Deep within Fairmount Park sits the Hermitage Mansion. It’s not just a beautiful building. It holds centuries of stories. The Hermitage Mansion’s history begins 300 years ago. A group of Rosicrucians, German “hermits”, settled in the Wissahickon Valley in 1694. They sought freedom and privacy. They received 175 acres, encompassing the present mansion’s site. These monks built a tabernacle and cultivated gardens. They pursued scholarly and artistic endeavors. This tranquil setting fostered their unique lifestyle. Fast forward to 1848. Evan Prowattain purchased the property. He built the Hermitage Mansion on the tabernacle site. This became his residence. Interestingly, Prowattain later sold the Hermitage Mansion to the City of Philadelphia in 1878. The selling price was a mere $1. Prowattain allowed the city to assume his outstanding mortgage. The Fairmount Park Commission’s role also began during this era. The Commission managed the parkland, ensuring it remained a public space for all Philadelphians. This included the Wissahickon Valley and, of course, the Hermitage Mansion. Years later, the Delaware Opera Company leased the mansion from 1981 to 2006. Their lease included responsibility for the mansion’s care and maintenance. Today, the Fairmount Park Conservancy oversees the property. They offer long-term leases to organizations aligned with the Hermitage’s original purpose. This ensures the spirit of the mansion lives on.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to