The Athenaeum of Philadelphia

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219 S 6th St

Philadelphia, PA 19106

+1 (215) 925-2688

http://www.philaathenaeum.org

The Athenaeum is a member supported, not-for-profit, special collections library founded in 1814 to collect materials "connected with the history and antiquities of America, and the useful arts, and generally to disseminate useful knowledge" for public benefit. Annually the Athenaeum's nationally significant collections attract thousands of readers: graduate students and senior scholars, architects, interior designers, museum curators, and private owners of historic buildings. It provides the Philadelphia region with a resource of first resort on matters of architecture and interior design history, particularly for the period 1800 to 1945. The Athenaeum building was designed in 1845 by the innovative architect John Notman ( 1810-1865 ). It is widely hailed as the seminal American structure in the Italianate Revival Style and one of the first Philadelphia buildings built of brownstone. Severely plain on the exterior and deceptive in scale, the Athenaeum building contains richly embellished reading rooms with 24-foot ceilings. Into these spaces has been gathered a museum collection of American fine and decorative arts from the period 1800 to 1850 which is available for group or individual tours by advance reservation. The building has been expanded and restored to provide appropriate facilities for the care and exhibition of the collections. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1977. 219 S. 6th Street, PA 19106 Philadelphia P: ( 215 ) 925-2688 F: 215 ) 925-3755

Reviews

5.010 reviews

Simon K.

8/24/2025

I like going there. The general atmosphere is very unique and welcoming. I would encourage them to ban the use of laptops in the library, it is a place to read, not to do the work.

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Renee D.

12/26/2021

A must visit for any history buff and lover of all things historically architectural. I spent an entire day here doing research for a project during a class that was arranged by the professor,...

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Patrick R.

5/1/2022

Great spot to study / work remotely. $10 / day guest pass to access this gorgeous library in a prime location. Beautiful library is flooded with natural light. Great collection of interesting...

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Wynelle E.

9/16/2019

If I could move in I would. club of the coolest kind. Affordable, flexible and useful. Like a university library but better

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Margo K.

9/26/2013

It's a dream come true for Philadelphia and architecture appreciators alike! Did you know, you can schedule a research appointment here? You can use...

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Rosenbach Museum & Library

The Rosenbach of the Free Library of Philadelphia is a rare book museum and library. It features famous works like Where the Wild Things Are by children's author Maurice Sendak to the original handwritten copy of Ulysses by James Joyce. The museum hosts themed festivals, musical performances and guided tours. Travelers who enjoy books, English literature and the history that goes with it will be astonished at this museum's offerings.Best and worst time to go to the Rosenbach of the Free Library of PhiladelphiaThe best time to go to the Rosenbach is during the second week of June for the annual week-long Bloomsday Festival. This celebration of James Joyce culminates in a live reading of excerpts of Ulysses by famous Philadelphians.The worst time to attend the Rosenbach is the third week of June when it only offers partial hours due to fundraising events that are private following the Bloomsday festivities.Must see/do at the Rosenbach of the Free Library of PhiladelphiaThe most popular activity is to make an appointment to see the handwritten manuscript of James Joyce's Ulysses. Visitors and scholars from all over the world make this special trip all year-round.Guided docent tours of the historic 19th century house are very popular and take place every hour the museum is open. On this journey, visitors will be treated to Dr. Rosenbach's rare library, art and antiques including the recreation of the Greenwich Village living room of poet Marianne Moore.For families or visitors that still cherish childhood memories, the Maurice Sendak collection features selected drawings and other items the author collected throughout his lifetime.Admission to the Rosenbach of the Free Library of Philadelphia:The price for admission to the Rosenbach is $10 and under and it includes exhibitions and a guided house tour. Groups of 10 or more must make a reservation.Parking and public transportation to the Rosenbach Free Library of Philadelphia:There is plenty of metered street parking around the Rosenbach. There are quite a few commercial parking garages on 20th and 21st Streets.Food at the Rosenbach Free Library of Philadelphia:Food is not permitted on the premises of the museum. There are many cafes, famous restaurants and food trucks within blocks. There are a couple of parks, like Rittenhouse Square or Fitler Square, with benches and fountains in walking distance, if visitors want to grab food and sit outside.Insider tip for visitors to the Rosenbach of the Free Library of Philadelphia:Many visitors are not aware the Rosenbach has a Musician in Residence. The great jazz musician Dave Burrell is often featured. Burrell's performances are a concert series that accompanies a particular current exhibit. To make this a destination stop when on vacation, check the website for more.Author's bio: Stasia DeMarco is a native Philadelphian. She has been a freelance journalist and digital media specialist for 20 years.