The Masonic Temple in Philadelphia

11/08/2023

Our "Art, Architecture and the Dream of Democracy" tour happening this Friday with PAFA The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is almost sold out! Tour two iconic Center City buildings, see some beautiful and thought-provoking art, then eat and drink Under the Stars ... all in one night.
Get tickets at https://pamasonictemple.org/event/art-architecture-and-the-dream-of-democracy-tour-social/.

11/02/2023

We hope you will attend the next free Speaker Series presentation on Nov. 18, from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m., at the Masonic Temple. The topic is "Cuba Freemasonry, Democracy and Revolution," and it will center around the history of Cuban Freemasonry and its relationship to the many revolutions and insurrections in the country’s history. Brother Moises I. Gomez will give the presentation. He is a member of Atlas Pythagoras Lodge No. 10 in Westfield, N.J. Register below!

This presentation will center around the history of Cuban Freemasonry and its relationship to the many revolutions and insurrections in the country’s history. 

10/31/2023

Happy Halloween from the Masonic Temple!

10/30/2023

For the past 150 years, Arch Street United Methodist Church has been the Masonic Temple's neighbor. This holiday season, we're partnering with them to give back to the community - and you can help.
From Nov. 1 - Dec. 31, we'll be hosting a clothing drive for the church to distribute to those in need. Everyone who brings in donations will receive a free ticket for a guided tour at the Temple. Warm winter clothing is most desired, specifically men's jackets, coats, sweatpants/sweatshirts, T-shirts, shoes/sneakers and jeans.
📸: Arch St. UMC and the Masonic Temple, circa. 1974, from the National Park Service's Historic American Buildings Survey.

10/26/2023

It's not too late to sign up for the "Art, Architecture and the Dream of Democracy" Tour at PAFA The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and the Masonic Temple. The joint tour, to be held on Nov. 10 from 6 - 9 p.m., will feature the architecture and art within two of Philadelphia's most iconic buildings. It will connect the histories and struggles of our country from its founding to today, including a viewing of the "Rising Sun" exhibition at PAFA and the "Embodying Masonic Values" art exhibition at the Temple. The tour will culminate with a reception at the Temple. Register today!

Join us for a tour featuring the architecture and the art within two of Philadelphia’s most iconic buildings, PAFA’s Historic Landmark Building and Philadelphia’s Masonic Temple. The Art, Architecture and the Dream of Democracy Tour connects the histories and struggles of our country from its ...

10/24/2023

Brother Kristopher Yoder, the director and curator of the Harry C. Trexler Masonic Library and a member of Greenleaf Lodge No. 561 at the Allentown Masonic Temple, shared some of the notable texts and artifacts from their collection, which is second only to the Masonic Library & Museum's in size, with attendees at our August Speaker Series lecture. Watch it below!

10/20/2023

Brother Matthew R. Rancosky, Worshipful Master of Good Samaritan Lodge No. 336 Free & Accepted Masons, Gettysburg, walked across Pennsylvania this fall to connect with Masons across the state and raise money for Pennsylvania DeMolay and the Widows' Guild. The 271 mile-journey started on Sept. 30 and spanned about 10 days and 687,068 steps. His walk ended at the Temple, where he happily posed for a photo!
📸: Brother Matt Rancosky, WM, Good Samaritan Lodge No. 336

10/17/2023

What better way to celebrate the 300th anniversary of Benjamin Franklin's arrival in Philadelphia than with the man himself? Guests at "The Noblest Question," an evening with Benjamin Franklin interpreter William "Bill" Ochester, learned more about the Founding Father and Freemason's life and works, and were even able to ask him questions.

10/13/2023

We still have a few seats available for tonight's pay-what-you-wish presentation with Benjamin Franklin interpreter Bill Ochester, which starts at 7:30 p.m. Walk-ins welcome or register below!

Photo credit: Pictures by Todd “The Noblest Question in the world is, ‘What good may I do in it?’” – Benjamin Franklin The Masonic Temple in Philadelphia will host a special event on Friday, Oct. 13, to mark the 300th anniversary of Benjamin Franklin’s arrival in Philadelphia in 1723. Fr...

