Washington Square District

Reminiscent of a London square, Washington Square was created as one of William Penn's five original public plazas. Today the area serves as a relaxing, green open space surrounded by harmonious blocks of coveted residences, offices, and unique retail.

On the west side of the district, rainbow-painted street signs highlight Midtown Village's concentration of GLBT-focused bookstores, clubs, restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques.

Many "firsts" for America happened in Philadelphia, and the Washington Square District lays claim to some of these fames. In 1731, Benjamin Franklin created the Library Company of Philadelphia, the nation's first true public library that permitted the borrowing of books. And our nation's first hospital, Pennsylvania Hospital, was founded here in 1751, and still operates today at 8th and Spruce streets.
Additionally, the area features many of the colorful murals that are part of Philadelphia's internationally celebrated Mural Arts Program.

The district is also home to Antique Row on Pine Street, and Jewelers' Row on Sansom Street - America's oldest diamond district since 1851.

Founded in 1787, Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church on 6th and Lombard streets marks the oldest piece of ground in America continuously owned by African Americans.

When the sun goes down, the district offers plenty of places to wet your whistle. The Irish Pub and Moriarty's Restaurant & Irish Pub have dozens of brews on tap to go with delicious wings and burgers. For saki and sushi, there is the 1225 Raw Sushi & Saki Lounge. And at Azul Cantina and El Vez, you can kick back at the bar with margaritas and tequila drinks.

While the Avenue of the Arts runs along the district's western boundary, Washington Square also touts the Forrest Theatre , which hosts many of Broadway's celebrated musicals and plays at 11th and Walnut Streets.

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