The Barrymores
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Three famous actors, Philadelphia-born, were the third generation of this "Royal Family of the American Stage." Lionel (1878-1954), Ethel (1879-1959), and John (1882-1942) performed on stage, screen, radio. Their grandparents, the Drews, managed the Arch St. Theatre here.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Philadelphia gave the American stage its most celebrated dynasty: Lionel, Ethel, and John Barrymore, the dazzling third generation of a theatrical family often called the "Royal Family of the American Stage." Their grandparents, the Drews, ran the storied Arch Street Theatre here, steeping the children in footlights from birth. The three siblings carried the family gift from live theater into the new worlds of film and radio across the first half of the 20th century.
Why it matters
The Barrymores embodied the transition of American performance from the 19th-century stage to the age of film and radio, and their name still stands as shorthand for theatrical royalty.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- National Constitution Centernearby · 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Visitor Centernearby · 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- African American Museum in Philadelphianearby · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History0.2 mi away · 101 South Independence Mall East, Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center0.2 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Museum of Illusions Philadelphia0.2 mi away · 401 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- Benjamin Franklin Grave0.1 mi away
- U.S. Mint at Philadelphia Tour0.1 mi away
- President's House0.2 mi away
- Liberty Bell0.2 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Second Bank of the United States0.3 mi away · 420 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Chinatown Friendship Gate0.3 mi away · 10th and Arch Street
Food & drink
- Independence Mall Cafenearby · 50 North Independence Mall East, Philadelphia
- La Colombe Coffee Roasters0.2 mi away
- Dunkin'0.2 mi away · 634 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Burger King0.2 mi away
- Time & Peace0.2 mi away · 36 South 7th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- LaScala's0.3 mi away · 615 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District0.2 mi away · 400 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown Hotel0.3 mi away · 401 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Best Western Plus Independence Park Hotel0.4 mi away · 237 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- AKA Washington Square0.4 mi away · 834 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Clarion Suites Philadelphia0.4 mi away · 1010 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Apple Hostels Philadelphia0.4 mi away · 32 South Bank Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
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Related people
- · Lionel Barrymore
- · Ethel Barrymore
- · John Barrymore
Themes & tags
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