10/12/2023

It's a busy time at the Masonic Temple! We kicked off October with an art gala and auction and a free tour day that attracted more than 100 visitors. This week is also chock full of activities. Today, we have a special Executive Director tour with Mike McKee from 1 - 2:45 p.m. The art exhibition also opens today on the lower level and is on view through Nov. 11. We conclude the week with a presentation tomorrow evening by Ben Franklin interpreter Bill Ochester celebrating the 300th anniversary of Franklin's arrival in Philadelphia in 1723. More information on these events can be found on our website: https://pamasonictemple.org/. See you there!

10/10/2023

After last year's sold-out after-hours architecture tour and rooftop reception with PAFA The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, we're partnering with them again for the "Art, Architecture and the Dream of Democracy Tour," on Friday, Nov. 10, 6-9 p.m.
See art from the "Embodying Masonic Values" Grand Exhibition and “Rising Sun: Artists in an Uncertain America” at PAFA during tours of both buildings, then a reception with refreshments in the Foyer Under the Stars. Tickets are $65 for Pennsylvania Freemasons; PAFA and African American Museum in Philadelphia members (PAFA's partner in the "Rising Sun..."exhibition - check out the rest of "Rising Sun" at their museum building, located at 701 Arch St.) and PAFA alumni; and $75 for non-member guests. Purchase yours at https://pamasonictemple.org/event/art-architecture-and-the-dream-of-democracy-tour-social/.

Join us for a tour featuring the architecture and the art within two of Philadelphia’s most iconic buildings, PAFA’s Historic Landmark Building and Philadelphia’s Masonic Temple. The Art, Architecture and the Dream of Democracy Tour connects the histories and struggles of our country from its ...

10/07/2023

Congratulations to the winners of this year's "Embodying Masonic Values" art competition!

Grand Master's Prize: "Passing Moments," Jenny Chernasky

Best in Show: "Wisdom Sits," Brother Stephen Lemak, New Temple Lodge #720 - Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania

Drawing and Print-Making: "Bee a Mason," Margaret Thompson

3-D: "Novus Ordo Seclorum," Heather Cornelius

Digital Imagery: "Circling the Square," Hayato Matsush*ta

Water-Based Medium: "Masonic Life," Valerie Lang.

Oil: "Royal Arch," Brother Juan Sepulveda, Orange Blossom Lodge No.80 F&AM (Kissimmee, FL) Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Florida

The Grand Exhibition, which includes the category winners and all submitted artwork, is on view on the lower level until Saturday, Nov. 11. (Ask to see it at the front desk.)

10/06/2023

Join executive director Mike McKee for a very special tour of the Masonic Temple! On Thursday, Oct. 12, we will be having an "executive director's tour" from approximately 1 - 2:45 p.m. Come explore our National Historic Landmark building during its 150th anniversary year and get answers to your questions about its history, the Masonic fraternity and other topics. Tickets are available onsite and online at https://pamasonictemple.org/guided-tour-tickets/.

10/05/2023

OCTOBER TOUR SCHEDULE CHANGES

Oct. 28: No afternoon tours (1-3 p.m.)

10/03/2023

Learn about "the stuff Freemasonry is made of" with Brother Austin R. Shifrin, 33°, PM, Tyrian Lodge No 644 F & A M, and Past Secretary, Lodge Ad Lucem No. 812, at our next Speaker Series lecture! On Oct. 21, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m., learn how certain items from the biblical Old Testament appear in Freemasonry. (Brother Austin's book, "More Light: Collected Masonic Writings 2017 - 2021" is available in the Masonic Library and Museum store and online.)
Register for the livestream below!

This presentation will explore the physical materials of Freemasonry and the Old Testament, such as Tyrian purple dye and the gems in the high priest’s breastplate, along with a few other surprise oddities. Attend Virtually Austin R. Shifrin Brother Austin R. Shifrin, 33°, is a

09/28/2023

In celebration of the Masonic Temple's 150th anniversary this year, we are offering free tours on Sunday, Oct. 8, with no registration required. A guided tour will start every 20 minutes, from 9:30 a.m. - 10:50 a.m., then from 1 p.m. to 3:20 p.m., with no tours offered after 3:20 p.m. Stop by and celebrate with us!

09/27/2023

Ben Franklin comes to life at the Masonic Temple on Oct. 13, 7 - 8:30 p.m., with "The Noblest Question," a presentation by Bill Ochester, who has been portraying Benjamin Franklin professionally for almost 20 years! The event will include a Q&A portion and is pay-what-you-wish. Register at the link below by Oct. 12!

