Broad Street Historic District (Philadelphia) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Broad Street Historic District
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
U.S. Historic district
Philadelphia City Hall from South Broad Street
Location in Philadelphia Show map of Philadelphia Location in Pennsylvania Show map of Pennsylvania Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Location	Roughly bounded by Juniper, Cherry, 15th, and Pine Sts., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Area	58 acres (23 ha)
Architect	Multiple
Architectural style	Late Victorian, Beaux Arts, Modern Movement
NRHP reference No.	84003529
Added to NRHP	April 6, 1984

The Broad Street Historic District is a special area in Center City, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It's like a neighborhood filled with very old and important buildings. This district covers about one block on either side of Broad Street. It stretches between Juniper, Cherry, 15th, and Pine Streets.

This historic district was officially recognized in 1984. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means the buildings here are protected because they are important to history.

Exploring Broad Street's Historic Buildings

Broad Street, around 1900

The Broad Street Historic District is home to many amazing buildings. Each one tells a part of Philadelphia's story. These buildings show different styles of architecture. Some are very old, while others are more modern.

Here are some of the cool places you can find in this historic area:

Academy of Music: A Grand Performance Hall

The Academy of Music (Philadelphia) is a beautiful opera house. It opened way back in 1857. Many famous musicians and performers have played here. It's known for its amazing sound and fancy design.

Land Title Building: A Historic Skyscraper

The Land Title Building is one of the city's early skyscrapers. It was built in the late 1800s. This building helped shape the look of downtown Philadelphia. It was once a very important office building.

Masonic Temple: A Unique Architectural Gem

The Masonic Temple is a truly unique building. It looks like a medieval castle. It was built for the Freemasons, a very old social group. The temple has many different rooms. Each room is decorated in a special way.

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts: Art and History

The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is the oldest art museum and school in the United States. It opened in 1805. Many famous American artists have studied or taught here. It's a great place to see art and learn about its history.

Philadelphia City Hall: The Heart of the City

Philadelphia City Hall is one of the most famous buildings in the district. It was once the tallest building in the world. It is a huge and impressive structure. The city government works inside this building. A large statue of William Penn sits on top.

One South Broad: A Former Bank Building

The building now known as One South Broad was once the Philadelphia National Bank. It is a grand and strong-looking building. It shows the importance of banking in the city's past.

Philadelphia Stock Exchange: Where Business Happened

The Philadelphia Stock Exchange was a place where people bought and sold shares of companies. This helped businesses grow. It was an important center for money and trade.

University of the Arts: A Creative Campus

The University of the Arts is a school for creative students. It was once called the Philadelphia College of Art. Students here study things like music, dance, and design. It adds a lively, artistic feel to the district.

Union League of Philadelphia: A Historic Club

The Union League of Philadelphia is a private social club. It was founded during the American Civil War. It has a long history of supporting important causes. The building itself is very grand and historic.