Independence National Historical Park - Merchants' Exchange Building (U.S. National Park Service)

Merchants' Exchange Building

Try our new Independence National Historical Park Cell Phone Audio Tour! Call 267-519-4295, press Prompt #28 for Merchant's Exchange Building information. Read the press release and flyer with stops listing prompts for other park sites.

Built between 1832 and 1834, the Merchants' Exchange Building, also known as the Philadelphia Exchange, is located on the triangular site bounded by Dock Street, Third Street, and Walnut Street. This monumental office building was designed by William Strickland and is an exquisite expression of the Greek Revival style, the first national American architectural style. The ideals of Greek democracy were attractive to citizens of the American Republic and provided the best model for American architects to emulate as a national style. The Greek Revival style can be differentiated from former styles such as the Georgian or Federal styles by its striving for archeological correctness in the use of the classical orders. The Choragic Monument of Lysicrates was the model for the building's lantern. Other surviving William Strickland designed buildings include two other park sites, Second Bank of the United States and Independence Hall Tower. The building is also significant to nineteenth century Philadelphia because it served as a commercial and financial center as well as the site of a post office. Previously, meetings between merchants took place in small coffee houses or taverns located near the Delaware riverfront. By 1831, it was believed that a central location was required to carry out business transactions and negotiations. Upon its completion, the building soon became the financial center for Philadelphia housing commercial houses, marine insurance companies, the Philadelphia Board of Trade, and the Philadelphia Stock Exchange. Located on the Dock Street side of the building, the United States Post Office occupied a large room and was the first in the country to sell stamps. In 1952, the National Park Service acquired the building and began a series of projects to restore and preserve the structure. The building was recently renovated as the park's headquarters. In 2001, the Merchants' Exchange Building was designated a National Historical Landmark. If you plan to visit the park and would like more information on the building's history, please visit the public exhibit located on the first floor just inside the main entrance on Third Street. Hours are from 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. Admission is free.