Originally built as Bennett College, this was the first facility built for women at the University; including classrooms, a library, a gymnasium and a student union.
Fisher - Bennett Hall
Originally built as Bennett College, this was the first facility built for women at the University; including classrooms, a library, a gymnasium and a student union.
An important landmark to Penn's campus, the building was renovated and upgraded in 2005 and re-opened in 2006 as Fisher-Bennett Hall. It currently houses the English Department, English Language Programs, Music Department and Cinema Studies Department.
The unusual plan of Bennett Hall, with the main facade on the beveled corner, is dictated by its unusual site at the juncture of three streets (Walnut, 34th, and the diagonal of the former Woodland Avenue). The principal facade is symmetrical with a central tower articulated by decorative buttresses rising to corner spires above the main entrance.
- The main entrance at 34th and Walnut Streets has a ramp leading from the 34th Street sidewalk. There are two sets of historic wooden doors at this entrance (outer and inner doors), both are automated doors operated by push plate.
Other entrances to the building on the north-east and south of the building have several steps leading to them and are not accessible.
There is one elevator in this building that accesses all floors (except floor 5 which is a loft). From the main entrance, turn left down the corridor and the elevator is immediately on the right.
There is an accessible multi-stall all gender restroom on floor 3 (308).
Accessible men's and women's restrooms are located on the ground floor, floors 1, 2, and 4.
The outdoor lower patio of the Bok Garden on the south side of the building is accessible from the interior of the building through manual doors near the ground floor restrooms.