A Red-Blooded Philadelphian's Favorite Building

Bright daytime sun highlights the exterior texture and massing of the Fisher Fine Arts Library.

I have photographed a variety of architectural marvels around the world, from Mesa Verde to Stockholm. Nonetheless, many of my favorite subjects are located right in my “backyard” in the greater Philadelphia area.

Among them is the Fisher Fine Arts Library at the University of Pennsylvania: a standout combination of Venetian Gothic mass and ornament in bright red terra cotta. I have photographed it in a variety of seasons, at different times of day, and I find something new to enjoy about it every time.

Aphorisms jump out from the decorative windows.

Designed by Frank Furness and completed in 1890, the Fisher Fine Arts Library remains a bold highlight of the University of Pennsylvania campus over 130 years later. Its red glow is even more striking at twilight—my favorite time of day to photograph.

At twilight, interior lights illuminate the gorgeous detail of the library’s decorative windows.

Not even the cold Philly winters can dull this building’s shine. In fact, the red stands out even more when it’s wearing a fresh coat of snow.

With no leaves on the trees in winter, a wider view can be seen.

The icicles that hang off the library’s gargoyles in winter bear an endearing resemblance to a happy dog’s drooly grin.

On sunnier days, the Fisher Fine Arts Library provides a great backdrop for all kinds of Penn-related photography, such as models showing off the university bookstore’s latest merch releases. Penn’s signature navy and white really pop against the bright red terra cotta of the library’s exterior.

We’ve got spirit—yes, we do! The library’s bold red exterior perfectly contrasts Penn’s signature navy and white apparel.

Peoples, places, passions, pursuits…and photographs by yours truly!