The Athenaeum of Philadelphia invites visitors to explore its remarkable architecture and extensive archives, featuring a special exhibition dedicated to the legacy of Dr. Roger Moss. Housed in a stunning Italian Renaissance building since 1847, the Athenaeum stands as a testament to Philadelphia’s commitment to learning and preservation.
Architect and curator Kristina Wilson describes the Athenaeum as “a beautiful structure,” emphasizing its historical significance and welcoming atmosphere. Beth Hessel, Executive Director, highlights the institution’s origins, stating, “When the Athenaeum was founded in 1814, there were no free public libraries,” aiming to create a space for learning accessible to all.
The Athenaeum’s collection focuses primarily on Philadelphia architecture, boasting approximately 350,000 architectural drawings and 80,000 books in its circulating collection. It also features artifacts, furnishings, and various decorative arts. Hessel notes, “A really core part of what we do is providing access to scholars and preservationists, historians, and also people in the general public.”
While primarily a membership library, several areas, including the archives, are open to everyone. “You do not need to be a member to access them,” Wilson clarifies, encouraging public engagement. With over 3,000 members spanning various ages, the Athenaeum fosters an intergenerational learning community.
Current Exhibition Celebrates Scholarship
The Athenaeum is currently showcasing the exhibition “To Encourage Outstanding Scholarship,” which honors the collecting legacy of Dr. Roger Moss, who served as director from 1968 to 2008. The exhibition, open to the public by appointment through December 20, 2025, features notable items such as an original 1805 sketch of the Arch Street Meeting House.
Wilson emphasizes the importance of the archival materials, stating, “We have a lot of archival materials that are just cool, old Philadelphia things.” Visitors can find photographs, drawings, and etchings that reflect the city’s built environment. Tours are available, allowing guests to view the Reading Room and the exclusive member lounge, where Hessel believes many will feel they are “stepping back in time.”
A Legacy of Historical Significance
The Athenaeum has welcomed many prominent figures throughout history, including Charles Dickens, Edgar Allan Poe, and Marquis de Lafayette. A unique feature of the institution is the ‘Record of Strangers,’ which includes names of notable visitors, such as Eliza Hamilton, the widow of Alexander Hamilton.
Tours also provide access to the vault, which contains rare books and prized collection pieces, including a hand-rendered cross-section of the dome of the Capitol Building designed by Thomas Ustick Walter. Wilson states, “Archives aren’t static; they’re as vibrant and alive as they ever were.”
Hessel hopes visitors leave with a sense of “wonder and amazement,” as well as a deeper appreciation for Philadelphia’s architectural history and the individuals who contributed to its development.
The Athenaeum of Philadelphia continues to serve as a vital resource for learning and exploration, with its current exhibition “To Encourage Outstanding Scholarship” available for public viewing by appointment. To learn more, visit The Athenaeum at 219 S. 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106.
