Fairmount Water Works

Pop-Up: Wondrous World of Winter Adaptations
2026-01-03 11:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center, 640 Water Works Drive, Philadelphia, PA, 19130
Join us for a winter POP-UP!
Learn how cold-blooded residents of the Schuylkill River survive in the winter. Then get creative and design your own aquatic invertebrate to take home!
All ages. No registration needed. Just drop in!
FREE

Dew Drop-In... for fun!
2026-01-24 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-31 10:00 - 17:00 | Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center, 640 Water Works Drive, Philadelphia, PA, 19130
Hands-on activities for all ages!
All ages. No registration needed. Just drop in!
FREE

Loving Our Landmark Tour
2026-03-04 16:00 - 17:30, 2026-03-11 16:00 - 17:30, 2026-03-18 16:00 - 17:30 | Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center, 640 Water Works Drive, Philadelphia, PA, 19130
One of 67 National Historic Landmarks in the city of Philadelphia, Fairmount Water Works tells the story of the rise of the first successful water supply system in our young nation. From innovative engineering and design to neoclassical architecture, Fairmount Water Works served as one of our nation’s top-visited tourist attraction while supplying the pristine water of the Schuylkill River to our growing city’s population. Join us on Wednesdays at 4pm through March to tour this renowned landmark.

Aquatic Saturday at Discovery Center
2026-03-07 13:00 - 15:00 | The Discovery Center, 3401 Reservoir Drive, Philadelphia, PA, 19121, United States
We are joining Audubon staff at Discovery Center to take a look at our freshwater mussels that have been growing in the reservoir. We will learn how to measure them for data, and conclude with sampling the water to view and identify our microscopic organisms. We’ll also have materials for optional watercolor painting with lake water.

11th ANNUAL WALK FOR WATER
2026-03-21 07:30 - 11:30 | Fairmount Water Works, 640 Water Works Drive, Philadelphia, PA, 19130, United States
KSM Annual Run/Walk for Water – 5K
Fairmount Water Works is partnering again this year with Keiyo Soy Ministries (KSM) to offer the 11th Annual Run/Walk for Water for Life. According to UNICEF, 1 in 3 people globally do not have access to safe drinking water. Billions of people around the world are continuing to suffer from poor access to water, sanitation, and hygiene.
KSM’s water project in the Kerion Valley was recently destroyed by landslides due to heavy rains. Race registration fees will support a new drilling operation that will provide water for seven schools.
This year’s Theme for World Water Day is “ Valuing Water”. Let us value water and help thousands of children in Kerion Valley have access to safe drinking water.
Register now: $30. Price increases to $35 after February 16, 2026 at 11:59pm EST. Register early to get a lower rate and T-shirt!
REGISTER NOW
Race Day Details:
Packet Pickup and Race Day Registration opens at 7:30 am
Water Works Building- 640 Waterworks Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Run/Walk Starts at 9 AM
Course Map: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2566305
Thank you in advance for joining us.

Dew Drop-In
2026-03-21 10:00 - 16:30 | Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center, 640 Water Works Drive, Philadelphia, PA, 19130
All ages are welcome to join us at Dew Drop-In workshops on Saturdays at Fairmount Water Works!
During March’s theme, The Color of Water, we’re exploring what affects the appearance of water, and then using the waterways of Philadelphia as inspiration for watercolor art.
See where your creativity flows on March 21 and 28 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m!

Landmark Tour
2026-03-25 16:00 - 17:30 | Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center, 640 Water Works Drive, Philadelphia, PA, 19130

Dew Drop-In
2026-03-28 10:00 - 16:30 | Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center, 640 Water Works Drive, Philadelphia, PA, 19130
All ages are welcome to join us at Dew Drop-In workshops on Saturdays at Fairmount Water Works!
During March’s theme, The Color of Water, we’re exploring what affects the appearance of water, and then using the waterways of Philadelphia as inspiration for watercolor art.
See where your creativity flows on March 28 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m!

International Day of Sites & Monuments
2026-04-18 14:00 - 15:30 | Fairmount Water Works, 640 Water Works Drive, Philadelphia, PA, 19130, United States
On Saturday, April 18, from 2 to 3:30 p.m., join the Fairmount Water Works for a Cultural Heritage Tour.
See how the Fairmount Water Works continues to meet the challenges of changing times — from a public health crisis in the 1800s, through the changing climate of the 21st century.
Ellen Freedman Schultz, Director of Strategic Partnerships for the Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center, will present rarely seen “before” images of the site’s late-20th-century rehabilitation. The tour will reaffirm how the historic Fairmount Water Works still stands as a beautiful and enduring symbol of the city’s commitment to providing clean public drinking water.

