Reading Terminal

Reading Terminal is a former railway station complex in Center City Philadelphia that occupies an entire city block and combines a Victorian headhouse with a large steel trainshed. The building merges industrial construction with the representative architecture of the late nineteenth century.

Wilson Brothers & Company completed the station in 1893 as the main hub for trains arriving from the north. Passenger trains ended their operations in 1984 when intercity services shifted to 30th Street Station to the south.

The Reading Terminal Market inside the complex maintains 80 vendors offering regional specialties, international cuisine, and fresh produce to thousands of visitors daily.

The Pennsylvania Convention Center now uses the upper floors while the ground level market opens daily throughout the week. The building sits in the city center and is within walking distance of many hotels and attractions.

The train platforms sat directly above the market hall, so travelers walked through the vendor stalls on their way to catch trains. This arrangement allowed the market to continue operating even after passenger service ended.

Location: Philadelphia

Inception: January 29, 1893

Architects: Wilson Brothers & Company

GPS coordinates: 39.95261,-75.15944

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:29