Fairmount Water Works

Fairmount Water Works

Type	Historic site, interpretive center
Address	640 Waterworks Drive
Map	View on Google Maps
Neighborhood	Fairmount Park
Phone	(215) 685-0723
Website	Official site
Established	1815
Founder	City of Philadelphia
Owner	City of Philadelphia
Hours	Tue-Sun 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Products	Interpretive center, historic tours
Status	Museum/Historic site

Fairmount Water Works(215) 685-0723https://www.fairmountwaterworks.org640 Waterworks DrivePhiladelphiaPAUS

The Fairmount Water Works is a National Historic Landmark and interpretive center located along the Schuylkill River at the base of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Built between 1812 and 1872, this complex of Greek Revival buildings once housed the nation's first municipal waterworks, supplying clean water to Philadelphia and serving as a model for urban water systems worldwide. In the 19th century, the Water Works was one of the most visited tourist attractions in the United States, drawing visitors from around the world to marvel at its engineering and architectural beauty.

Today, the Water Works houses an interpretive center focused on urban watershed education, teaching visitors about the Schuylkill River, Philadelphia's water supply, and environmental stewardship. The site also features fine dining at Water Works Restaurant and offers stunning views of Boathouse Row and the river.

History

Philadelphia's Water Crisis

In the late 18th century, Philadelphia faced a water crisis. The city relied on wells and natural springs that became contaminated as the population grew. Yellow fever epidemics in the 1790s killed thousands and were blamed on polluted water.

In 1799, the city commissioned Benjamin Henry Latrobe to design a municipal water system—one of the first in America.

Centre Square Waterworks (1801-1815)

Latrobe's original system, at Centre Square (now City Hall's location), pumped water from the Schuylkill River using steam engines. However, the system proved expensive to operate and insufficient for the growing city.

Fairmount Dam System

In 1812, the city began constructing a new system at Fairmount (named for the "faire mount" overlooking the river). The key innovation was using the river itself:

• A dam across the Schuylkill created a reservoir
• Waterwheels powered by the dam lifted water to a hilltop reservoir
• Gravity distributed water throughout the city

This system was far more economical than steam power.

Peak Era (1820s-1860s)

By the 1820s, the Fairmount Water Works was a major tourist attraction:

• Over 100,000 visitors annually
• Praised in travel guides and accounts
• Visited by foreign dignitaries and celebrities
• Subject of countless paintings and prints

The grounds featured formal gardens, promenades, and the elegant Greek Revival pump houses that survive today.

Decline

By the late 19th century:

• Industrial pollution contaminated the Schuylkill
• The system could not meet growing demand
• Mechanical filtration became necessary

The Water Works ceased operation in 1909, replaced by modern filtration plants.

Restoration

After decades of neglect, the site was restored in the 1970s-1990s. The Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center opened in 2003 to educate visitors about urban water issues.

Architecture

The Fairmount Water Works is an outstanding example of Greek Revival civic architecture:

Buildings

• Engine House (Old Mill House): Original building housing waterwheels
• Saloon: Public gathering space (now restaurant)
• Caretaker's House: Residence for site supervisor
• New Mill House: Later addition for additional pumping capacity

Design

Designed by Frederick Graff Sr., the buildings feature:

• Classical columns and pediments
• White-painted facades
• Elegant proportions harmonizing with the natural setting
• Integration of functional and aesthetic purposes

Setting

The complex sits on the riverbank beneath the Philadelphia Museum of Art (built later on the hill above). The views of Boathouse Row across the river are among Philadelphia's most iconic.

Interpretive Center

Exhibits

The Water Works Interpretive Center focuses on:

• History of Philadelphia's water supply
• The Schuylkill River watershed
• Water quality and conservation
• Urban environmental challenges
• Interactive exhibits for all ages

Educational Programs

• School field trips
• Watershed workshops
• River ecology programs
• Public lectures and events

Visiting the Water Works

Hours

• Tuesday-Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Closed: Monday
• Holiday hours vary

Admission

Free admission to the interpretive center

Water Works Restaurant

The Water Works Restaurant occupies the historic Engine House:

• Upscale American cuisine
• Outdoor terrace dining (seasonal)
• Views of the Schuylkill and Boathouse Row
• Reservations recommended

Getting There

• SEPTA Bus: Routes 32, 38
• Walking: Behind the Philadelphia Museum of Art via stairs or ramp
• Biking: Kelly Drive trail
• Parking: Limited; use museum parking and walk

What to See

• Interpretive center exhibits
• Historic buildings and machinery
• River and Boathouse Row views
• Statue of Frederick Graff (Water Works designer)
• Connection to Art Museum grounds above

Best Time to Visit

• Sunset: Spectacular lighting on Boathouse Row
• Summer evenings: Outdoor dining and river activity
• Fall: Foliage along the Schuylkill

See Also

• Philadelphia Museum of Art
• Boathouse Row
• Kelly Drive
• Fairmount Park
• Schuylkill River

External Links

• Fairmount Water Works Official Website
• National Park Service
• Visit Philadelphia Guide