Lafayette Historic Tour of Fairmount Water Works
2026-05-02 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-05-23 10:00 - 11:30 | Fairmount Water Works, 640 Water Works Drive, Philadelphia, PA, 19130, United States
The Marquis de Lafayette was 19 when he first came to America in 1777 to fight for its freedom. When he returned in August, 1824 for his farewell tour he was 67. At the end of his tour, in the summer of 1825, Lafayette visited Philadelphia once more, specifically to see the dedication of the Fairmount Water Works with a tour by the watering committee. He referred to it as “the perfect embodiment of the American Government, in which were combined simplicity, power, and economy.”
Join us for a guided interpretation of the 1815 engineering marvel that so impressed Lafayette on his Philadelphia visit. Tours will include excerpts from the extensive writings of both Lafayette and his secretary, Auguste Levasseur, about their experience at the site, that is now designated a Historic Landmark building.
Open to all. Free. Registration preferred.
Open to all, free admission

World Heritage Month: Loving Our Landmarks Tour
2026-05-06 16:00 - 17:30, 2026-05-20 16:00 - 17:30 | Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center, 640 Water Works Drive, Philadelphia, PA, 19130
Come experience the story of Philadelphia’s water—past, present, and future. Join us for our Cultural Heritage Tour at one of Philadelphia’s most iconic landmarks. See how the Fairmount Water Works continues to meet the challenges of changing times —from a public health crisis in the 1800s, through the changing climate of the 21st century.
Tour guide Ellen Freedman Schultz, Director of Strategic Partnerships at the Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center and Philadelphia Water Department, will show rarely seen “before” images of the late 20th-century rehabilitation of the site and will talk about other water heritage sites throughout the world. All will inspire conversations about the challenges and possibilities for the protection of our significant water heritage sites.
The guided tour will reaffirm that the historic Fairmount Water Works still stands as a beautiful and enduring symbol of the city’s commitment to providing clean public drinking water and across the globe.

CURRENTS: A Multimedia Exhibition Opening Reception
2026-05-09 13:00 - 16:00 | PA
In CURRENTS, ten prominent local artists will expose the hidden mysteries of the raw architecture and underground corridors beneath the historic Fairmount Water Works (FWW).
Imaginative site-specific artworks will immerse visitors in the voices of the river and the history and ecology of the Water Works and its environs. Trickling harmonic notes will accompany ephemeral video projections while haunting multi-media installations will connect colonial times to both the real present and an imagined future 250 years ahead.
CURRENTS is curated by Philadelphia Sculptors, and is a FWW, PHL250 and Global Philadelphia World Heritage Month event.
Philadelphia Sculptors works to promote contemporary sculpture and expand public awareness of the role and value of sculpture through exhibitions, public forums, and educational outreach.
Co-Curators: Elaine Crivelli, Leslie Kaufman, and Marsha Moss.

Participating Artists: Joy Feasley and Paul Swenbeck, Julianna Foster, Carolyn Healy and John Phillips, Nadia Hironaka and Matthew Suib, Eugene Lew, Martha McDonald, and Taji Ra’oof Nahl.

Naked Stark: Open Outdoor Rehearsals
2026-05-13 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-05-14 11:00 - 14:00, 2026-05-15 13:00 - 17:00 | PA
OPEN REHEARSALS OUTSIDE AT FAIRMOUNT WATER WORKS
Catch a glimpse of the Naked Stark Artistic Collaborators rehearsing for their full-length performance FLOOD BEGIN AGAIN premiering in the fall! These outdoor rehearsals are unique opportunities to witness us co-create in collaboration with live music, set pieces, and the architecture of this historic site.
Photos by Channing Billups

WE THE PEOPLE: Preserve Our Right To Clean Water Preview Reception
2026-05-14 16:30 - 18:30 | Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center, 640 Water Works Drive, Philadelphia, PA, 19130
WE THE PEOPLE: Preserve Our Right To Clean Water
4th Annual Special Fine Art Exhibition
Preview Reception
The Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) has been a national leader in educating the public about the value of clean water and the need for public stewardship of our regional and local watersheds. This exhibition encapsulates these ideas and invites visitors to engage in thought and discussion sparked by a series of events which celebrate clean water including a fine art exhibition, installations, dance performances and interactive displays throughout the Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center (FWWIC).
The exhibition will be open to the public from May 16 to August 1, 2026.
Participating Artists: Keith Breitfeller , *Emily Brown, Brian David Dennis, Thom Duffy, **Benjamin Passione, Rinal Parikh ,
Amie Potsic, Ana Vizcarra Rankin, Robert Reinhardt and Michael Williamson.
Courtesy of Galleries: *Avery Galleries and **Gross McCleaf Gallery.
The exhibition is curated by Thom Duffy under the direction of Karen Young, FWWIC Director, and brought to you in part by the Fund for the Water Works and the Edward F. Grusheski Water Literacy Foundation.

