Fisher Fine Arts Library, Philadelphia
The Fisher Fine Arts Library served as the main library for the University of Pennsylvania from 1891 to 1962. It was an impressive architectural creation designed by the renowned Philadelphia architect Frank Furness (1839鈥�1912). This imposing structure, constructed from red sandstone, brick, and terra-cotta in the Venetian Gothic style, combined elements of a fortress and a cathedral. Construction began with the laying of the cornerstone in October 1888, and it was finished in late 1890, with the official dedication taking place in February 1891.
The library's uniqueness stemmed from its innovative layout, featuring a central tower staircase as the main access to its five stories. The Main Reading Room, a spacious four-story area enclosed by brick and terra-cotta, was separated from the two-story Rotunda Reading Room by an arcade. Above the Rotunda Reading Room was a two-story lecture hall, currently used as an architecture studio. The Main Reading Room stood out for its large skylight and south-facing wall of windows, providing natural light to the adjacent inner rooms through leaded glass windows.
Throughout the building, one could find windows adorned with Shakespearean quotations, carefully selected by Horace Howard Furness, Frank's older brother, who was a lecturer at the University and a prominent American Shakespearean scholar in the 19th century. Frank Furness collaborated with Melvil Dewey, the creator of the Dewey Decimal System, and others to ensure that this library was at the forefront of modern American library design during its time.
Upon the completion of the Van Pelt Library in 1962, the library was renamed the Furness Building in honor of its architect. It was repurposed to house the university's art and architecture collections. In 1985, it received recognition as a National Historic Landmark.
In 1991, after a six-year, $16.5-million restoration project, the building was renamed the Anne and Jerome Fisher Fine Arts Library. It is situated on the eastern side of College Green. Additionally, a two-story extension to the building's east side, known as the Henry Charles Lea Library, was designed by Furness, Evans & Company and was completed in 1905.
The library's uniqueness stemmed from its innovative layout, featuring a central tower staircase as the main access to its five stories. The Main Reading Room, a spacious four-story area enclosed by brick and terra-cotta, was separated from the two-story Rotunda Reading Room by an arcade. Above the Rotunda Reading Room was a two-story lecture hall, currently used as an architecture studio. The Main Reading Room stood out for its large skylight and south-facing wall of windows, providing natural light to the adjacent inner rooms through leaded glass windows.
Throughout the building, one could find windows adorned with Shakespearean quotations, carefully selected by Horace Howard Furness, Frank's older brother, who was a lecturer at the University and a prominent American Shakespearean scholar in the 19th century. Frank Furness collaborated with Melvil Dewey, the creator of the Dewey Decimal System, and others to ensure that this library was at the forefront of modern American library design during its time.
Upon the completion of the Van Pelt Library in 1962, the library was renamed the Furness Building in honor of its architect. It was repurposed to house the university's art and architecture collections. In 1985, it received recognition as a National Historic Landmark.
In 1991, after a six-year, $16.5-million restoration project, the building was renamed the Anne and Jerome Fisher Fine Arts Library. It is situated on the eastern side of College Green. Additionally, a two-story extension to the building's east side, known as the Henry Charles Lea Library, was designed by Furness, Evans & Company and was completed in 1905.
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Fisher Fine Arts Library on Map
Sight Name: Fisher Fine Arts Library
Sight Location: Philadelphia, USA (See walking tours in Philadelphia)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Philadelphia, USA (See walking tours in Philadelphia)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
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