Stephen Girard Collection Philadelphia 648018821 As a graduate of Girard College I highly recommend the visiting of the Stephen Girard Collection for an understanding of the contributions, successes of a generous, great man - Stephen Girard and his Girard College! It will prove to be a revealing adventure of the times and life of Stephen Girard.

I'd heard about this place for many years, and I was pleased to be able to visit in June, 2017. The story of the college and Stephen Girard is absolutely fascinating! The buildings, the wall, the historical collection, and all things there were interesting and well worth a couple of hours to visit. The main building, designed by Thomas U. Walter, is an absolute masterpiece--inside and out--the scale of it is fantastic, and the condition of the whole place is excellent. This is probably not a place to spend a lot of time with children, but adults of all ages and interests will be fascinated by the place and its story.

Most Philly tourists gravitate toward Center City and the Art Museum areas. If you're a tourist in Philadelphia, try Girard Avenue. Take the Girard Avenue Exit off I-95 and head westward 20 blocks to The Girard College. (Pass by the St. John Neumann Shrine, which is also worth a visit). See or experience the restored Philly trolleys as part of your experience. Girard Avenue, itself, is an exciting part of the City, as it is enthusiastically being renovated. At Girard College, there is a free visitor's parking lot, and also free parking on the street. Greet the security guard and let them know your visit is for taking a guided tour. Tours are free of charge, and held only on Thursdays from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Then get ready to climb the marble stairs! Twelve stairs to the front door, then 48 marble stairs to the upstairs museum. The first floor is magnificent. Mr. Girard spared no expense in the design, architecture and construction of Founder's Hall. Magnificent black and white marble floors everywhere. The original library, with Girard's original books grace the shelves. There is a gallery of past Girard College presidents.....and much more to see. On the second floor (sorry, no elevators) the doors are opened to reveal the life and times of Stephen Girard, one of America's wealthiest men; with a story of both blessings and tragedy. Our tour guide was Gil, a graduate of Girard College, who was extremely knowledgeable and friendly; and who made our trip enjoyable. Part of the tour showed Girard's collection of imported merchandise (He owned 6 tall ships, which traveled the world), his personal effects, his carriage and furniture. Another part of the tour revealed life as a student at Girard. On display were many photos going back to the 1800's, the menus of food served to the students, student uniforms and school-approved clothing. Stephen Girard was an American hero. He was not only an outstanding businessman and philanthropist; but also a great helper of the sick and needy. Because he later owned Girard Bank, he was able to generously support the American cause in one of our early wars. Needless to say, his generous legacy of Girard College lives on today. This was originally meant to be a home for American orphans of fallen soldiers, sailors and of those who served as patriots. I highly recommend a visit to Stephen Girard Collection at 20th & Girard Avenue in Philadelphia, as our visit was excellent and memorable. It's probably not a good idea to venture on foot behind the college and into the neighborhoods with higher numbered streets - a bit shaky.