Curator-Led Tour of WE THE PEOPLE Fine Art Exhibition
2026-05-16 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-05-16 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-05-30 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-05-30 13:00 - 14:00 | Fairmount Water Works, 640 Water Works Drive, Philadelphia, PA, 19130, United States
ART EXHIBIT TOURS
WE THE PEOPLE: 4th ANNUAL ART EXHIBIT AT FWWIC
We welcome visitors to register in advance for personal and engaging tours with Thom Duffy, Curator. Visitors will also be greeted by contributing artists. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from artists who are featured in this special exhibition !
Register HERE.

CURRENTS: Taji Ra'oof Nahl - Special Artist Performance
2026-05-16 14:00 - 15:00 | Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center, 640 Water Works Drive, Philadelphia, PA, 19130
Join us in this Special Artist Performance of CURRENTS!
In CURRENTS, imaginative site-specific artworks will immerse visitors in the voices of the river and the history and ecology of the Water Works and its environs. Trickling harmonic notes will accompany ephemeral video projections while haunting multi-media installations will connect colonial times to both the real present and an imagined future 250 years ahead.

Taji Ra’oof Nahl is a conceptual artist working across sculpture, film, sound, and collective study. He is a 2024 Guggenheim Fellow in Fine Arts. He is the architect of the TR7 Ecosystem—an evolving platform that organizes installations, moving image, performance, and collaboration into a unified cultural infrastructure. His work operates through Field Trips, Video Almanacs, live scoring sessions, and staged productions that examine overlooked histories and the movement of knowledge through civic space.
CURRENTS is curated by Philadelphia Sculptors, and is a FWW, PHL250 and Global Philadelphia World Heritage Month event.
Philadelphia Sculptors works to promote contemporary sculpture and expand public awareness of the role and value of sculpture through exhibitions, public forums, and educational outreach.
Co-Curators: Elaine Crivelli, Leslie Kaufman, and Marsha Moss.

Said in Stone: Statuary Art at Fairmount Water Works
2026-05-27 16:00 - 17:30 | Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center, 640 Water Works Drive, Philadelphia, PA, 19130
Join us for Said in Stone: Statuary Art at Fairmount Water Works, a tour focusing on the “form” that complements the “function” of our National Historic Landmark.
Along with the history, learn about the artistic expression of this site through the architecture, fountains, sculpture, landscape design and the Schuylkill River School of Painting. The beauty of the form brought attention to the critical function of the Fairmount Water Works.

CURRENTS: Martha McDonald - Special Artist Performance
2026-05-30 14:30 - 15:30, 2026-05-31 14:30 - 15:30 | Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center, 640 Water Works Drive, Philadelphia, PA, 19130
Join us in this Special Artist Performance of CURRENTS!
River Ode: The Schuylkill Freed is a site-specific performance by Martha McDonald exploring the history of the Fairmount Water Works and the life of the Schuylkill River. Sited in the abandoned John B. Kelly Pool on the ground floor of the historic building, the performance will activate the space through movement, costume and original music reflecting on the engineering feats that harnessed the power of the river to bring clean water to the people; tales of the Schuylkill Rangers, 19th century Irish river pirates from nearby Grays Ferry; and the rebirth of the river after decades of pollution.
Anchoring the piece in the Semiquincentennial, McDonald will play a glass armonica—an instrument invented by Benjamin Franklin that uses water to make music. A series of spinning glass bowls that create ethereal tones when touched with wet fingers, the glass armonica evokes the water wheels that once hummed in this building and conjures a mournful resonance within its crumbling walls.
CURRENTS is curated by Philadelphia Sculptors, and is a FWW, PHL250 and Global Philadelphia World Heritage Month event.
Philadelphia Sculptors works to promote contemporary sculpture and expand public awareness of the role and value of sculpture through exhibitions, public forums, and educational outreach.
Co-Curators: Elaine Crivelli, Leslie Kaufman, and Marsha Moss.

Special Sunday- Building Open
2026-05-31 13:00 - 17:00 | PA
We will be open Sunday May 31st from 1 PM – 5 PM.
