Frank Furness (1839-1912)
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
A nationally influential architect, his forceful designs and bold use of industrial materials helped shape American modernism. His works include the Pa. Academy of Fine Arts and U. of Penn Library. Apprentice to Richard Morris Hunt and mentor to Louis Sullivan, Furness was born here.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Born in Philadelphia in 1839, Frank Furness became one of the most original architects of Gilded Age America, designing muscular, unmistakable buildings that reveled in the raw industrial materials of his age. His masterpieces include the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and the University of Pennsylvania library. Trained under Richard Morris Hunt and serving as mentor to a young Louis Sullivan, Furness helped forge a lineage that led toward a genuinely American modern architecture.
Why it matters
Furness stands as a crucial bridge between European tradition and American modernism, and through his protégé Sullivan his influence reached the very roots of the skyscraper and modern design.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Bridgette Mayer0.7 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Congress Hall0.9 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Hall0.9 mi away · 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center0.9 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Philosophical Hall0.9 mi away · PA
- Old City Hall0.9 mi away · Philadelphia
Attractions
- One Liberty Observation Deck0.5 mi away
- Italian market0.6 mi away · Christian Street
- Reading Terminal0.7 mi away
- The Universal Sphere0.7 mi away
- Chinatown Friendship Gate0.8 mi away · 10th and Arch Street
- Liberty Bell0.9 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Food & drink
- Talula's Garden0.7 mi away · 210 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Daily0.7 mi away · 208 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Fat Salmon0.7 mi away · 719 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Munchie’s Cafe0.7 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Maya's Pizza & Grill0.7 mi away · 716 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philly Pretzel Factory0.7 mi away
Places to stay
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City0.2 mi away · 237 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Fairfield Inn & Suites0.2 mi away · 261 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cambria Hotel Philadelphia Downtown - Center City0.2 mi away · 219 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Alexander Inn0.3 mi away · 301 301 South 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, Philadelphia, PA
- Holiday Inn Express0.3 mi away · 1305-11 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Loews Philadelphia Hotel0.5 mi away · 1200 Market Street, Philadelphia
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Related people
- · Frank Furness
- · Louis Sullivan
- · Richard Morris Hunt
Themes & tags
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