Fairmount Water Works

Set below the art museum on the banks of the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia, this collection of Greek Revival pavilions once housed the city's pioneering municipal water system. Opened in the 1810s and expanded over decades, it used water power to pump drinking water to the growing city and became a celebrated marvel admired by visitors including Charles Dickens. The classical buildings, terraces, and gazebos overlooking the river now house an environmental education center and restaurant.