Philadelphia: The Changing City

From river to skyline and stoop to stoop, Philadelphia has been re-formed and re-shaped throughout its history. Its transformation from bustling port to workshop of the world to World Heritage City and hub for education, medicine, and entrepreneurship has had a profound impact on both its built and natural environments and the lives of those who call it home. Images of the city drawn from 300 years of prints, photographs, documents, and maps in the Special Collections and Research Departments of the Parkway Central Library reveal the planned and unplanned changes that have affected Philadelphia's landscape, its buildings, and its inhabitants.

The William B. Dietrich Gallery, Rare Book Department

October 10, 2018 – April 13, 2019

Images & Objects

Click below to see images and learn more about the objects featured in the Philadelphia: The Changing City Exhibition

Philadelphia: The Changing City Exhibition Photos

Click above to see photos of the exhibition, Philadelphia: The Changing City.

Click above to learn more about select objects featured in the exhibition, Philadelphia: The Changing City.

Blog Posts

Click below to read blog posts relating to the Philadelphia: The Changing City Exhibition

A Philadelphia: The Changing City blog post written by Joe S.

A Philadelphia: The Changing City blog post written by Megan M.

A Philadelphia: The Changing City blog post written by Alina J.