Each spring historians, homeowners and curators open their doors to thousands of Philadelphians and expose their hidden treasures and beautiful homes through the Philadelphia Open House Tours. Running now to June 17th, the program offers 27 unique tours in locations throughout Greater Philadelphia.
For more information or to make a reservation call 215-965-7676 or 1-800-537-7676.
May - Homes and Gardens
Queen VillageSaturday, May 5, 2007 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Explore the restored historic homes and former warehouses that have been transformed into postmodern dwellings in this sophisticated, family-oriented community. These delightful homes feature a medley of art, country craft collections, sunlit kitchens, and picturesque gardens that reflect individual homeowner creations of reconstruction and restoration.
In addition to touring these wood-frame homes of the 18th century and contemporary domiciles, participants can explore the beautiful courtyards, quaint alleys, and historic churches in one of Philadelphia’s oldest neighborhoods.
Self-guided Walking $30
Victorian Lansdowne, PA
Saturday, May 5, 2007 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Tour one of Philadelphia’s earliest commuter suburbs and explore two National Register Historic Districts representing the large concentration of Victorian era homes in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
The Districts feature 173 homes rich in architectural variety. Visit a Frank Furness designed Pennsylvania Railroad Station, enter several restored private homes with antique and period furnishings, and receive a guided tour of the stained glass window collection at one of Lansdowne’s early churches.
While touring the neighborhood Historic Districts stop by several Frank Furness designed buildings. Enjoy refreshments at the 1911 Twentieth Century Clubhouse, the former meeting place for women interested in art, suffrage and social issues.
Self-guided Walking Refreshments $30
Society Hill Homes
Sunday, May 6, 2007 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Tour homes in one of Philadelphia’s oldest and most desirable neighborhoods. You will be treated to a dazzling variety of art, furnishings, and antiques when you step inside these magnificent private homes.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Society Hill contains the largest collection of 18th and 19th-century homes in America.
In addition, the neighborhood possesses contemporary dwellings designed by renowned architects, which adds to the richness of its pristine, harmonious streetscape.
Self-guided Walking Refreshments $30
The Splendors of the du Ponts
Wednesday, May 16, 2007 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
On this wonderful trip, you will visit the extraordinary Winterthur Museum and Country Estate, home to one of the finest collections of American decorative arts. Enjoy a tour of Henry Francis du Pont’s mansion.
Explore the exquisite gardens or view the famous collection of Campbell Soup Tureens. Among Winterthur’s nearly 90,000 antiques are some of the finest and rarest quilts from the 17th through the 19th centuries. For the first time ever, 50 of these masterpieces will be on display in the special exhibit, Quilts in a Material World: Selections from the Winterthur Collection. Many of these quilts have never been seen by the public. Quilts in a Material World will reveal the extensive research conducted on these invaluable creations and the national history they represent.
After lunch at the du Pont Country Club, enjoy the gardens of Mt. Cuba, a private 230-acre estate of the late Mr. and Mrs. Lammot du Pont Copeland, which offers one of the most spectacular views of piedmont flora in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Guided Motorcoach Luncheon $80
Washington Square West
Saturday, May 19, 2007 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
In this charmingly diverse neighborhood, you will visit a range of homes built from the 1700s through the late 1900s that exemplify Washington Square West’s strong commitment to innovative architecture throughout the last 250 years. You will view faithful restorations, quaint courtyard gardens, and contemporary living spaces, all filled with an array of art and antiques.
Self-guided Walking Refreshments $25
University City - University City Mansions
Sunday, May 20, 2007 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Will take you inside some of the unique single houses that stand out from the crowd of University City's more typical historic townhouses and twins. Most had notable Philadelphia architects working in architectural styles ranging from Italianate, Queen Anne, French Renaissance, and Garden City revivals and are now used as private homes, b&bs, special purpose schools, condominiums, fraternities and other adaptive reuses.
Self-guided Walking Refreshments $30
May - Arts and Culture
Bryn Athyn: Classic Examples of Medieval European Design
Wednesday, May 9, 2007 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Step back in time as you visit Bryn Athyn, a picturesque 16th-century European town that is located in the suburbs of Philadelphia. Participants will tour Glencairn, the former castle-like home of Raymond and Mildred Pitcairn. Built in the Romanesque style, this marvelous structure showcases one of the world’s most important private collections of medieval art.
This year you will take a private guided tour of the recently restored Cairnwood, the former mansion of John Pitcairn. While in Bryn Athyn, participants will also tour Bryn Athyn Cathedral, a masterwork of architectural art worthy of comparison with the best the Middle Ages ever produced.
Once leaving the town, you will return to the present by visiting the magnificently designed Frank Lloyd Wright Beth Shalom Synagogue.
Guided Motorcoach Luncheon $80
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