Join the Philadelphia Chapter of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art for a rare opportunity to tour and learn about the recently completed Mormon Temple on Benjamin Franklin Parkway with Bradford Houston, the manager of architectural design for the Temple Department of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The tour will take place during the brief period when the temple is opened to the general public prior to its dedication, and will be followed by a lecture by Houston about his experiences working on temples throughout the world and the significance of the Philadelphia Temple’s classical design within the greater context of the history of Mormon temple architecture.
The lecture and following reception will take place in the Trumbauer banquet room at Top of the Tower, an exclusive venue that provides an unparalleled 51st floor view of the temple and surrounding areas. Attendees will have access to the roof observatory and be able to enjoy 360 degree views.
The Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple is the first Mormon temple in the state, and has been designed to complement the architecture of neighboring buildings on the Parkway as well as historic structures throughout the city. The spires purposefully echo the clock tower at Independence Hall, and the interior will include period furnishings reminiscent of historic Philadelphia. The Temple will be formally dedicated on Sunday, September 18, 2016 – one day after the 229th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution.
Bradford Houston is an independent planning and design consultant specializing in classical architecture as well as traditional urban planning. Brad received his Master of Architecture degree from Notre Dame University in 2006. In 2010 he was recruited by the Temple Department of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints specifically for his training in classical architecture. During his time working for the Mormon Church he has been involved in the designs of numerous worldwide temples including those in Sapporo, Japan and Suva, Fiji.
Latecomers and late registrants will miss the tour, as groups must enter the Temple together during previously reserved time slots.
Advance reservations are required and provide for the Lecture and Reception. All lecture/reception reservations with the ICAA also include our free tour at 5:20 pm.
Those interested in tours only (without the lecture and reception) should register thru the Mormon Temple website.
Modest dress is requested.