20 Best Architectural Buildings in Pennsylvania: A Comprehensive Guide

Pennsylvania boasts a rich tapestry of architectural gems that span centuries and styles.

From historic landmarks to modern marvels, these structures reflect the state’s diverse history and cultural heritage.

What are the best architectural buildings to explore in Pennsylvania?

This article will guide you through the top 20 must-see sites, offering a glimpse into the artistry and ingenuity that define the Keystone State’s built environment.

Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, these architectural wonders promise to captivate and inspire.

1. Fallingwater

Fallingwater is an iconic house designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1935. It is located in the Laurel Highlands of southwest Pennsylvania, about 70 miles southeast of Pittsburgh.

The house is built partly over a waterfall on the Bear Run river.

The design of Fallingwater emphasizes harmony with nature, blending the structure with the surrounding landscape.

Wright’s use of cantilevered terraces creates the illusion of the house floating over the water.

Edgar and Liliane Kaufmann, a Pittsburgh couple, commissioned Wright to create this unique retreat.

Recognized for its innovative design, Fallingwater is celebrated as a masterpiece of organic architecture by the American Institute of Architects. Learn more about Fallingwater’s design and history here.

2. The Barnes Foundation

The Barnes Foundation, located on Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia, is a masterpiece designed by Tod Williams and Billie Tsien.

Originally housed in Merion, Pennsylvania, the collection moved to its current 93,000 square-foot, LEED Platinum building in 2012.

The design features two long limestone sections that form an “L” shape, creating a serene gallery in a garden atmosphere.

3. Philadelphia City Hall

Philadelphia City Hall stands as a prime example of Second Empire architecture.

Designed by John McArthur Jr. and Thomas Ustick Walter, the building was constructed from 1871 to 1901.

The tower, which remains a notable feature, was completed in 1894. It was originally intended to be the tallest building in the world.

The building is located at the heart of Philadelphia, marking it as an iconic landmark. More information about Philadelphia City Hall can be found here.

4. Pennsylvania State Capitol

The Pennsylvania State Capitol is in downtown Harrisburg.

This building, designed by Joseph Miller Huston in 1902, showcases a Beaux-Arts style with Renaissance themes.

The Capitol features a stunning dome inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

Visitors can explore its murals, sculptures, and stained glass.

The State Capitol houses the legislative chambers for the General Assembly, making it a key site in Pennsylvania’s government.

Guided tours are available for those interested in its rich history and architecture.

5. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Kentuck Knob

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Kentuck Knob, also known as the Hagan House, is nestled on a hillside in the Laurel Highlands of western Pennsylvania.

Designed to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings, the house features a crescent-shaped Usonian design.

Built between 1953 and 1956 for I.N. and Bernardine Hagan, Kentuck Knob boasts cantilevered overhangs and expansive glass walls.

These elements integrate the interior with the scenic landscape, creating a serene and cohesive environment.

Visitors to Kentuck Knob can experience Wright’s architectural genius firsthand and appreciate the harmony between the house and nature.

6. Cathedral of Learning

The Cathedral of Learning is a 42-story skyscraper at the University of Pittsburgh.

It stands at 535 feet tall, making it the tallest educational building in the Western Hemisphere.

Completed in 1931, the Cathedral showcases Late Gothic Revival architecture.

It features soaring vaults and intricate sculptural details, notably in the Commons Room, which feels like a true cathedral.

The building also contains theme rooms based on different countries, adding cultural variety to its academic functions.

7. Beth Sholom Synagogue

Beth Sholom Synagogue in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, is the only synagogue designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

This unique building was completed in 1959 and is noted for its modernist design.

The synagogue stands out for its translucent walls, which create an ethereal glow inside.

Located just nine miles north of Center City Philadelphia, Beth Sholom has been recognized as a National Historic Landmark since 2007.

8. Eastern State Penitentiary

Eastern State Penitentiary, established in 1829, was designed by British architect John Haviland.

It was one of the largest and most expensive public structures of its time, costing $750,000.

Located in Philadelphia, it was the world’s first full-scale penitentiary. Its innovative solitary confinement system aimed to foster penitence in inmates.

The penitentiary is also known for its Gothic architecture, including imposing cell blocks and massive stone walls.

You can learn more about its architectural significance here.

9. The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts

The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts is a key cultural hub in Philadelphia.

Designed by Rafael Viñoly, it opened in 2001.

The center hosts the Philadelphia Orchestra in the Verizon Hall and various performances in the Perelman Theater.

