Beth Sholom Synagogue
Cheltenham Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and built with the collaboration of Rabbi Mortimer J. Cohen, this National Historic Landmark was completed in 1959. Wright's only synagogue evokes the biblical Mt. Sinai in modern materials of concrete, steel, aluminum, and glass.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Completed in 1959, Beth Sholom Synagogue is the only house of worship designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, created in close collaboration with Rabbi Mortimer J. Cohen. Its soaring, luminous form — built of concrete, steel, aluminum, and glass — was conceived to evoke the biblical Mount Sinai in modern materials. The building stands today as a National Historic Landmark.
Why it matters
It represents the meeting of America's greatest architect with a congregation's spiritual vision, a singular fusion of modernist design and religious tradition.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- National Constitution Center8.9 mi away · 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- African American Museum in Philadelphia9.0 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Betsy Ross House9.0 mi away · 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Illadelph Glass Gallery9.0 mi away · 68 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Muse Gallery9.1 mi away · 52 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Larry Becker Contemporary Art9.1 mi away · 43 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- Harbison's Dairy Milk Bottle6.9 mi away
- Discovery Center at East Park Reservoir7.7 mi away
- Pennsylvania Railroad, Connecting Railway Bridge8.1 mi away
- Philly Gun Range8.4 mi away · North Percy Street
- Philadelphia Zoo8.4 mi away
- Rocky Steps8.6 mi away
Food & drink
- Independence Mall Cafe9.1 mi away · 50 North Independence Mall East, Philadelphia
- Bubble Tea Room9.1 mi away · 319 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- 3J's Cafe9.1 mi away · 317 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Dunkin'9.2 mi away · 634 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- La Colombe Coffee Roasters9.2 mi away
- PrimoHoagies9.2 mi away · 304 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia City Center8.9 mi away · 1201 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Days Inn Philadelphia Convention Center - Philadelphia8.9 mi away · 1227 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Clarion Suites Philadelphia8.9 mi away · 1010 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Sleep Inn Center City8.9 mi away · 1020 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Holiday Inn Express Philadelphia E - Penns Landing9.0 mi away · 100 North Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Philadelphia - Convention Center, PA9.0 mi away · 1200 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · Frank Lloyd Wright
- · Rabbi Mortimer J. Cohen
Themes & tags
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