Photo credit: Pictures by Todd “The Noblest Question in the world is, ‘What good may I do in it?’” – Benjamin Franklin The Masonic Temple in Philadelphia will host a special event on Friday, Oct. 13, to mark the 300th anniversary of Benjamin Franklin’s arrival in Philadelphia in 1723. Fr...

09/26/2023

150 years ago today, the Masonic Temple in Philadelphia was dedicated. Learn more about that day with some dedication ceremony-related artifacts in our museum exhibit hall!

09/21/2023

Then and now: Egyptian Hall edition....
The image on the left is a newspaper clipping from Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper in Oct. 1873, with a sketch of Egyptian Hall based on photos from photographer and Pennsylvania Freemason Frederick Gutekunst. This was before the redecoration by Pennsylvania Freemason George Herzog, which began in 1888. The second photo shows what the room looks like today!

09/16/2023

On Saturday, Sept. 23, the 3 p.m. tour is canceled. Please plan to attend an earlier tour if visiting that day. The regular tour schedule will resume on Tuesday, Sept. 26.

09/14/2023

The Masonic Library and Museum Association, of which the Temple is a member, held their annual meeting at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial last weekend. The Masonic Temple was represented by staff members, including librarian Cathy Giaimo, who were able to network with other Masonic library and museum professionals.
📸: George Washington Masonic National Memorial

09/09/2023

Take a study break at the Masonic Temple this semester! Use your student ID to get a discount on guided tour admission (available for online and onsite bookings).
https://pamasonictemple.org/plan-your-visit/

09/07/2023

When Santé Johnson wanted to utilize her embroidery skills in a community-based setting, the Masonic Temple was the perfect fit. Santé comes from a family full of Masonic ties. She also spends 40 hours a week embroidering both the president’s and vice president’s flags. Santé worked with Mike McKee, executive director, to offer weekly embroidery sessions at the Temple for the Masonic community and the public. In these sessions, students learn about the Masonic embroidery collection, stitching basics and how to complete a sampler piece. For more information on the program, contact Santé at [email protected]. Read more about the program below.

Santé Johnson was looking to utilize her embroidery skills in a community-based setting, and the Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania was the perfect fit. “My main goal is to have a space for people to find value within the Masonic embroidery collection, while learning

09/05/2023

Our lodge rooms are decorated in architectural and design styles inspired by different cultures and locations. For example, the look of Oriental Hall is modeled after the Alhambra palace in Granada, Spain. Learn more about the Spanish "Red Castle" and the time period when it was built at the next Speaker Series lecture on Sept. 16, 3:30 p.m. Register below!

This presentation will cover the architecture of the Alhambra (and the source of decoration in Oriental Hall at the Masonic Temple), the material culture of Andalusia and the now-challenged view that this civilization was a highly tolerant time in history when Jews, Christians and Muslims happily co...

09/02/2023

On Saturday, Sept. 9, the 10 and 11 a.m. tours are canceled. If planning to visit that day, join us for the afternoon tours from 1-3 p.m.

08/31/2023

The Temple leadership team is comprised of many unique individuals with interesting backgrounds. Do you know who plays unique instruments he's collected from around the world? Or who has published seven books related to the local history of boy scouting? Check out our new "Meet the Team" page and read their individual bios to learn more about them at https://pamasonictemple.org/meet-the-team/.

08/29/2023

What does courage have to do with Freemasonry? How does it show up in the Masonic degrees, particularly those from the 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Freemasonry, NMJ? What have famous Freemasons said about it? Brother Brendan Hickey, PM, Thomson Lodge No. 340, Paoli, answered these questions and more in his lecture for the Masonic Library & Museum Speaker Series, originally delivered in July. Watch the recording here!

08/26/2023

National Historic Landmarks like the Masonic Temple contributed to Philadelphia's designation as the first World Heritage City. Learn more at
https://globalphiladelphia.org/initiatives/world-heritage-city/nhl/masonic-temple.
Global Philadelphia Association National Historic Landmarks of Philadelphia

08/22/2023

As we celebrate our 150th anniversary this year, there's another anniversary with connections to the Temple to recognize. Associated Crafts & Willet Hauser, the company that designed and fabricated the presidential stained-glass panels in the Grand Ballroom, is celebrating their 125th anniversary this year. We were privileged to partner with them on these beautiful pieces!

