Robert Cornelius
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
This metallurgist and brass founder opened one of the world's first photographic studios here in the spring of 1840. His collaboration with chemist Paul Beck Goddard in successful experiments to reduce exposure times made it possible to use the camera in portraiture.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
In the spring of 1840, only months after photography was announced to an astonished world, the Philadelphia metallurgist and brass founder Robert Cornelius opened one of its very first commercial studios here. Working with chemist Paul Beck Goddard, he found ways to shorten exposure times dramatically — the breakthrough that made it possible to sit for a portrait without holding still for agonizing minutes. Cornelius had already made himself one of the first people ever photographed.
Why it matters
His work helped turn the camera from a curiosity into an everyday tool of American life, democratizing the portrait once reserved for those who could afford a painter.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Bridgette Mayer0.2 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center0.2 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Congress Hall0.2 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Visitor Center0.2 mi away · 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- African American Museum in Philadelphia0.2 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Hall0.2 mi away · 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- President's House0.2 mi away
- Liberty Bell0.2 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Chinatown Friendship Gate0.3 mi away · 10th and Arch Street
- Second Bank of the United States0.3 mi away · 420 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Benjamin Franklin Grave0.3 mi away
- U.S. Mint at Philadelphia Tour0.3 mi away
Food & drink
- Burger Kingnearby
- Philly Pretzel Factorynearby
- Munchie’s Cafenearby · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Time & Peacenearby · 36 South 7th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- El Aztecanearby
- Lamberti Pizza & Marketnearby · 707 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- AKA Washington Square0.1 mi away · 834 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Morris House Hotel0.2 mi away · 225 South 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Hilton Garden Inn Philadelphia Center City0.3 mi away · 1100 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown Hotel0.3 mi away · 401 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- ROOST East Market0.3 mi away
- Sleep Inn Center City0.3 mi away · 1020 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · Robert Cornelius
- · Paul Beck Goddard
Themes & tags
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