Editing Masonic Temple Philadelphia

{{Infobox Building
| name = Masonic Temple
| image =
| image_caption = Masonic Temple Philadelphia
| address = 1 North Broad Street
| neighborhood = Center City
| coordinates = 39.9534,-75.1635
| architect = James H. Windrim
| style = Norman Romanesque
| built = 1873
| designated = National Historic Landmark
| use = Masonic Lodge, museum
}}

'''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.<ref name="masonic-temple">{{cite web |url=https://pamasonictemple.org |title=Masonic Temple |publisher=Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania |access-date=December 31, 2025}}</ref>

== 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]]

== References ==
<references />

{{#seo:
|title=Masonic Temple Philadelphia - World's Greatest Masonic Building
|description=The Masonic Temple at 1 North Broad Street, one of the world's greatest Masonic buildings with seven extraordinary lodge halls. National Historic Landmark open for tours.
|keywords=Masonic Temple, Philadelphia Masonic, Grand Lodge Pennsylvania, Broad Street, Norman Romanesque, Philadelphia landmark, Freemasonry
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Architecture]]
[[Category:Landmarks]]
[[Category:Museums]]
[[Category:Center City]]