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Fisher Fine Arts Library (Furness Library)

Address: 220 S 34th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104

Neighborhood: West Philadelphia

Website: https://www.library.upenn.edu/finearts

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Description: Completed in 1890, this is a major work by an important late-19th-century architect, Frank Furness. The overall appearance of the stone-trimmed red-brick structure is ecclesiastical, with both Romanesque and Gothic elements, including gargoyles and distinctive, monumental foliate carving. The interior plan is considered one of the most innovative of its time, with separate reading rooms and stacks. The stack wing was designed so that the rear wall could be removed and new bays added as the book collections grew.

Resources for Researchers

Information for Visitors

  • Hours
    • Mon. - Thurs: 8:30am - 12am
    • Fri: 8:30am - 8pm
    • Sat: 10am - 8pm
    • Sun: 10am - 12am

Subthemes

  • Architecture and design – iconic, famous, or representative
  • Arts through the ages – music, art, theater
  • Faith and ideals – religion, philosophy, political ideology

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