Located on the Avenue of the Arts, the Kimmel Center features a distinctive architectural design.

Its glass roof covers Commonwealth Plaza, creating an indoor public space. The building incorporates brick, steel, and concrete, which adds to its modern aesthetic.

The Kimmel Center is renowned for its impressive acoustics and flexible performance spaces. It remains a vibrant part of Philadelphia’s cultural scene.

10. Independence Hall

Independence Hall in Philadelphia is one of the most significant buildings in American history.

Both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and adopted here.

Construction began in 1732, and the building was completed by 1753. It features Georgian architecture, with a red brick facade and a wooden steeple.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, Independence Hall is a centerpiece of the Independence National Historical Park. It remains a powerful symbol of freedom and democracy.

11. University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology

The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology is located on Penn’s campus in the University City neighborhood of Philadelphia.

Known for its vast collection of artifacts, the museum attracts scholars and visitors from around the world.

Founded in 1887, the museum showcases objects from various ancient civilizations.

The exhibits include ancient Egyptian artifacts, Etruscan gold, and Mesopotamian artifacts. This institution combines archaeology with anthropology to explore human history.

The museum offers numerous educational programs, such as anthropology camps and scout programs, contributing to its reputation as a center for learning and discovery.

12. Heinz Memorial Chapel

Heinz Memorial Chapel, located on the University of Pittsburgh campus, showcases a stunning neo-Gothic design.

The building features high ceilings, stone vaults, and extensive use of glass, embodying the style of American academic and religious architecture from the early 20th century.

Designed by Charles Z. Klauder, the chapel was constructed between 1933 and 1938 as a gift from Henry John Heinz to honor his mother, Anna Margaretha Heinz.

The chapel stands near the Cathedral of Learning, yet its elegant design ensures it remains a significant landmark on campus.

13. Ben Franklin Bridge

The Ben Franklin Bridge, originally named the Delaware River Bridge, connects Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Camden, New Jersey.

Completed in 1926, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time, with a span of 1,750 feet.

Designed by Paul Philippe Cret, this iconic structure is now a major vehicular route across the Delaware River.

More details can be found here.

14. Pittsburgh’s PPG Place

PPG Place is a prominent complex in downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

It consists of six buildings spanning three city blocks and five and a half acres.

Designed by architects Philip Johnson and John Burgee, PPG Place is known for its distinctive glass facade. The tallest building in the complex stands at 40 stories.

PPG Place is often described as the crown jewel of Pittsburgh’s skyline.

The complex is made up of 231 glass pinnacles that glow at night. The overall design blends modernity with Gothic-inspired elements.

15. The Athenaeum of Philadelphia

The Athenaeum of Philadelphia, established in 1814, is a key architectural landmark in Pennsylvania.

This institution, initially created as a member-supported library, has evolved over time.

Its building, which is a National Historic Landmark, is known for its beautiful Reading Rooms and unique collections.

The Athenaeum not only preserves historical architecture but also offers tours to visitors interested in learning more about its history.

The architectural archives at the Athenaeum celebrate Philadelphia’s rich history in urban planning and historic preservation.

These collections are valued by scholars, students, and practitioners alike for their depth and variety. Learn more at the Athenæum of Philadelphia.

16. Pittsburgh’s Union Station

Pittsburgh’s Union Station, also known as Pennsylvania Station or Penn Station, is a historic landmark in Downtown Pittsburgh.

It opened in 1903 and features a glamorous rotunda made of grayish-brown terra cotta.

Designed by Daniel Burnham, Union Station earned a spot on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1976. The rotunda was added earlier in 1973, reflecting the station’s architectural significance.

Union Station remains one of Pittsburgh’s most remarkable structures, attracting both history enthusiasts and architecture lovers.

17. Rodin Museum

The Rodin Museum in Philadelphia is home to one of the largest collections of Auguste Rodin’s works outside Paris.

The museum opened in 1929 and is administered by the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Designed by Paul P. Cret, the building features a Beaux-Arts style inspired by Rodin’s studio in Paris.

The beautiful French gardens surrounding the museum add to its serene atmosphere.

The collection includes nearly 150 objects, such as bronzes, marbles, and plasters from every phase of Rodin’s career.

Visitors can also see a re-creation of Rodin’s tomb and his famous sculpture, The Thinker. Explore more about the museum here.

18. Philo Farnsworth’s The Franklin Institute

The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia is renowned for its contributions to science and technology.

It houses exhibits and displays highlighting significant scientific advancements.

