What You Will Do
Join me on a self-guided GPS audio tour that’ll open your eyes to the full range of Philadelphia’s architecture, spanning every American style from the 1850s to the present. One of the richest periods artistically, it was also one of the wealthiest. Mark Twain called these years the “Gilded Age” because America’s economy boomed and vast fortunes were rapidly made.
Gilded Age styles like Second Empire Baroque, High Victorian Gothic and Romanesque all compete for your attention on this tour. The styles they gave way to as we entered the 20th century are eye catching too, like Beaux Arts, Art Deco, and International Style. Then from the 1970s we enter the Postmodern era, where almost anything goes architecturally – and that’s where we still find ourselves today.
Along the way, I’ll tell you plenty of interesting but not strictly architectural stories about Philadelphia and its buildings too.
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Itinerary
Meeting Point
Before arrival, please install the VoiceMap mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
1
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
The tour starts outside the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.
2
Masonic Temple
The tour passes by the Masonic Temple.
3
City Hall Visitor Center
The tour passes by City Hall.
4
The Union League of Philadelphia
The tour passes by The Union League of Philadelphia.
5
Academy of Music
The tour passes by the Academy of Music.
6
One Liberty Observation Deck
The tour passes by One Liberty Observation Deck.
7
Penn Center/Suburban Station
The tour passes by the Penn Center/Suburban Station.
8
Love Park
The tour ends at Love Park.
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