Christ Church
4.6(516)google
4.4(52)yelp
Senior-FriendlyIndoorCity LandmarkFreeEducationalHistoric Building
Overview
The Churches of Christ, also commonly known as the Church of Christ, is a loose association of autonomous Christian congregations located around the world. Typically, their distinguishing beliefs are the necessity of baptism for salvation and the prohibition of musical instruments in worship. Many such congregations identify themselves as being nondenominational.
Practical Info
Mon11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tue11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wed11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thu11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sun9:45 – 11:00 AM, 11:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration1-1.5 hours
Best TimeBest visited Wednesday through Sunday mornings around 10:30 AM from May to October. Housed inside a magnificent 1744 Georgian brick structure where George Washington and Benjamin Franklin routinely worshiped, morning sun filters beautifully through the tall historic windows, lighting the white Corinthian columns and brass chandeliers.
Getting ThereLocated in historic Old City Philadelphia at 20 N 2nd Street. Public transit features immediate access: take the Market-Frankford Line subway to 2nd Street Station, located less than a half-block away. For drivers, extensive municipal metered parallel spaces border the brick facade alongside a commercial lot directly across the street.
Travel Tips
- The historic sanctuary and the Christ Church Burial Ground (Benjamin Franklin's tomb) require separate individual admissions; acquire a Combo Ticket to slash rates by 30%.
- This pristine 18th-century structure lacks modern central HVAC systems. Gallery interiors become exceptionally humid in summer; pack personal paper fans and avoid midday visits.
Photo Tips
Photo Rules
- Sunday mornings host active Episcopal liturgies, completely suspending general sightseeing tours. Recreational photography across the active nave gates is strictly prohibited.
Reviews
Positive
- Known as 'The Nation's Church,' where Washington and Franklin worshiped; the white altarpiece and Georgian design evoke sacred history.
- Preserves the original wooden box pews used by the Founding Fathers, each marked with brass nameplates, allowing history fans to connect deeply.
- Runs on a modest suggested donation/low fee, yet the historical docents inside are incredibly dedicated, explaining the stunning chandeliers.
- Perfectly located in Old City, an easy stroll to charming historic side streets; the red brick exterior looks highly photogenic against blue skies.
Heads up
- Still an active house of worship; regular Sunday services, weddings, or church events will close the interior to casual tourists.
- The architectural footprint is compact; without utilizing the guide or knowing early Anglican history, it can feel dry within 5 minutes.
- Surrounding historic streets are extremely narrow with zero parking; drivers must utilize distant, expensive commercial parking garages.
- Franklin's famous grave is actually located at the separate Christ Church Burial Ground blocks away, causing confusion for tourists on-site.