Fisher Fine Arts Library, Anne and Jerome

Fisher Fine Arts Library
  • Fisher Fine Arts Library

This historic library, a National Historic Landmark, is the major masterpiece of Philadelphia's most important Victorian architect, Frank Furness. Combining genius in planning and form, it is a seminal library design that expresses function while merging the imagery of cathedral and railroad station. Additions in 1916, 1922, and 1931, Restored from 1986-91 by Venturi, Scott Brown and Associates. The 1931 McGoodwin addition is home to the Arthur Ross Gallery.

Fisher Fine Arts Library, Anne and Jerome

220 South 34th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Building Manager
Wellman, Jr., Karl M.
kwellman@design.upenn.edu
215-898-8322
Building Code: 170
Phase: Completed
Year Built: 1890
Floors: 8
Architect: Furness Evans Co.; Roberts Rhodes McGoodwin; Venturi, Scott Brown and Assoc.
Other Name: Furness, Furness Library, Fine Arts Library, Furness Building, Univ. of Pennsylvania Library
Fine Arts Library
Arthur Ross Gallery
Penn Libraries

This historic library, a National Historic Landmark, is the major masterpiece of Philadelphia's most important Victorian architect, Frank Furness. Combining genius in planning and form, it is a seminal library design that expresses function while merging the imagery of cathedral and railroad station. Additions in 1916, 1922, and 1931, Restored from 1986-91 by Venturi, Scott Brown and Associates. The 1931 McGoodwin addition is home to the Arthur Ross Gallery.

Fisher Fine Arts Library Accessibility Map
Entrance Information
  1. The accessible entry is through the Duhring Wing on the south side of the building. It is level with the walkway and the door can be opened with automatic push plate. To obtain access at this entrance, call 215.898.9870. 

This entrance can be reached from the path near the East Entrance of College Hall or from 34th Street, adjacent to the parking lot behind Irvine Auditorium. Upon entry to the Duhring Wing, there is a corridor that ramps upwards to Fisher Fine Arts Library and an elevator. 

This entrance also serves as the accessible entrance to the Duhring Wing, Arthur Ross Gallery, Architectural Archives, and Kroiz Gallery. 

The main entrance to Fisher Fine Arts from Blanche P. Levy Park (College Green) has ten stone stairs and a step up at the door.

Elevator Information

There are no elevators in this building.

Accessible Restrooms

There are no accessible restrooms in this building. 

Accessible single-user restrooms are located in the Duhring Wing on all floors except the basement.

Building Information
  • The second and third floors of the Fisher Fine Arts Library stacks are only reachable by stairs. 
  • The Lower Level of the stack section is occupied by the library's image collection. To access this area, contact library staff to arrange for the back door to be opened. Library Staff can provide assistance retrieving books and other materials from inaccessible areas. 
  • The Arthur Ross Gallery on floor 1 is accessible. 
  • The Architectural Archives and Kroiz Gallery on the lower level are accessible by a ramp. 
  • The Materials Library and Common Press Studio on the lower level are accessible by elevator.