Fisher Fine Arts Library: Protecting a Philadelphia Masterpiece
The landmark building will remain open during a 20-month refurbishment of its exterior, from the spring of 2025 to the fall of 2026.
One of the most recognizable and architecturally significant buildings on Penn’s campus, the Anne and Jerome Fisher Fine Arts Library building will turn 135 in 2026! Like all brick and terra cotta buildings of its time, Fisher requires specialized care to ensure that it can serve future generations of students, faculty members, alums, and scholars.
After a year of careful planning, the building’s exterior is undergoing critical restoration work. From the spring of 2025 through the fall of 2026, the 20-month project will target every aspect of the building’s exterior, from the signature terra cotta tiles, sandstone walls, and copper roof to its doors and windows. Fisher will remain open for the duration of the work, but visitors can expect occasional noise and disruptions. Read below for details.
Why does the building need restoration?
Masonry construction is extremely efficient and durable. However, like all construction methods and materials, it is not maintenance-free. Climate change presents additional challenges for the maintenance of masonry construction. With age and exposure to the elements, a building’s exterior is susceptible to leaks and other issues that are not limited to its appearance.
The design and implementation of Fisher’s restoration is handled by experts in historic preservation — one of the programs at the Weitzman School of Design — who are charged with protecting the building from avoidable damage and undue deterioration. Penn undertook a major restoration of Fisher from 1986 to 1991, with subsequent work completed in 2003, 2006, 2013 and 2015.
Why is the building special?
Fisher’s design is the work of acclaimed architect Frank Furness. Born in Philadelphia in 1839, he designed over 600 buildings in the area and was known for an eclectic style and use of modern technologies that influenced architects like Louis H. Sullivan, William Price, and Robert Venturi. Among his other surviving buildings are the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and numerous train stations commissioned by the Baltimore and Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Pennsylvania and Reading railroads. Furness’s work is held in the collections of Penn’s Architectural Archives, which is located in the lower level of the building.
How will the renovation affect visitors?
Fisher will remain open for the duration of the work, but visitors can expect occasional noise and disruptions. See below for the latest information about visiting each area of the building. If you have follow-up questions, please reach out to the contact listed for that area.
- The library, Common Press, and Materials Library are open with regular operations.
- Visitors can expect occasional noise and disruptions. Visit the circulation desk for free earplugs and access to a free white noise app.
- Search the spaces finder for alternate quiet study spaces in library locations across campus.
- Contact: finearts@pobox.upenn.edu
- The Architectural Archives is open with regular operations.
- Contact: archarchives@design.upenn.edu
- Events and lectures hosted by the Kleinman Center may take place later in the evening or be moved to other locations on campus. Please refer to the Kleinman Center website for more information.
- Contact: kleinmanenergy@upenn.edu
- The Arthur Ross Gallery is open with regular operations.
- Contact: arg@pobox.upenn.edu
In the News
Penn Today interviews University architect Mark Kocent on the project's scope and significance.