Philo Taylor Farnsworth, a television pioneer, showcased his work at the Franklin Institute.

In 1934, he demonstrated his electronic television system during a live broadcast event, creating significant public interest.

Visitors to the Franklin Institute can still admire the impact of Farnsworth’s innovation today.

The institute remains a key destination for understanding the evolution of technology and science in America.

19. Elfreth’s Alley

Elfreth’s Alley is the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in America. Located in the Old City neighborhood of Philadelphia, this historic street dates back to 1703.

It features 32 houses built between 1703 and 1836.

The street bears the name of Jeremiah Elfreth, a blacksmith and property owner who lived there. The architecture showcases the early colonial era with well-preserved brick row homes.

In 1934, the Elfreth’s Alley Association was founded to preserve its historical nature. The Elfreth’s Alley Museum, located at 126 Elfreth’s Alley, offers a glimpse into the lives of its early residents.

20. Mutter Museum Building

The Mutter Museum Building, located in the Center City area of Philadelphia, is part of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia. It opened in 1858, housing a collection donated by Dr. Thomas Dent Mütter.

Inside, visitors find anatomical and pathological specimens, wax models, and antique medical instruments. The museum aims to educate the public about the beauty and strangeness of the human body. Learn more about it here.

Historical Significance of Pennsylvania Architecture

Pennsylvania’s architecture is deeply rooted in its rich history, boasting influences from various periods. Two key architectural styles—Colonial and Georgian-Federal—reflect important aspects of the state’s development and heritage.

Colonial Era Buildings

Colonial architecture in Pennsylvania dates back to the late 17th and early 18th centuries. These buildings were primarily constructed by European settlers and often reflected the styles from their homelands.

Materials: Early colonial buildings were typically made with locally sourced materials. Common choices included wood and stone.

Stone houses and barns remain a distinctive feature of the Pennsylvania landscape.

Design: These structures often featured steep roofs, large chimneys, and small windows. Many buildings used simple, symmetrical designs. Practicality and functionality were key considerations.

Notable Examples: One prominent example is the Keith House in Horsham. Built in 1722, it captures the essence of early colonial design with its stone construction and simplistic elegance.

Another is the John Bartram House in Philadelphia, which was home to America’s first botanist and combines colonial elements with naturalistic influences.

Georgian and Federal Styles

The Georgian and Federal styles became prevalent in Pennsylvania during the 18th and early 19th centuries. These styles signified a shift toward more formal and decorative architecture.

Georgian Style: This style, popular in the mid-18th century, is characterized by its symmetry and classic proportions. It often features expanded windows, brick facades, and detailed woodwork.

The Powel House in Philadelphia, built in 1765, is a prime example of Georgian architecture with its grand windows and formal entrance.

Federal Style: Emerging soon after the American Revolution, the Federal style evolved from Georgian but introduced more decorative elements.

Buildings in this style often included elliptical windows, ornamental ironwork, and more intricate interior moldings.

An example is the Lemon Hill Mansion in Philadelphia, which showcases rounded rooms and delicate woodwork.

Influence of Modern Architecture

Modern architecture has left a strong mark on Pennsylvania, thanks to visionary architects and groundbreaking designs. From historical landmarks by Frank Furness to contemporary marvels, the state boasts outstanding examples of modernist architecture.

Key Modernist Architects

Frank Furness is considered a pivotal figure in Pennsylvania’s architectural history. His work on the PAFA Historic Landmark Building brought modern concepts to the forefront in the U.S.

Furness’s designs often featured bold, dramatic elements that challenged traditional forms.

Louis Sullivan, often called the Father of Modernism, also had an influence, particularly with buildings designed in the 1930s. His philosophy of “form follows function” became a foundational principle of modern architecture.

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s work, such as the Mellon Hall of Science in Pittsburgh, exemplifies the modernist emphasis on simplicity and functionalism.

These architects helped shape Pennsylvania’s architecture and left a lasting legacy.

Notable Contemporary Structures

Several contemporary structures in Pennsylvania highlight the ongoing influence of modern architecture.

The Fisher Fine Arts Library at the University of Pennsylvania, designed by Frank Furness, is noted for its striking red brick façade and innovative use of space.

Another key building is the Pennsylvania State Museum and Archives Complex, a mid-century modern marvel recognized for its sleek and functional design. This complex showcases the state’s commitment to preserving both history and modernist principles.

These buildings not only stand as testaments to modernist architecture but also continue to inspire new generations of architects.