Playing the Role of Tourist in Midtown Village & Washington Square West, Philadelphia

FORREST THEATRE Originally at Broad & Sansom, it was replaced in 1928 with the Fidelity-Philadelphia Trust Co. (now Wells Fargo). The new theatre was built in 1927. Known for previews of Broadway shows, it joined the Kimmel Center to offer a season of Broadway touring productions. MASK AND WIG CLUB Founded in 1889, this musical comedy troupe created an alternative theatrical outlet at UPenn, with two all-original shows each year. The building was the first African-American Lutheran congregation in America in 1834, but purchased in 1894 as a rehearsal hall. In 2021, the club removed gender qualifications for membership - first time in 134 years! WALNUT STREET THEATRE Founded in 1808, it is the oldest operating theatre in the US. When first built, it was called the New Circus. It was the first theatre to install gas footlight and air conditioning. JEFFERSON HOSPITAL As the flagship hospital of Jefferson Health, it serves as a teaching hospital and is the 2nd largest hospital in PA. Founded in 1825 as the Infirmary of the Jefferson Medical College, it provides services at five locations. WILLS EYE HOSPITAL Established in 1832, it is the oldest eye-care facility in the US. Wills Eye is ranked as one of the top three ophthalmology hospitals in the US and its residency program one of the most competitive in the world. JEWELERS' ROW With 300+ retailers and craftsmen, it's the oldest diamond district in America. It wad designed by Thomas Carstairs (c.1799-1820) for William Sansom, as part of the first housing developments, with introduction of the rowhouse. In 2016, Toll Brothers planned a 29-story condo tower on the 700 block of Sansom. Fierce opposition denounced the project. WASHINGTON SQUARE Designated in 1682 as Southeast Square, it is one of five laid out by William Penn. In 1776, it was the final resting place for fallen soldiers, as well as inmates from the Walnut Street Jail, and victims of yellow fever. In 1825, improvements began and the park was named Washington Square. The "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier" was built, with a statue of Washington and remains of a soldier. A sycamore tree was planted in 1975 from seeds carried to the Moon on Apollo 14. The Moon Tree died in 2009 and replaced in 2011, but died, leaving a plaque in its place. ATHENAEUM Founded in 1814, its purpose is to collect materials "connected with the history and antiquities of America," for public benefit. The institution houses 180,000 drawings, over 350,000 photographs, and manuscripts of 1,000 American architects. Designed in 1845, it was one of the first buildings in brownstone, although planned in marble. The building is a National Historic Landmark - one of the first examples of palazzo-style. WALNUT STREET PRISON One of the first penitentiaries in the US. "Penitentiary" comes from the Quakers' belief in pentence and self-examination as a means to salvation. However, the jail was built in a U-shape, with inmates in large rooms - no regard for their well-being and rehabilitation. One notable event was the first manned balloon flight in the Western Hemisphere by Jean-Pierre Blanchard in 1793. CURTIS PUBLISHING COMPANY Founded in 1891, it was one of the most influential publishers in the US, including the Ladies' Home Journal and The Saturday Evening Post. The Dream Garden is a mosaic by Maxfield Parrish and Louis Tiffany containing 100,000+ favrile glass tesserae and 260+ color tones. In 1998, casino mogul Steve Wynn wanted to purchase the mural, leading to public uproar. Mayor Ed Rendell nominated it the first 'historic object,' and the Pew Trust purchased the work for $3.5-mil. MUSICAL FUND HALL It is 106-ft long, 60-ft wide, and 26-ft high; calculated for the conveyance of sound. Initially the First Presbyterian Church, it was converted in 1824 to the largest musical auditorium in Phila. After being used as a boxing arena and tobacco warehouse, it became condos. It remains on the National Register of Historic Places. ST. GEORGE CATHEDRAL Built in 1822, it is influenced by the Temple of Dionysus at Teos. Originally St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, was consecrated as a Greek Orthodox Church in 1921. MORRIS HOUSE HOTEL Built in 1787, the Reynolds-Morris House is a rare example of a Georgian townhouse. It was sold in 1817 to the prominent Morris family. Debuting as the Morris House Hotel in 2004, the building was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2022. PENNSYLVANIA HOSPITAL A teaching hospital founded in 1751 by Benjamin Franklin. It was the 2nd public hospital in the US, had the 1st surgical amphitheater, and 1st medical library. The hospital is part of the UPenn Health System and is a National Historic Landmark. It was originally an institution "for the reception and cure of the sick poor... free of charge”. LIT BROTHERS A moderately-priced department store opened in 1891. Constructed 1859-1918, it became the only full block of Victorian architecture in Phila. Lit Brothers closed in 1977.