The Baldwin School
Lower Merion Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Originally designed as a summer resort hotel by noted architect Frank Furness, this is his last surviving building of its type. Opened in 1890 as the Bryn Mawr Hotel, it was built in a French Chateau style for the Pennsylvania Railroad. The Baldwin School, the preparatory school for girls founded in 1888, leased the building, 1896; became its owner, 1922. This structure replaced an earlier Bryn Mawr Hotel, built here for the PRR about 1871.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
This grand French Chateau-style structure began life in 1890 as the Bryn Mawr Hotel, a summer resort built for the Pennsylvania Railroad and designed by the celebrated architect Frank Furness — his last surviving building of its kind. In 1896 the Baldwin School, a girls' preparatory academy founded in 1888, leased the building, and by 1922 it owned the property outright. The transformation from railroad resort to respected school mirrored the rise of serious academic education for young women.
Why it matters
The building preserves both the work of one of America's most inventive architects and the growth of rigorous college-preparatory education for girls in the late nineteenth century.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- African American Museum in Philadelphia9.8 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- National Constitution Center9.9 mi away · 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Bridgette Mayer9.9 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Visitor Center10.0 mi away · 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center10.0 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Congress Hall10.0 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- American Bandstand6.9 mi away
- Discovery Center at East Park Reservoir7.0 mi away
- Pennsylvania Railroad, Connecting Railway Bridge7.1 mi away
- Philadelphia Zoo7.2 mi away
- Rocky Steps8.1 mi away
- The Universal Sphere8.9 mi away
Food & drink
- Burger King9.8 mi away
- Philly Pretzel Factory9.9 mi away
- Munchie’s Cafe9.9 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- El Azteca9.9 mi away
- Dunkin'9.9 mi away · 634 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Park’s Salad Bar9.9 mi away
Places to stay
- Days Inn Philadelphia Convention Center - Philadelphia9.3 mi away · 1227 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Residence Inn Philadelphia Center City9.4 mi away · 1 East Penn Square, Philadelphia, PA
- The Notary Hotel9.4 mi away · 21 North Juniper Street, Philadelphia
- Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia City Center9.4 mi away · 1201 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Philadelphia - Convention Center, PA9.4 mi away · 1200 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cambria Hotel Philadelphia Downtown - Center City9.4 mi away · 219 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · Frank Furness
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
Bryn Mawr Summer School for Women Workers in Industry
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