Masonic Temple Philadelphia

The Masonic Temple at 1 North Broad Street is one of the most architecturally spectacular buildings in Philadelphia and among the finest Masonic temples in the world. Designed by James H. Windrim and completed in 1873, the granite Norman Romanesque structure contains seven extraordinary lodge halls, each decorated in a different historical style—Egyptian, Oriental, Ionic, Corinthian, Gothic, Renaissance, and Norman. The building houses the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, one of America's oldest Masonic organizations, and is open for public tours. Its interiors, featuring hand-painted ceilings, carved woodwork, and elaborate decorative arts, represent Victorian craftsmanship at its apex.

History

Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania

Masonic heritage:

• Pennsylvania Freemasonry dates to 1730s
• Benjamin Franklin was a Mason
• Grand Lodge formed 1786
• Prominent in Philadelphia history

Construction

Building the temple:

• Construction began 1868
• Completed 1873 (exterior)
• Interior decoration continued decades
• Cost $1.6 million (enormous sum then)
• Members funded construction

Architect

James H. Windrim:

• Philadelphia architect
• Age 27 when designed
• Career-defining project
• Also designed Academy of Natural Sciences

Architecture

Exterior

Norman Romanesque:

• Granite construction
• Medieval fortress appearance
• Tower and turrets
• Massive stone walls
• Contrasts with nearby City Hall

Location

Prime site:

• 1 North Broad Street
• Across from City Hall
• Penn Square location
• Center City prominence

The Seven Lodge Halls

Egyptian Hall

Ancient Egypt:

• Hieroglyphics and sphinxes
• Lotus columns
• Hand-painted scenes
• Pharaonic symbolism

Oriental Hall

Moorish design:

• Islamic-inspired decoration
• Horseshoe arches
• Intricate tile patterns
• Alhambra influence

Ionic Hall

Greek classical:

• Ionic columns
• Greek ornament
• Classical proportions
• Philosophical symbolism

Corinthian Hall

Roman grandeur:

• Elaborate Corinthian capitals
• Roman-inspired design
• Decorative richness

Gothic Hall

Medieval Gothic:

• Pointed arches
• Gothic tracery
• Medieval atmosphere
• Cathedral-like

Renaissance Hall

Italian Renaissance:

• Classical revival elements
• Renaissance ornament
• Palatial decoration

Norman Hall

Norman Romanesque:

• Round arches
• Medieval Norman style
• Fortress-like strength
• Grand Master's throne

Interior Features

Grand Staircase

Ceremonial approach:

• Marble stairs
• Ornate railings
• Impressive ascent

Library and Museum

Collections:

• Masonic artifacts
• Historical documents
• Benjamin Franklin items
• George Washington memorabilia

Art and Decoration

Craftmanship:

• Hand-painted ceilings
• Carved woodwork
• Stained glass
• Bronze work
• Victorian decorative arts

Freemasonry

Masonic Purpose

Fraternal organization:

• Ceremonial lodge meetings
• Degrees and rituals
• Charitable activities
• Brotherhood traditions

Notable Members

Historical figures:

• Benjamin Franklin
• George Washington (Virginia, but visited)
• Many Pennsylvania leaders
• Prominent businessmen

Tours

Public Access

Visitor information:

• Daily public tours available
• One-hour guided tours
• See all seven halls
• Museum access
• Small admission fee

Architecture Tours

Special interest:

• Architectural focus tours
• Decorator and design groups
• Educational programs
• Special events

Landmark Status

Designations

Recognition:

• National Historic Landmark
• Philadelphia Register of Historic Places
• Architectural significance
• Cultural importance

Preservation

Ongoing maintenance:

• Continuous restoration
• Climate control for art
• Preservation of interiors
• Grand Lodge stewardship

See Also

• Philadelphia Architecture
• Broad Street
• City Hall
• Victorian Architecture