Tour of the Masonic Temple

Masonic Library & Museum Association - MLMA

An International Organization of Librarians, Archivists, Curators, & Directors

Tour of the Masonic Temple - Philadelphia

This architectural jewel, dedicated in 1873, is unrivaled with its seven elegant meeting halls exemplifying various architectural styles. This Masonic Temple is the home of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania.

Note: These photos were scanned from a series of post cards available in the Masonic Temple gift shop.

Night-time lends splendor to Grand Entrance gate, with its magnificent Norman porch. This porch is considered one of the most outstanding examples of Norman architecture in America.

This is the Grand Staircase! It is built of highly polished Tennessee marble. Beneath the staircase is the Seal of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and a plaque encircled with representations of the four cardinal virtues.

Egyptian Hall is ornamented in the style of the ancient monuments in the Nile Valley. Egyptologists have confirmed that the hieroglyphic texts are copies of actual ancient Egyptian inscriptions.

Gothic Hall is known as the Asylum of Knights Templars. The groins, pointed arches and pinnacles, all Gothic features, are predominant. The richly styled furniture is all hand carved.

Renaissance Hall is dedicated to Capitular Masonry. Decorated in the Italian Renaissance style, the Hall is symbolically colored in brilliant scarlet. Grand Holy Royal Arch Chapter of Pennsylvania and subordinate Chapters meet here.

Ionic Hall is an architectural creation which is a classic study in refinement and elegance.

Romanesque features are elaborately represented in Norman Hall. The term "Norman" applies to the round-arch architecture as found in this hall.

The Grand Banquet Hall in the Masonic Temple can seat 400 persons. Decorations in the room are of the Composite order of architecture.

The Masonic Temple at Night. Taken with a time elapsed camera.