1 North Broad Street
(215)988-1917
Free 45-minute tours: September-June, weekdays 10,11,1,2,3;
Saturday 10,11
July-August, weekdays 10,11,1,2,3
The Masonic Temple, located on Broad
Street halfway between Philadelphia’s historic and museum
districts, is one of those attractions that is lesser known even
to the city’s residents. It was designed for the Grand Lodge
of Free and Accepted Masons of Philadelphia, an early
incarnation of the Freemasons of today. This fraternal order has
its own religious beliefs and values system, complete with
handshake, code words, and other secret information.
The temple’s interior is huge, housing
seven different halls, each in their own style of architecture.
There’s a Gothic hall, an Oriental one, and the Egyptian one,
which is the most famous. In addition, the temple houses a small
museum showcasing treasures of Freemasonry, including a book on
the subject written by Benjamin Franklin, and even the Masonic
apron of one George Washington.
Take it from us, the Masonic Temple is
definitely worth a visit, especially if you are skeptical of
Freemasonry or don’t really understand it too well. It’s
fascinating that Franklin and Washington are associated with it,
lending credence to its early principles and codes, and the tour
is very good at illuminating some of the mysteries that go along
with the subject. If you have an extra day or two in the city
and find yourself in need of something new to see, don’t miss
the Masonic Temple.
