Physick House
| Type | Historic house museum |
|---|---|
| Address | 321 South Fourth Street |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Neighborhood | Society Hill |
| Phone | (215) 925-7866 |
| Website | Official site |
| Established | 1786 (house); 1966 (museum) |
| Founder | Henry Hill |
| Director | Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks |
| Hours | Thu-Sat 12-4 PM |
The Physick House (also known as the Hill-Physick House) is a Federal-period townhouse in Society Hill that served as the home of Dr. Philip Syng Physick (1768-1837), the "Father of American Surgery." Built in 1786 by wealthy wine importer Henry Hill, the house is one of the finest examples of Federal-style architecture in Philadelphia and contains an exceptional collection of period furnishings. The house is operated by the Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks.[1]
Dr. Physick lived in the house from 1815 until his death in 1837, during which time he was the most prominent surgeon in America. He performed the first successful human blood transfusion, invented numerous surgical instruments, and treated prominent patients including Chief Justice John Marshall. The house's elegant interiors showcase early American decorative arts and the lifestyle of Philadelphia's elite in the early republic.[2]
History
[edit | edit source]Henry Hill
[edit | edit source]Henry Hill built the house in 1786 as one of the finest townhouses in Philadelphia:
- Wealthy wine importer
- Leading citizen and patriot
- Member of Continental Congress
- Built during Philadelphia's time as national capital
Dr. Philip Syng Physick
[edit | edit source]Dr. Philip Syng Physick (1768-1837) was America's preeminent surgeon:
- Trained in London and Edinburgh
- Known as the "Father of American Surgery"
- Performed first successful human blood transfusion in America
- Invented surgical instruments still in use
- Treated Chief Justice John Marshall (for bladder stones)
- Treated Dolley Madison and other prominent figures
- Professor at University of Pennsylvania
Physick acquired the house in 1815 and lived there until his death.
The Society Hill Location
[edit | edit source]The house's location in Society Hill placed it in the heart of elite Philadelphia:
- Near the waterfront and commercial district
- Surrounded by other wealthy residents
- Close to Pennsylvania Hospital (where Physick practiced)
Preservation
[edit | edit source]The Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks acquired and restored the house, opening it as a museum in 1966.
The House
[edit | edit source]Architecture
[edit | edit source]The Physick House exemplifies Federal-style architecture:
- Free-standing townhouse (unusual for Philadelphia)
- Graceful proportions
- Delicate Federal detailing
- Original woodwork and plasterwork
Features
[edit | edit source]- Entrance: Elegant doorway with fanlight
- Interior: Period rooms with original details
- Garden: Restored 19th-century garden
- Kitchen: Below-stairs domestic spaces
Collections
[edit | edit source]The house contains exceptional Federal-period furnishings:
- Furniture attributed to Henry Connelly
- Philadelphia-made decorative arts
- Original family pieces
- Period-appropriate appointments
The Garden
[edit | edit source]The rear garden has been restored to its 19th-century appearance:
- Formal design
- Period plantings
- Brick pathways
- Urban garden oasis
Visiting the Physick House
[edit | edit source]Hours
[edit | edit source]- Thursday-Saturday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Closed: Sunday-Wednesday
- Tours on the hour (last tour at 3:00 PM)
Admission
[edit | edit source]- Adults: Approximately $10 (check website for current pricing)
- Seniors/Students: Discounted rates
- Children: Discounted rates
Combination tickets available with other Landmarks houses.
Tours
[edit | edit source]Guided tours explore:
- Dr. Physick's life and medical career
- Federal-era domestic life
- Architecture and furnishings
- 19th-century Philadelphia
Tips
[edit | edit source]- Tours provide essential context
- The garden is lovely in warm weather
- Good for those interested in medical history
- Combine with other Society Hill sites
Getting There
[edit | edit source]- SEPTA Market-Frankford Line: 5th Street Station
- SEPTA Bus: Routes 40, 57
- Walking: Located at 4th and Delancey Streets
- Parking: Street parking (limited)
Nearby Attractions
[edit | edit source]- Powel House (operated by same organization)
- Society Hill, Philadelphia
- Independence Hall (5-minute walk)
- Old St. Joseph's Church (1 block)
Programs
[edit | edit source]Tours
[edit | edit source]Regular guided tours of the house
Special Events
[edit | edit source]- Holiday decorations
- Candlelight tours
- Special programs
Educational Programs
[edit | edit source]- School groups by appointment
- Group tours
See Also
[edit | edit source]- Society Hill, Philadelphia
- Powel House
- Federal Architecture in Philadelphia
- Medical History in Philadelphia
References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "Physick House". Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks. Retrieved December 30, 2025
- ↑ "Physick House". Visit Philadelphia. Retrieved December 30, 2025