Posted in Philadelphia December 05, 2017 by

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.

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Philadelphia is known for its rowhomes, and this is a photo of brand new ones, constructed in 1941.
Photogrammer - John Vachon
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).
Flickr / JukieBot
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.
Free Library of Philadelphia
Here's the Philadelphia Museum of Art from 2601 Parkway in 1940.
Lucky residents are still afforded that same view today... just with larger buildings and a few more trees.
Facebook / 2601 Parkway - Michael V Sammartino
The Phillies used to play at Connie Mack Stadium, which was originally known as Shibe Park, and it was their home until 1970.
Flickr / xnedski
From 1971-2003, it was Veterans Stadium.
Nearly everyone agrees that Citizens Bank Park is a huge upgrade from the older stadiums.
Flickr / Bryce Edwards
South Street has always been full of interesting culture - such as this museum of "freaks and curiosities" from 1937.
Paul Vanderbilt / Photogrammar
Now, South Street is a haven for shoppers looking for unique finds, a big art scene, and plenty of music shops and quirky bars.
Flickr / Angelo Benedetto
Philadelphia's first "Pope-ocalypse" happened in October of 1979, when Pope John Paul II visited our city.
Free Library of Philadelphia
It might have been one of the most photographed events in our history - on film, of course.
I'm sure we can all remember the madness that engulfed the city for the visit of Pope Francis.
Flickr / Penn State
People were walking over bridges and pushing through the crowds to capture moments on their DSLRs and smartphones.
Center City has always been the place to catch a view of the tall buildings, like these ones on Walnut Street in 1939.
Photogrammar / Paul Vanderbilt
The view is just a little different now, but there are still plenty of rooftops from which you can see the sprawling city.
Flickr / Justin Wolfe
This photo from 1950 shows that some things just never change...
William Henry Rapp Jr. / Free Library of Philadelphia
...and that the Mummers will keep up their New Year's tradition forever.
Flickr / The West End

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!