Philadelphia’s Athenaeum Launches Special Exhibition, Open Now

URGENT UPDATE: The Athenaeum of Philadelphia has unveiled a captivating exhibition titled “To Encourage Outstanding Scholarship,” now open to the public through December 20, 2025. This special showcase celebrates the remarkable collecting legacy of former director Dr. Roger Moss, allowing visitors to explore Philadelphia’s rich architectural history.

Located at 219 S. 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA, The Athenaeum boasts an impressive collection, including 350,000 architectural drawings and 80,000 books. This venue, established in 1814, has evolved into a vibrant hub for scholars and the public alike. “We are extremely welcoming, and we encourage everybody to come in,” said Kristina Wilson, Archivist and Gladys Brooks Curator of Architecture.

The building itself, a stunning example of Italian Renaissance architecture, has been a cornerstone of Philadelphia’s educational landscape since its inception. “So much wow factor,” added Beth Hessel, Executive Director of The Athenaeum. Visitors can access parts of the library without needing membership, promoting inclusivity and learning.

The current exhibition features remarkable artifacts, including an original 1805 sketch of the Arch Street Meeting House, alongside photographs and etchings of Philadelphia’s iconic structures. “We have a lot of archival materials that are just cool, old Philadelphia things,” Wilson stated.

In addition to the exhibition, The Athenaeum offers guided tours that provide an exclusive look at its member lounge and the historic Busch Room. “Our Reading Room is the most beautiful room in Philadelphia,” Hessel emphasized, inviting people to experience the space that evokes a sense of stepping back in time.

The Athenaeum also maintains a “Record of Strangers,” a list of notable visitors that includes literary giants like Charles Dickens and Edgar Allan Poe. The vault, accessible only through guided tours, houses rare books and prized pieces, including a unique cross-section drawing of the Capitol Building dome designed by Thomas Ustick Walter.

“Archives aren’t static,” Wilson explained, highlighting the dynamic nature of historical documents. “A document that’s 200 years old is just as vibrant because a new person views it in a different way.” Hessel hopes that visitors will leave with a renewed sense of “wonder and amazement” about Philadelphia’s architectural heritage.

For those interested, the exhibition is free and open to the public by appointment, encouraging everyone to engage with these extraordinary historical resources. This is a rare opportunity to connect with Philadelphia’s architectural narrative and appreciate the ongoing legacy of The Athenaeum.

To learn more about the special exhibition “To Encourage Outstanding Scholarship” and to schedule a visit, please contact The Athenaeum of Philadelphia. Don’t miss out on this chance to explore a treasure trove of knowledge right in the heart of Philadelphia!