Joseph Huston (1866-1940)
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Oaks Cloister, built in 1900, was the home and studio of Philadelphia born Huston, architect of the PA Capitol. His Tudor home incorporates architectural elements and artwork by many capitol artists. He began his career with Furness and Evans, starting his firm in 1895.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
At the dawn of the 20th century, Philadelphia-born architect Joseph Huston built Oaks Cloister as his own home and studio, folding into its Tudor design the architectural details and artwork of the very craftsmen he would soon marshal for a far grander project. Trained in the influential Philadelphia firm of Furness and Evans before striking out on his own in 1895, Huston went on to design the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg, a Beaux-Arts landmark whose lavish decoration reflected the collaborative artistry glimpsed in his private residence.
Why it matters
Huston embodied the Gilded Age ideal of the architect as impresario, uniting sculptors, muralists, and craftsmen into a unified civic vision—an approach that produced one of America's most ornate statehouses.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- African American Museum in Philadelphia5.5 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- National Constitution Center5.5 mi away · 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Visitor Center5.7 mi away · 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Betsy Ross House5.7 mi away · 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Museum of Illusions Philadelphia5.8 mi away · 401 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center5.8 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
Attractions
- Discovery Center at East Park Reservoir3.2 mi away
- Pennsylvania Railroad, Connecting Railway Bridge3.7 mi away
- Philadelphia Zoo4.0 mi away
- Harbison's Dairy Milk Bottle4.3 mi away
- Rocky Steps4.4 mi away
- Philly Gun Range4.9 mi away · North Percy Street
Food & drink
- Burger King5.7 mi away
- Independence Mall Cafe5.7 mi away · 50 North Independence Mall East, Philadelphia
- Dunkin'5.7 mi away · 634 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- La Colombe Coffee Roasters5.7 mi away
- Philly Pretzel Factory5.7 mi away
- Time & Peace5.7 mi away · 36 South 7th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Days Inn Philadelphia Convention Center - Philadelphia5.2 mi away · 1227 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia City Center5.2 mi away · 1201 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Clarion Suites Philadelphia5.3 mi away · 1010 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Sleep Inn Center City5.4 mi away · 1020 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Philadelphia - Convention Center, PA5.4 mi away · 1200 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- The Notary Hotel5.4 mi away · 21 North Juniper Street, Philadelphia
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Related people
- · Joseph Huston
Themes & tags
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