Powel House

Powel House, a meticulously preserved Georgian townhouse at 244 South 3rd Street, transports visitors to Philadelphia's colonial era. Built in 1765, it was home to Samuel Powel, the last mayor of Philadelphia under British rule and the first mayor after the Revolution. The house is furnished with period antiques, including pieces owned by the Powel family, and features a formal garden that evokes the city's early elegance. Guided tours highlight the architecture, daily life, and the role of the house in hosting figures like George Washington and John Adams. The intimate rooms, with their original woodwork and decorative arts, offer a personal window into the lives of the city's elite during a pivotal time in American history.

Don't miss

• Tour the restored Georgian interiors with original period furnishings
• See the formal colonial garden, a rare surviving example in the city
• Learn about Samuel Powel's role in Revolutionary-era Philadelphia
• View the collection of 18th-century decorative arts and portraits

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Powel House

Cheapest way inHistoric Philly for Kids Ages 5 to 125★ · 30 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$20 per personSee dates →Most bookedRevolution and the Founders: History Tour of Philadelphia4.9★ · 3,512 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$29 per personSee dates →Top ratedWalking Tour of Historic Philadelphia5★ · 121 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$25 per personSee dates →

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Know before you go

• Tours run on a schedule; arrive early to secure a spot.
• Photography is allowed in most rooms without flash.
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking on historic floors and stairs.

A bit of history

Constructed in 1765 for Samuel Powel, who served as mayor before and after the American Revolution. The house survived urban development and was restored in the 1930s as a museum, now operated by the Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks.