Paul Philippe Cret (1876-1945)
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
A celebrated architect and civic planner, Cret lived after 1911 here at 516 Woodland Terrace in this block of Italianate villas built in 1861. His legacy includes the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, Rodin Museum, and (in Washington, DC) the Folger Library.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
French-born and French-trained, Paul Philippe Cret settled in Philadelphia and became one of America's most influential architects and civic planners in the early 20th century. From his home in this block of 1861 Italianate villas on Woodland Terrace, he shaped landmark works including the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, the Rodin Museum, and Washington's Folger Shakespeare Library. His refined, classically grounded designs left a lasting mark on the American cityscape.
Why it matters
Cret helped define the dignified public architecture of early 20th-century America, one of many European-trained talents whose immigration enriched the nation's civic and cultural life.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Bridgette Mayer2.7 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- African American Museum in Philadelphia2.8 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Congress Hall2.9 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center2.9 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Independence Hall2.9 mi away · 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Visitor Center2.9 mi away · 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- American Bandstand0.8 mi away
- Philadelphia Zoo1.6 mi away
- Rocky Steps1.7 mi away
- The Universal Sphere1.9 mi away
- Pennsylvania Railroad, Connecting Railway Bridge1.9 mi away
- One Liberty Observation Deck1.9 mi away
Food & drink
- Munchie’s Cafe2.7 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philly Pretzel Factory2.7 mi away
- Burger King2.7 mi away
- Talula's Garden2.7 mi away · 210 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Daily2.7 mi away · 208 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Fat Salmon2.7 mi away · 719 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City2.1 mi away · 237 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cambria Hotel Philadelphia Downtown - Center City2.2 mi away · 219 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Holiday Inn Express2.2 mi away · 1305-11 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Fairfield Inn & Suites2.2 mi away · 261 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Residence Inn Philadelphia Center City2.3 mi away · 1 East Penn Square, Philadelphia, PA
- The Notary Hotel2.3 mi away · 21 North Juniper Street, Philadelphia
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
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Related people
- · Paul Philippe Cret
Themes & tags
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