art scene.
Divine Lorraine
Divine Lorraine, an 1890s high-rise with a Victorian facade, now houses apartments and Cicala at the Divine Lorraine, a site historically significant for racial integration during its hotel era.
Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, Isaiah Zagar's expansive mosaic environment, features extensive mosaics and reclaimed-material sculptures.
The Bok Building
The Bok Building in South Philadelphia is a 1930s Art Deco nine-story complex reborn as a creative hub. Highlights include artist studios and public-facing venues like Machine Shop, Two Persons Coffee, and the Bok Bar, which offers skyline views.
The Wanamaker Building
The Wanamaker Building, a 1911 Beaux-Arts landmark, is transitioning from a department store to a mixed-use complex while preserving the Grand Court's iconic pipe organ. The building's latest tenant, Macy's, shuttered its doors here in March 2025.
