Walking Tour: The Modern before Modern Architecture

Join William Whitaker, curator of the Weitzman School’s Architectural Archives, for a walking tour of Center City with a specific focus on the architecture of the Roaring Twenties and Early Thirties. This is a fascinating period during which Philadelphia’s architects are active and engaged in the question of what it meant to be “modern”. Their thoughts on the subject – in terms of built work – are vividly seen today in the surviving commercial and corporate buildings along Walnut and Chestnut Streets. Along the way, we’ll talk about buildings, the city and clients, and, perhaps most importantly, about teaching yourself how to “see” details of interest in the world around you.

Current students & Faculty are invited to attend, registration is required. 
MEETING POINT: in front of the Architectural Archives entrance on the Weitzman Plaza steps to 34th street.  We suggest participants arrive about 10 minutes before the tour start time and to wear good walking shoes! We invite you to bring water or a snack if they like. Participants should take care of any personal needs before we start the tour. There are bathrooms that you can use in Meyerson Hall, once the tour starts it will be difficult to find a site that allows visitors to use the restrooms.