Philadelphia Bourse

Philadelphia Bourse is a Renaissance Revival structure standing nine stories tall in the heart of Philadelphia. Its facade combines reddish-brown sandstone, pale yellow brick, and terracotta decorations that give the building its distinctive appearance.

This commodities market opened in 1891, designed to follow the model of the Hamburg Bourse in Germany. Local business leaders pooled their resources to finance its construction, reflecting their commitment to expanding trade activity.

The building once served as the economic hub where merchants gathered to trade commodities and shape business dealings. Today its spaces host offices and consulates, keeping alive the tradition of commerce that defined the location for generations.

This building sits near Independence Mall in a walkable downtown location that is easy to reach by public transit. The structure is accessible for viewing its exterior architecture and the surrounding pedestrian areas throughout the day.

This was among the earliest buildings to employ a steel frame during its construction between 1893 and 1895. The innovative approach to building marked an important step forward in how structures were engineered during that era.

Inception: 1895

Architects: G. W. & W. D. Hewitt

Architectural style: Renaissance Revival architecture

Floors above the ground: 9

Website: http://theboursephilly.com

GPS coordinates: 39.94972,-75.14833

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:59