Docomomo US invites participants to an extraordinary weekend exploring the architecture, planning, and design legacy of Philadelphia and its surrounding region through the work of Louis Kahn, Frank Lloyd Wright, Robert Venturi, I.M. Pei, Oskar Stonorov, and Wharton Esherick. Guided by Dan Macey, President of the Docomomo US/Philadelphia chapter, and William Whitaker of the University of Pennsylvania, the program combines landmark buildings, private residential tours, archival access, and intimate social gatherings. The tours will leave from the iconic Loews Philadelphia Hotel in the PSFS Building, one of the country’s defining early skyscrapers of the International Style and  completed in 1930 by the prominent architectural partnership of George Howe and William Lescaze.

This unique Docomomo travel tour offers a rare opportunity to experience the breadth of modern architecture in and around Philadelphia—from internationally celebrated institutional projects to experimental suburban residences and urban renewal planning. Highlights include visits to Louis Kahn’s Fisher House and Margaret Esherick House, Robert Venturi’s Vanna Venturi House, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Sweeton House, and the Richards Medical Research Laboratories, along with special access to the University of Pennsylvania architectural archives. The weekend also features a festive Marimekko-themed dinner party, “Kocktails and Kahnapies,” hosted on the patio of the Margaret Esherick House, creating an unforgettable opportunity to experience one of Kahn’s most celebrated residences as a lived and social space.

SCHEDULE

 

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

For those arriving early, it is recommended that guests consider starting the day at one of Philadelphia’s most important cultural institutions, including the Calder Museum, Barnes Foundation, and Philadelphia Museum of Art. The official tour begins in the afternoon and participants will board a private bus for a deep exploration of Louis Kahn’s work, beginning with Erdman Hall and continuing to the University of Pennsylvania campus for an overview of Kahn’s contributions, visits to the archives, and the Richards Medical Research Laboratories. The day concludes with a special reception in Kahn’s former studio before returning to the hotel for an evening at leisure. Transportation is provided.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

Saturday focuses on residential modernism and the creative circles that shaped the Philadelphia region. The day includes visits to the Wharton Esherick Studio, the Korman House, Louis Kahn’s Fisher House, and the Davidson Road development associated with Oskar Stonorov, along with Robert Venturi’s celebrated Vanna Venturi House. The evening culminates with “Kocktails and Kahnapies,” a Marimekko-themed cocktail reception and dinner hosted on the patio of Louis Kahn’s Margaret Esherick House, by homewners Paul Savidge and Dan Macey, offering guests an intimate opportunity to experience one of the architect’s masterworks in a lively social setting.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20

Sunday examines the modern transformation of Philadelphia through urban planning, housing, and civic architecture. The day begins with a walking tour of Society Hill and I.M. Pei’s planning efforts, including the Yoder/Hurdle House, before continuing to additional modern landmarks such as Guild House and the Roundhouse. After lunch, the group visits Louis Kahn’s Clever House and concludes with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Sweeton House in nearby Cherry Hill, New Jersey, before returning to the PSFS Building.

 

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DOCENTS

William Whitaker is the curator and collections manager of the Architectural Archives of the University of Pennsylvania Weitzman School of Design. Trained as an architect and architectural historian at the University of New Mexico and the University of Pennsylvania, Whitaker primarily works on documenting and interpreting Penn’s design collections, including holdings related to the of life and work of architect Louis I. Kahn and landscape architect Lawrence Halprin, as well as that of the husband and wife design team of Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown.

Dan Macey has spent the past decade passionately preserving modern and mid-century architecture. With his husband, Paul Savidge, he restored the Louis Kahn–designed Margaret Esherick House in Philadelphia, earning numerous national and local preservation awards. Dan is the president of the Philadelphia chapter of Docomomo US, and co-chaired the Docomomo US National Symposium in Philadelphia. He is also on the board of directors of Architecture Sarasota. A nationally recognized commercial food stylist, Dan creates food visuals for television, cookbooks, packaging, and promotions. He is deeply engaged in food culture and history, serving on the board of the Historic Foodways Society of the Delaware Valley and frequently speaking on historical food topics. He has contributed to several food history books, including a James Beard Award winner.

REGISTRATION

Weekend Tour (Fri–Sun)

Members: $1395* per person 

Non-Members: $1495* per person

 

* Includes: $350 non-refundable deposit; comprehensive educational land program; entrance to all locations and sites, as detailed; transport between the preferred hotel and daily sites; one lunch, one reception and dinner on Saturday night. Guests are responsible for transportation to/from Philadelphia, accommodations, drinks and meals unless specified. Friday  museum visits are suggested and not included in the formal tour.

HOTEL RECOMMENDATION

Loews Philadelphia Hotel

Docomomo US recommends that guests book accommodations at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel, a landmark 4-star luxury hotel occupying the Philadelphia Savings Fund Society (PSFS) Building—one of America’s very first modern skyscrapers and designed between 1929 and 1930 by the prominent architectural partnership of George Howe and William Lescaze. Transportation will leave and return each day to this hotel.

Loews: $249 plus tax, booking link coming soon

 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Kahn and Colleagues is presented in collaboration with Docomomo US/Philadelphia. Schedules and program details are provided in good faith based on available information. Changes to the itinerary, accommodations, or arrangements may occur at Docomomo US’s discretion, with or without notice. Docomomo US reserves the right to cancel this event at any time if it cannot be held safely, for any reason. In this case, Docomomo US would refund participants the cost of their registration but is not be responsible for any other costs incurred as a result of its decision to cancel the event. Registrants may cancel through September 1, 2026, for a refund, less the $350 deposit. Cancellations after September 1, 2026, will not be refunded. Email info@docomomo-us.org to cancel your registration. It is recommened that attendees purchase seperate travel insurance to protect themselves from travel interuptions. Docomomo US does not recommend a  specific insurer or insurance product, and does not provide guidance.

 

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ABOUT DOCOMOMO TRAVEL TOURS

Docomomo Travel Tours offer a unique travel experience in a small group setting, with access to modern homes and buildings off the beaten path or not ordinarily open to the public. Contact us at info@docomomo-us.org for more information on tours.