Plan Your Visit
Getting Here
The Fairmount Water Works is located at:
640 Waterworks Drive
Philadelphia, PA 19130
Parking
Free two-hour parking is available along Water Works Drive.
Public Transit
Just down the hill from the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Water Works is easy to reach by SEPTA bus route 38 and 32.
Other bus and rail lines stop a short walk away. Visit SEPTA.org or Google Transit to map your route.
The seasonal Philly PHLASH service also provides a quick and convenient connection between the FWW / Art Museum area and other Philadelphia attractions
Stop 11 is served by both the PHLASH Downtown Loop and the Zoo & Please Touch Museum Loop
Admission
General admission is free. Donations are welcome and can be made online or in person.
Groups and Tours
Recommended donations for groups and tours are as follows:
| School Groups (K‑12th): | $6.00–$10.00/person |
|---|---|
| College/University Groups: | $6.00–$10.00/person ($10.00/person after business hours) |
| Boy/Girl Scouts: | $8.00/person |
| General Tours/Adult Groups: | $10.00/person |
| Specialty Tours: | Varies |
Groups of 10 or more must schedule in advance. Call 215‑685‑0723 to schedule a visit.
Accessibility
The Fairmount Water Works currently does not have elevator access, due to flooding from Hurricane Ida. We are working hard to restore service as soon as possible. Our apologies for the inconvenience.
Explore our Exhibits
Check these out!
Engine House Theater
Watch a movie about the history of Philadelphia and the role that the Water Works played.
Know Your Watershed
Jonval Turbine
See parts of the original turbine – over 9 feet in diameter – that have been here since 1851!
Downloadable Guides
Visitor Guide (with map) Self-Guided Tour of the Water Works Campus Visita Autoguiada (en Español)
Tours
Explore the natural beauty of our region, discover the fascinating history of water systems and the growth of our city, and learn about water treatment and Philadelphia’s water and sewer systems with one of our friendly and knowledgeable tour guides! The Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center offers on-site and off-site tours that explore Philadelphia’s waterways […]
Freshwater Mussel Hatchery
Experience a living science laboratory in action, get a behind-the-scenes look at the life and times of a freshwater mussel, and enjoy a unique view of the ever-changing Schuylkill River habitat.
Art on the Circuit: “Hydraulica”
“Hydraulica” has “popped up” in front of the Independence Seaport Museum! This public art installation was developed in partnership with Fairmount Water Works to help visitors experience and connect to the river and our watershed.