National Historic Landmark - Memorial Hall

The only large building remaining from the 1876 Centennial Exposition, Memorial Hall served as art gallery for this successful world's fair.

The first American art museum in the Beaux-Arts manner, it was designed by Herman Schwartzmann (1843-1891).

The Landmark received a Save America's Treasures matching grant of $350,000 in 2001 to assist with repair of water damage of the roof and dome.

The Fairmount park Commission and the City of Philadelphia recently approved a long-term lease with the Please Touch Museum which is expected to invest $62 million to fully restore the exterior and main public spaces for their new home (opening 2007).

Preliminary restoration plans have been reviewed and given concept approval by the SHPO, NPS, IPC and Philadelphia Historical Commission.

Courtesy National Park Service National Historical Landmarks