Whitemarsh Hall

Whitemarsh Hall is a mansion built across six stories and spanning approximately 100,000 square feet, with three underground levels containing functional spaces. The structure features a high balustrade designed to conceal the top floor, creating a more balanced appearance from the front.

The mansion was built in 1921 for investment banker Edward Stotesbury as a symbol of his family's wealth during the Gilded Age. During World War II, the building served as storage for artworks from the Metropolitan Museum, protecting valuable collections from wartime damage.

The mansion hosted high-society gatherings and displayed its owner's collection of 18th-century European furnishings and paintings throughout its rooms. The lavish spaces served as a backdrop for prominent social events, reflecting the status and cultural connections of those who lived there.

The sprawling complex required substantial staffing to keep the property running, with specialized workers assigned to different areas of the estate. Visitors should allow time to explore the grounds, as the gardens and outdoor areas are an important part of the overall experience.

French Prime Minister Georges Clemenceau compared the estate to the Palace of Versailles, recognizing its architectural scale and ambition. This comparison from a leading European politician highlighted how impressive the building appeared to those familiar with European grandeur.

Location: Pennsylvania

Inception: 1921

Architects: Horace Trumbauer

Architectural style: Colonial Revival architecture

GPS coordinates: 40.09360,-75.19820

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:27