Fisher Fine Arts Library

Fisher Fine Arts Library. Housed within a celebrated National Historic Landmark building on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania, it serves as the primary resource for the study of architecture, landscape architecture, city planning, historic preservation, and the visual arts. Its vast collections and iconic Frank Furness-designed structure make it a centerpiece for both academic scholarship and architectural tourism. The facility is a key component of the University of Pennsylvania Libraries system and supports the programs of the Stuart Weitzman School of Design.

History

The library's origins trace to 1890, when industrialist and philanthropist Joseph Wharton helped fund its construction as the university's main library, replacing the outgrown College Hall. The building was designed by the prominent Philadelphia architect Frank Furness, a figure associated with the Victorian Gothic style and a mentor to Louis Sullivan. It served as the central library until 1962, when the collections were moved to the newly constructed Van Pelt Library. Following a significant renovation led by the firm Venturi, Scott Brown and Associates, the building reopened in 1991, rededicated to the fine arts and named in honor of Anne d'Harnoncourt and her father, Fiske Kimball. This transformation preserved its historic fabric while adapting it for specialized modern use, a process overseen by architects Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown.

Architecture

The structure is a masterwork of Frank Furness and a prime example of high Victorian Gothic design, noted for its vigorous polychromy, inventive use of industrial materials like wrought iron and terracotta, and complex spatial organization. Its dramatic exterior features red sandstone and brick patterning, a prominent clock tower, and sculptural details that reflect John Ruskin's theories on architectural honesty. The interior is dominated by the monumental, four-story reading room, illuminated by vast expanses of leaded glass windows and a central skylight, with exposed steel trusses and intricate ironwork showcasing Furness's engineering prowess. The 1991 renovation by Venturi, Scott Brown and Associates sensitively inserted contemporary elements, such as a new mezzanine and specialized lighting, creating a dialogue between the 19th century fabric and late-20th century Postmodern architecture.

Collections

Holding approximately 400,000 volumes, the collections are globally recognized for their depth in the history of architecture and urban planning. Strengths include exceptional materials on 18th-century French architecture, 19th-century American architecture, and Modernist architecture, with notable archives related to Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Kahn. The library houses extensive visual resources, including the Lawrence J. Schoenberg Collection of manuscripts and the Furness Shakespeare Library, alongside significant holdings of architectural drawings, photographs, and artist's books. These special collections support advanced research into topics ranging from medieval illuminated manuscripts to contemporary digital design, making it a vital resource for scholars from institutions like the Getty Research Institute and the Royal Institute of British Architects.

Services and access

As part of the University of Pennsylvania Libraries network, it provides specialized services for the Stuart Weitzman School of Design and researchers worldwide. These include dedicated reference assistance, instruction in visual literacy and archival research, and access to digital resources and databases like the Avery Index to Architectural Periodicals. While primary access is granted to University of Pennsylvania students and faculty, qualified scholars from other institutions may apply for research privileges. The building itself, due to its status as a National Historic Landmark, is a frequent stop for architectural tours in Philadelphia, and its reading room is a popular study space renowned for its inspiring atmosphere.

In popular culture

The library's striking appearance has led to its use as a filming location, notably standing in for the Gotham City Police Department in the 1995 film Batman Forever. Its visually distinctive interiors and exteriors have also been featured in other media, including television series and architectural documentaries, cementing its image as an iconic representation of academic Gothic architecture. The building frequently appears in publications by organizations such as the American Institute of Architects and is a subject of study in courses on architectural history at institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Columbia University.

Category:University of Pennsylvania Category:Libraries in Philadelphia Category:National Historic Landmarks in Pennsylvania Category:Frank Furness buildings