How long does it take to walk through Rittenhouse and Fitler Squares?

The walk between the two squares is short, taking about 10-15 minutes. However, the full neighborhood route including all historic stops and institutions typically takes between 60 and 90 minutes.

Is Rittenhouse Square worth visiting for first-time visitors?

Absolutely. It is one of the five original squares planned by William Penn and serves as the cultural and social heart of the city's upscale residential district, offering a perfect blend of history and modern Philadelphia life.

Can I enter the Curtis Institute of Music?

The Curtis Institute is primarily a school and not open for general walk-in tours, but they frequently hold public recitals and concerts, many of which are free, allowing you to experience the historic interior.

Where can I see the original Ulysses manuscript in Philadelphia?

The Rosenbach museum on Delancey Place holds the original handwritten manuscript of James Joyce's Ulysses, making it a pilgrimage site for literary enthusiasts.

Is the Mütter Museum part of the Rittenhouse neighborhood?

Yes, it is located just a few blocks west of Rittenhouse Square on 22nd Street, making it an easy and fascinating addition to any walking route in the area.

What is the best time of day for a self-guided walk in Rittenhouse?

Late morning is ideal, as you can see the architectural details clearly and the squares are active but not yet as crowded as they become during the lunch hour or on weekend afternoons.

Is this walking route accessible for wheelchairs?

Yes, the Rittenhouse and Fitler Square neighborhoods are flat with well-maintained sidewalks and curb cuts at most intersections, making it highly accessible for those with limited mobility or strollers.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step into the refined world of Philadelphia’s elite with this self-guided walk through the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood. For over a century, this area has served as the epicenter of high society, intellectual rigor, and architectural splendor in the city. On this walking route, you will uncover the stories behind the Gilded Age mansions and the cultural institutions that define Philadelphia's 'Old Money' charm. From the meticulously manicured lawns of Rittenhouse Square to the quiet, residential beauty of Fitler Square, this journey highlights the lifestyle of the city’s most influential figures. You will encounter the Curtis Institute of Music, where world-class talent is honed within the walls of former private estates, and the Philadelphia Ethical Society, a testament to the city’s long history of progressive thought. The route also invites you to explore the literary and scientific legacies of the area at The Rosenbach and the Mütter Museum. This is more than just a neighborhood stroll; it is an exploration of the rituals, residences, and reputations that have shaped Philadelphia’s social hierarchy. Discover at your own pace how the architectural landscape reflects the evolution of the city from the late 19th century to the present day. Whether you are a fan of historic preservation or simply enjoy a peaceful stroll through beautiful urban spaces, this self-guided adventure offers a deep dive into the heart of the city’s most prestigious district. This walking tour Philadelphia experience provides a unique lens into the lives of the titans of industry and the arts who once called these streets home.

Highlights

The elegant French-inspired landscape of Rittenhouse Square

Stunning Gilded Age mansions now housing the Curtis Institute of Music

Rare literary treasures, including the Ulysses manuscript, at The Rosenbach

The serene, local atmosphere of the historic Fitler Square

The world-renowned medical oddities and history at the Mütter Museum

Exquisite 19th-century architecture along Delancey Place

Tour Stops (6)

Rittenhouse Square

Begin your self-guided adventure in the crown jewel of William Penn’s city plan. Originally called Southwest Square, it was renamed in 1825 to honor David Rittenhouse, a famed astronomer and clockmaker. By the late 19th century, this became the place to see and be seen. The square’s current layout, inspired by French park design, was created in 1913 by Paul Philippe Cret. Look around at the surrounding skyscrapers and historic brownstones; they represent a century of architectural evolution. This park has always been the communal living room for Philadelphia’s elite, serving as a site for high-society promenades and sophisticated social rituals that continue in modern forms today.

Curtis Institute of Music

A short walk from the square brings you to the Curtis Institute of Music. Founded in 1924 by Mary Louise Curtis Bok, this is one of the world’s most selective conservatories. The institute is housed in three former mansions, including the Drexel and Knapp residences. As you stand outside, you might hear the faint sounds of a violin or piano drifting from the windows. The architecture here is a prime example of how the city’s elite converted their private wealth into public cultural legacies. The institute’s policy of providing full-tuition scholarships to all students ensures that only the most elite talent, regardless of financial background, enters these historic doors.

Philadelphia Ethical Society

Located on the edge of the square, the Philadelphia Ethical Society building is a striking example of the work of architect William Eyre, Jr. Built in the early 20th century, the society represents a movement that sought to create a 'religion of ethics' without traditional dogma. This site highlights the intellectual and philosophical side of the Rittenhouse elite—individuals who were not just wealthy, but deeply concerned with the moral and social progress of the city. The building’s refined, understated elegance perfectly matches the neighborhood’s aesthetic of quiet, confident power and a commitment to civic improvement.

The Rosenbach

Tucked away on Delancey Place, one of the most beautiful streets in America, you will find The Rosenbach. This museum and library were founded by brothers Philip and A.S.W. Rosenbach, who were preeminent dealers in rare books and manuscripts. The collection is staggering, featuring the only surviving copy of Benjamin Franklin’s first Poor Richard’s Almanack and the handwritten manuscript of James Joyce’s Ulysses. The Rosenbach exemplifies the elite ritual of collecting—a pursuit of knowledge and rarity that defined the upper classes of Philadelphia. The surrounding 19th-century townhomes provide a perfectly preserved backdrop for this literary sanctuary.

Fitler Square

As you move west, the grand scale of Rittenhouse gives way to the intimate charm of Fitler Square. Named after late 19th-century mayor Edwin Fitler, this park is the heart of a quieter, more residential enclave of the elite. While Rittenhouse is for public display, Fitler Square is for private neighborhood life. Notice the Victorian-era fountain and the bronze sculptures of animals that give the park a whimsical feel. This stop illustrates the shift from the formal social rituals of the main square to the more relaxed, family-oriented lifestyle that has characterized this part of the city for generations.

The Mütter Museum at The College of Physicians of Philadelphia

Your final stop is the Mütter Museum, housed within the College of Physicians of Philadelphia—the oldest private medical society in the United States. While it might seem a departure from the beauty of the squares, the Mütter is a quintessential part of the city’s intellectual heritage. The elite of Philadelphia were often leaders in the medical and scientific fields. Inside, the museum houses a vast collection of anatomical specimens and historic medical instruments. It serves as a reminder that the rituals of the elite weren't just about tea and music; they were also about the rigorous pursuit of scientific understanding and the advancement of human health.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Rittenhouse Square area is widely considered the best for architecture, featuring Gilded Age mansions, Victorian townhomes, and the work of famed architects like Paul Philippe Cret and William Eyre, Jr. This self-guided route allows you to see these landmarks at your own pace.