Historic Sites & Landmarks

Centennial Arboretum

Centennial Arboretum, Montgomery Drive, Philadelphia, PA, United States

The Centennial Arboretum contains specimen trees and shrubs from Asia, Europe, and North America. Many were planted in 1876 for the American Centennial Exposition. Nearby is the traditional-style Shofuso Japanese House and Garden brought to Philadelphia in 1957.

Belmont Pumping Station

The original Belmont Pumping Station was built in 1869. It contained steam engines and pumps that provided river water to West Philadelphia.

Concourse Lake

Concourse Lake is a stormwater reservoir in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia. The lake is part of the Park’s Centennial District, the 236 acres where ten million people celebrated the nation’s hundredth anniversary in 1876.

Smith Memorial Arch (1897-1912) Various artists

Built on the former grounds of the 1876 Centennial Exposition, the memorial is comprised of nine busts, three figures, and two equestrians.

Catholic Total Abstinence Fountain

Built for the 1876 Centennial Exhibition as an ornamental fountain and drinking fountain, the name refers to a total abstinence from alcohol.

Memorial Hall – Please Touch Museum

Please Touch Museum, Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA, United States

In 1876, the Centennial Exhibition, the first major World’s Fair held in the United States, celebrated the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Shofuso Japanese House & Garden

Shofuso Japanese House and Garden, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Shofuso in its present incarnation was built in Nagoya, Japan in 1953, using traditional materials and techniques, exhibited at MoMA as part of “The House in the Museum Garden” series, and moved to the temple gate site in Philadelphia when the exhibition closed in 1958.

Belmont Mansion

2000 Belmont Mansion DrivePhiladelphia, PA 19131United States

Belmont Mansion is a historic mansion located in Fairmount Park in Philadelphia. Built in the early 18th century, the mansion is one of the finest examples of Palladian architecture in the United States.

Boelsen Cottage

Historians believe this to be one of the oldest houses in Pennsylvania. Dutch and Swedish architectural influences include a barnlike four-sided gambrel roof, arched chimney supports and small windows that open toward the outside.Closed to the public.

Cedar Grove

1 Cedar Grove Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19131, USA

Originally located in the Frankford section of Philadelphia, Cedar Grove was moved to Fairmount Park, stone by stone, in 1926-28. Currently operated by the Philadelphia Museum of Art, this house is open for tours.