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 and watersheds and our connection to them. We can offer tours for groups of 10 or more people.
Tours are an excellent way to 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.
All of our tours take place both inside and out.
We are currently offering the following themed tours:
Landmark Tour
Come experience the story of Philadelphia’s water—past, present, and future. 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. Guests will get to see rarely seen “before” images of the late 20th-century rehabilitation of the site. 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 to the people of Philadelphia.
Disease, Public Health, and Fairmount Water Works Tour
Learn how an epidemic influenced the transition from wells to using the Schuylkill River as a drinking water source for Philadelphia. Throughout the history of the Fairmount Water Works, disease and the interest in public health played a role in how we treat our water and our landscape. Join us as we discuss the diseases, the presumed cures and public health solutions as we explore our outside site, inside exhibits, and our freshwater mussel research lab.
Said in Stone: Statuary Art at Fairmount Water Works
Join us for 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.
Lafayette Historic Tour of Fairmount Water Works
Lafayette visited Philadelphia more than once and the last time 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.