08/17/2023

As the exclusive hospitality partner at the Masonic Temple, Catering By Design staff had the opportunity to take a guided tour led by Executive Director Michael McKee. Staff members viewed artifacts related to Freemasonry, learned about the building's construction and heard about Freemasonry's history in Philadelphia. It was an amazing experience!
Video credit: Catering by Design

08/15/2023

Our website recently received a fresh new look! Explore the updated and expanded site at https://pamasonictemple.org/.

08/10/2023

In addition to the lodges which regularly meet at the Temple during the Masonic year, we regularly host different Pennsylvania Masonic lodges for tours and degree conferrals. J. Simpson Africa Lodge No 628, Free & Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania, Stroudsburg, was here last Saturday for two Master Mason degrees and to see all the beauty and Masonic history our building has on display. Check out some of their photos from the day below!
📸: J. Simpson Africa Lodge No. 628, Stroudsburg

08/08/2023

If you want something tangible to remember the 150th anniversary of the dedication of the Masonic Temple, stop by the gift shop or go online today and order this beautiful, glossy poster of the building designed by artist Dan Garrow. The poster, which measures 28” X 24” and is printed on poster stock, costs $25 and includes important facts about the building as well as photos of each exquisite lodge room. Click on the link below to shop.

Masonic Temple 150th poster: This beautiful, glossy poster was designed to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the dedication of the Grand Lodge's Ma

08/05/2023

Patricia Latimore, Supreme Queen of Daughters of the Nile, a Masonic appendant body for women, visited the Temple this week after a stop at Shriners Children’s Philadelphia (since Daughters of the Nile gives over $2 million to Shriners Children's yearly, and some of their members are former Shriners patients). Thanks for touring!

08/03/2023

At the Temple’s cornerstone-laying in 1868, a time capsule was placed in a very large box with items of importance to both The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, F & AM and the country, including coins of the day and coins of importance to Masons, a holy Bible and ritual books, among other items. Several items from the time capsule are currently on display in our exhibit hall in celebration of our 150th anniversary. Stop by today and take a trip down memory lane!

08/01/2023

The Masonic Library at the Temple is the largest Masonic library in Pennsylvania - and the Harry C. Trexler Masonic Library at the Allentown Masonic Temple, the subject of this month's Speaker Series lecture, is the second-largest, with over 7,000 books!
On Aug. 19, 3:30 p.m., library director and curator Brother Kristopher Yoder, Greenleaf Lodge No. 561, Allentown, will share some of the collection's highlights. Register to livestream the talk below.

In 1930, Gen. Harry C. Trexler donated books to the Masons of the Lehigh Valley as the starter for a Masonic library. Since then, the Trexler Masonic Library has grown into the largest collection of Masonic books, documents, rarities and other paraphernalia in Pennsylvania outside of the Masonic Lib...

07/29/2023

The author of the upcoming book "Of Moors and Masons: The Influence of Moorish Science on Freemasonry" featured our Oriental and Egyptian Hall lodge rooms in a recent video on his YouTube channel! Check it out to see more details from these rooms at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEqUH7C-SyQ.
Of Moors and Masons

07/27/2023

For the June Speaker Series, “Strategic Leadership Tools for the Business of the Lodge and Beyond,” Brother Ben Litman, PM, Charity Lodge No. 190, Jeffersonville, discusses “buy-in,” Google trends and academic reading, among other topics. Watch for some valuable takeaways!

07/26/2023

While the Grand Ballroom is typically used for corporate event presentations and power points, there are other picturesque spaces in the Masonic Temple for your ONE North Broad event. For the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) Forum 2023 (Cardiology Specialty Dinner) in June, guests mingled in the Grand Foyer for cocktails and networking prior to the sit-down dinner. Visit us today and explore all the ways a ONE North Broad event can work for you and your company!

07/25/2023

Haul out the holly ... today is Christmas in July! But, no matter what holiday or occasion you're celebrating throughout the year, the Masonic Temple Gift Shop has something for the Freemason or Masonic Temple appreciator in your life, including items from Masonic Revival and other Masonic retailers, and books written by Pennsylvania Freemasons. New this year: select merchandise related to our 150th anniversary!
Shop in person Tuesday – Saturday, from 10 a.m. to noon and 2 to 4:45 p.m., or visit
https://masonicmuseumgifts.com/