Located at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, the Fisher Fine Arts Library is a masterpiece of architectural design.
Designed by Frank Furness, this striking building captivates visitors with its fiery red brick facade and elaborate Venetian Gothic style.
The Fisher Fine Arts Library stands out as an iconic structure on Penn’s campus and has been recognized as a National Historic Landmark.
Constructed between 1888 and 1890, the library served as the primary hub for the university’s collections until 1962.
Frank Furness, the renowned Philadelphia architect, combined elements of fortress and cathedral in creating a space that not only housed books but also inspired creativity and study.
Today, it continues to serve as a vital part of the university, housing a vast array of resources on art and architecture.
The rich history and stunning design of the Fisher Fine Arts Library make it a must-see destination for architecture enthusiasts.
Its dramatic contrasts with other campus buildings highlight the unique vision of Furness and the lasting impact of his work.
Explore the intricacies of the library’s design and discover why it remains a significant piece of Philadelphia’s architectural landscape.
Historical Context and Significance
The Fisher Fine Arts Library is a notable example of Victorian and Venetian Gothic architecture, designed by Frank Furness in 1891.
It is recognized for its innovative design and cultural impact, and its designation as a National Historic Landmark.
Architectural Innovations
Frank Furness’s design for the Fisher Fine Arts Library combines elements of Venetian Gothic and Victorian styles.
The building features red sandstone, brick, and terra-cotta materials.
The library’s structure brilliantly merges aspects of both a fortress and a cathedral. This combination showcases Furness’s ability to blend function with form.
The library was the primary library for the University of Pennsylvania until 1962.
Its design includes lofty ceilings and large windows, which bring in ample natural light.
The innovative layout facilitates efficient movement and accessibility within the building.
Furness as a Cultural Icon
Frank Furness was a prominent Philadelphia architect in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
His work on the Fisher Fine Arts Library solidified his status as a cultural icon.
Furness’s unique architectural style is evident in the library’s bold forms and intricate detailing.
His design philosophy emphasized both practicality and grandeur.
The building’s functional spaces reflect this, accommodating large collections and research activities.
Furness’s influence extends beyond the library, as he designed numerous other significant buildings in Pennsylvania and beyond.
Designation as a Landmark
In 1985, the Fisher Fine Arts Library was designated a National Historic Landmark.
This recognition highlights its architectural and historical significance.
The library’s status as a landmark ensures its preservation for future generations.
A comprehensive restoration project, costing $16.5 million, was completed in 1991.
This restoration preserved the building’s original design while updating it for modern use.
The Fisher Fine Arts Library remains a vital part of the University of Pennsylvania campus and an architectural treasure in Philadelphia.
Its place on the National Register of Historic Places underscores its importance in American history and architecture.
Anatomy of the Building
The Fisher Fine Arts Library in Philadelphia is an architectural marvel, featuring a fascinating blend of Gothic and Victorian styles. Its design includes a mix of materials and decorative elements that give it a unique character.
Exterior Design
The library’s exterior combines brick, sandstone, and terracotta to create a stunning visual.
The reddish hue of the sandstone and the intricate terracotta work highlight its Venetian Gothic style.
Designed by Frank Furness, the building resembles a fortress with its robust and defensive appearance.
Gargoyles adorn the facade, giving the building a whimsical yet foreboding look.
Iron accents add contrast to the soft stone materials.
The architectural details are both ornate and massive, making a bold statement.
The combination of these materials creates a visually striking and historically rich exterior.
Interior Spaces
Inside, the Main Reading Room is the heart of the library.
Known for its grand Rotunda Reading Room, this space features leaded glass windows that allow natural light to filter in, creating an inviting atmosphere for study and reflection.
The iron and woodwork in this area are particularly ornate, reflecting Furness’s attention to detail.
The interior also includes elaborately carved stairs and other intricate features, showcasing the craftsmanship of the period.
The vast interior spaces, totaling 65,026 square feet, are thoughtfully divided to support various library functions and collections, adding to its functionality and beauty.
Expansion and Renovation
In the late 20th century, the library underwent significant renovations to preserve its historical integrity while updating it for modern use.
The restoration, overseen by Venturi, Scott Brown and Associates, included the addition of the Duhring Wing, which seamlessly blends with the original structure.
This expansion was crucial for accommodating the growing needs of the Anne and Jerome Fisher Fine Arts Library.
The renovation not only restored original elements but also integrated new features, such as updated lighting and climate control systems, to protect the library’s valuable collections.
The careful balance between old and new ensures that the library remains a functional yet historic landmark.
Collections and Resources
The Fisher Fine Arts Library at the University of Pennsylvania offers a wide array of collections that support various fields such as art, architecture, and urban design. These resources are designed to cater to the needs of students, researchers, and professionals alike.
Library Holdings
The library’s main holdings include an extensive collection of monographs and journals.
These materials cover a broad spectrum of subjects, including art, architecture, urban design, and historic preservation.
The library also provides a rich array of reference materials that are indispensable for detailed research and academic work.
Electronic resources and image databases are another key component, offering digital access to a vast number of documents and images.
These resources are essential for modern research, ensuring that users can access critical information remotely.
The Fisher Fine Arts Library is particularly renowned for its in-depth collections on city planning and the decorative arts.
Special Collections
The Fisher Fine Arts Library also boasts several special collections that are of great interest to scholars.
Among these are rare books and unique monographs that delve into specific areas of art and architecture. These rare items offer invaluable insights that are not found in more commonly available texts.
Additionally, the library houses a special collection of historic photographs, which are crucial for the study of architecture and urban planning.
The permanent reserves collection, located behind the circulation desk, includes particularly rare and valuable items.
These resources play a significant role in the academic and research life of the University of Pennsylvania, making the Fisher Fine Arts Library a vital institution for anyone in these fields.
Impact and Legacy
The Fisher Fine Arts Library is not just a historical building but also a vital part of architectural, educational, and preservation efforts. Through its design and influence, it has left a lasting impression on the structures and educational practices around it.
Architectural Influence
Frank Furness designed the Fisher Fine Arts Library between 1886 and 1891.
Its striking red sandstone, brick, and terra-cotta Venetian Gothic style was both innovative and controversial.
This design starkly contrasts with the nearby green stone and academic Gothic details of College Hall.
The library has inspired other architectural works, including contributions by Louis Kahn, a notable architect affiliated with Penn.
The building itself has become a National Historic Landmark, ensuring its influence will endure.
The renovation by Venturi, Scott Brown and Associates between 1985 and 1991 further cemented its architectural significance, blending contemporary and historical styles.
Educational Role
The Fisher Fine Arts Library has played a crucial educational role at Penn.
From its construction to the present day, it served as the primary library from 1891 to 1962.
It was designed to support the studies of art, architecture, historic preservation, and urban design.
It houses key collections such as the Perkins Architectural Collection and more than 380,000 digital images.
The library implements the Dewey Decimal System, a scheme developed by Melvil Dewey, making it easier for students and researchers to locate resources.
Today, it continues to support research and learning for Penn affiliates and visitors.
Preservation Efforts
Preserving the Fisher Fine Arts Library has been a priority to maintain its historical and educational significance.
The library underwent a significant restoration from 1985 to 1991 led by Venturi, Scott Brown and Associates. This restoration aimed to maintain its historical integrity while upgrading its facilities.
Regular maintenance and targeted preservation projects ensure that the building remains a functional and inspirational space.
The Fisher Fine Arts Library’s status as a National Historic Landmark also helps secure funding and grants, aiding ongoing preservation efforts.
Collaborations with institutions like the University Museum emphasize the commitment to preserving this architectural gem for future generations.