What Kind of Stone Is the Philadelphia Art Museum Made Of?

Art|Art Museum

The Philadelphia Art Museum is a one-of-a-kind, grandiose building steeped in history. The museum is located on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and is home to an immense collection of art from all around the world. It is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city and is made up of several different buildings.

The main building of the Philadelphia Art Museum was designed by renowned architect Horace Trumbauer and completed in 1928. The building was constructed using a unique combination of materials, ranging from granite to terracotta.

The exterior walls are primarily composed of a type of granite known as Barre Granite, which comes from Barre, Vermont. This granite has become synonymous with Trumbauer’s work and has been used on several other prominent buildings throughout the city, such as the Philadelphia Free Library and City Hall.

The interior walls were built using terracotta blocks that were produced at Gladding McBean & Co.’s Terracotta Works in Lincolnshire, England. The terracotta blocks are characterized by their dark brown color and intricate patterns that can be seen throughout the building’s interior walls.

The roof tiles of the museum are made out of slate, which can be found all over Pennsylvania and surrounding states. Slate is a popular choice for roofing due to its durability and ability to withstand extreme weather conditions like rain and snow.

In conclusion, the Philadelphia Art Museum is made up of several different materials including Barre Granite, terracotta blocks, and slate tiles. Each material was chosen for its unique properties that ensure that this beautiful landmark will stand for years to come.