Masonic Temple Philadelphia
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
The 1873 Masonic Temple, a National Historic Landmark, is home to the Grand Lodge of Pa. Its lodge rooms, featuring varied architectural themes, and its stonework are widely acclaimed. Its prominence in size and location reflects Free-masonry's importance in American history.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Completed in 1873, Philadelphia's Masonic Temple rises near City Hall as one of the great monuments to American Freemasonry. Home to the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, its interior unfolds as a tour of architectural styles, with lodge rooms evoking Egyptian, Gothic, Renaissance, and other themes, all wrapped in acclaimed stonework. Its scale and prominent setting reflect the fraternity's deep influence in the civic and social life of nineteenth-century America.
Why it matters
A National Historic Landmark, the Temple embodies the outsized role Freemasonry played in shaping American civic culture, counting many of the nation's founders and leaders among its members.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- African American Museum in Philadelphia0.5 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- National Constitution Center0.7 mi away · 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Visitor Center0.7 mi away · 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Bridgette Mayer0.7 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center0.7 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Congress Hall0.7 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- Reading Terminal0.2 mi away
- Chinatown Friendship Gate0.3 mi away · 10th and Arch Street
- One Liberty Observation Deck0.4 mi away
- The Universal Sphere0.4 mi away
- Philly Gun Range0.6 mi away · North Percy Street
- President's House0.7 mi away
Food & drink
- Burger King0.5 mi away
- Philly Pretzel Factory0.6 mi away
- Munchie’s Cafe0.6 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Dunkin'0.6 mi away · 634 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- El Azteca0.6 mi away
- Time & Peace0.6 mi away · 36 South 7th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Days Inn Philadelphia Convention Center - Philadelphianearby · 1227 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia City Center0.1 mi away · 1201 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Philadelphia - Convention Center, PA0.1 mi away · 1200 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- The Notary Hotel0.2 mi away · 21 North Juniper Street, Philadelphia
- Residence Inn Philadelphia Center City0.2 mi away · 1 East Penn Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Philadelphia Marriott Downtown0.2 mi away · 1201 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Themes & tags
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