The 110-room Neoclassical Revival mansion of a wealthy Philadelphian, Lynnewood Hall (also known as Widener Mansion) is now a relic of a bygone era. It was built by industrialist Peter A. B. Widener between 1897 and 1900, and was renowned for its remarkable art collection.
Located in the Elkins Park neighborhood of Montgomery County, the surviving Widener Mansion is a historic gem for visitors to explore and enjoy. Originally designed by architect Horace Trumbauer, the property is currently under restoration after sitting nearly vacant for years.
A rare and significant treasure, the Widener Mansion was once the home of an industrialist and one of the country’s richest men. The mansion was a place for Widener to display his vast art collection and was a haven for his family and guests.
While the property is no longer lived in, its imposing architecture and sweeping views of Jenkintown are still appreciated by residents today. It is also a popular wedding venue that allows couples to host their special day within the grounds of this magnificent estate.
An opulent estate that is a treasured local landmark, Widener Mansion has seen its fair share of owners and residents over the years. In the last decade, a religious group has owned the property, and has mostly left it unused.
But it is still possible to see the mansion’s awe-inspiring interiors. Urban explorer Abandoned Southeast recently published photos of the house that shows its many intricate details and master craftsmanship.
The site features an art gallery, a swimming pool and ballroom that can accommodate 1,000 guests, and its own electricity plant and reservoir. It also houses carpentry and upholstery workshops and a farm.
Although it has been abandoned and in disrepair for decades, there are still remnants of the mansion’s glory inside. It is said to be the largest preserved Gilded Age home in the area, containing some of the most important private art collections from Europe during that era.
According to the media, this stunning art collection was once destined for the Philadelphia Museum of Art. After Widener died in 1915, his family decided to move the collection to a new home.
While a large portion of the art collection has been moved to a new home, a few pieces have remained at Lynnewood Hall. In addition, the Widener family has lent some of their collection to the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Art and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts.
The mansion is a wonderful destination for visitors looking to experience the past and discover what makes this community so unique. Whether you’re a history buff or an art enthusiast, the Widener Mansion is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
About the author: Adam Kathrens is an architectural historian and a freelance writer. He is the author of a book about architect Horace Trumbauer and the story behind his life, “American’s Leading Designer of Great Houses: The Life and Career of Horace Trumbauer.”
As an architect, Trumbauer is best known for designing palatial mansions and hotels, but his work extends far beyond residential buildings. He also designed office and hospital buildings, college dormitories, and other institutional structures. Some of his more notable projects include the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, the Keswick Theater in Glenside and the Harry Elkins Widener Library at Harvard University.
