Building America, Becoming American: Philadelphia's Early Immigrant Designers
In the Lantern Gallery.
This exhibition explores the foundational role immigrant architects and designers played in establishing the character of Philadelphia's urban landscape. Mainly from Western Europe, early figures like John Haviland, Paul Philippe Cret and Nicola D'Ascenzo reflected Philadelphia's role as a primary destination for immigration in the 19th century. As these architects and designers built Philadelphia, so did the immigrant communities they represented come to define Philadelphia's – and America's – ethnically diverse, culturally rich character. Grounded in these foundational figures, the exhibition also points to more recent immigrant architects who continue to bring their diverse viewpoints to America's built environment.
Curated by The Athenæum of Philadelphia Archives Staff.
Image: "Rodin Museum." Cret Collection, The Athenæum of Philadelphia.
Discourse & Discovery: Places of Gathering in Philadelphia
On display in the Dorothy W. & F. Otto Haas Gallery.
Featuring items from The Athenaeum's collections, this new exhibition explores how citizens and visitors alike have long engaged with public spaces in Philadelphia.
Opening night: Monday, June 8, 5PM-7PM
Curated by The Athenaeum Archives Staff.
Image: "The Smoke Tower" by Salvatore Pinto. General Collection - Prints. The Athenaeum of Philadelphia.
