North Broad Street is a historic, architecturally rich boulevard experiencing a significant transformation, aiming to preserve its vibrant and diverse residential and academic communities while bringing new residents and institutions.

In this guide to North Broad Street, Visit Philadelphia writes:

Frank Furness’ unmistakable architecture is the exterior hallmark of PAFA’s Furness-Hewitt Building, which sits across the way from its modern counterpart, the Samuel M. V. Hamilton building. Between them: Claes Oldenburg’s 50-foot-tall Paint Torch, symbolizing liberty and the importance of America’s first fine arts school and museum. Inside is American art by classic and contemporary artists Winslow Homer, Kehinde Wiley, John Singer Sargent, Jacob Lawrence, Edward Hopper, Cecilia Beaux and former students Thomas Eakins, Mary Cassatt and Maxfield Parrish, as well as PAFA founder Charles Peale. The oldest art school in the country hosts its annual end-of-academic-year student exhibition, where guests can purchase original works by PAFA students.