Powel House, a stunning Georgian townhouse was built in 1765 and purchased by Philadelphia's first mayor, Samuel Powel, in 1769. The house features an original staircase of Santo Domingo mahogany that rises elegantly from an impressive paneled and columned entrance hall. Many pieces of 18th-Century art, furniture, silver and porcelain can still be seen at the Powel residence, although a portion of its contents were sold to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Visitors can also enjoy a small, formal 18th-Century garden.
Website: philalandmarks.org
Phone: (215) 627-0364
Cross Streets: Between Bells Ct and Saint James Pl
Opening soon · 1 PM
- Sun 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
244 S 3rd St Philadelphia, PA 19106-3811 ·267.98 mi
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Amenities
- Family friendly
Reviews
tripadvisor
Historic Gem not to be missed. Some one needs to write a book about Elizabeth Powell. What a remarkable women. Amy our guide shared the history of the house, the family and this incredible woman that took me back to the 1700's. A great afterwards
MoreThe Powel House is dripping with 18th century history. It was miraculously saved from the wrecking ball during the Great Depression. Some of the nation’s most notable Founding Fathers, as well as other prominent 18th century personalities, were wined and dined within its walls. British officers surely visited when the British occupied Philadelphia during the American Revolution.The house is beautiful…true Georgian architecture. Furnishings and paintings bring its 18th century ambiance to life. A few pieces were owned by the Powel family. The significance of slaves and servants associated with the Powel family is not ignored. An 18th century addition off the rear of the house was largely used by household workers.Our guide was terrific! We would highly recommend visiting this house museum. It by far gives the best depiction of the lives of wealthy 18th century Philadelphians in downtown Philadelphia!!
MoreWe like to visit homes of notable citizens while visiting a city and so we visited the Powel House. The house was interesting and certainly had some history but the older gentleman who served as docent was pretty remarkable and full of so much interesting trivia. The Powels were friends of Ben Franklin, John Adams, and George Washington and they all attended parties in the upstairs ballroom, laying their hands on the stairway banister as they walked up the steps. So, as our docent advised, if you rest your hand on this banister as you walk up the stairs, you may feel their aura and revolutionary spirit.
MoreFantastic tour by Linda. Well paced, knowledgable, answered all our questions, let us wander afterward and offered excellent area attraction recommendations.
MoreThis was one door down from our wonderful apartment. The house is well restored, and well furnished. Well worth a stop.
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