menu search

Posted in Philadelphia December 05, 2017 by Kim Magaraci

14 Then And Now Photos In Philadelphia That Show Just How Much It Has Changed

As one of the oldest cities in the country, Philadelphia is packed with history. Take a look at the photos below and see if you can spot your favorite landmarks, then compare them to current photos to see how the City of Brotherly Love has changed over the years.

Philadelphia is known for its rowhomes, and this is a photo of brand new ones, constructed in 1941.

Nowadays, they're all a little old and showing the signs of age, but they're still full of life in the City of Brotherly Love (2014).

You've probably driven past the 2601 Parkway building dozens of times. It was opened in 1939 and offered a beautiful view of the new Parkway and Skyline.

Lucky residents are still afforded that same view today... just with larger buildings and a few more trees.

The Phillies used to play at Connie Mack Stadium, which was originally known as Shibe Park, and it was their home until 1970.

Nearly everyone agrees that Citizens Bank Park is a huge upgrade from the older stadiums.

South Street has always been full of interesting culture - such as this museum of "freaks and curiosities" from 1937.

Now, South Street is a haven for shoppers looking for unique finds, a big art scene, and plenty of music shops and quirky bars.

Philadelphia's first "Pope-ocalypse" happened in October of 1979, when Pope John Paul II visited our city.

I'm sure we can all remember the madness that engulfed the city for the visit of Pope Francis.

Center City has always been the place to catch a view of the tall buildings, like these ones on Walnut Street in 1939.

The view is just a little different now, but there are still plenty of rooftops from which you can see the sprawling city.

This photo from 1950 shows that some things just never change...

...and that the Mummers will keep up their New Year's tradition forever.

Which spots did you recognize from the older photos? Do you have other awesome vintage photos of Philly? Share them in the comments below!

Did you know that some of the oldest photographs in America were taken right here in Philadelphia? Check them out here!

Kim Magaraci

Kim Magaraci is a freelance writer who spends all of her time running around in circles so that her dogs, Wilco and Lily, can have a better life. Contact: [email protected]