Ryerss Mansion, Historic mansion in Fox Chase, Philadelphia, US
Ryerss Mansion is a red brick house built in the Italianate style in the Fox Chase neighborhood of Philadelphia, with tall windows and decorative roof details that define its exterior. The building now serves as a public museum and library, with art collections, books, and objects displayed throughout the interior rooms.
The house was built in 1859 for a merchant whose trading routes reached China, Japan, and England. After his death, the family left the property to the city of Philadelphia, which opened it to the public shortly after 1900.
The Ryerss family brought back decorative objects from their travels across Asia, and many of these pieces are still displayed in the rooms today. Lacquerware, porcelain, and carved items from China and Japan give the interior a character that feels far removed from its Philadelphia neighborhood.
The property sits in a residential part of Fox Chase, on the outer edge of Philadelphia, so it helps to plan the journey in advance. Guided tours are available to walk visitors through the rooms and collections, and programs change throughout the year.
When the property passed to the city, the phrase 'Free to the people forever' was written into its founding terms and still guides the institution today. This means that entry remains free for all visitors, which is now rare for a house museum of this kind.
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