The Solitude is an elegant manor house built in the architectural style made popular in eighteenth century England by Scottish architect Robert Adam and his brothers, James and John. The house sits on its original landscape on the bank of the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia, which today is part of America’s first Zoo.
John Penn, grandson of William Penn, built The Solitude in 1784. In 1788, John found it necessary to return to England, and, for reasons unknown, he never returned to America. The Solitude was inhabited by a succession of tenants during John’s lifetime. After his death in 1834, Penn family members inherited The Solitude until the death of Rev. Thomas Gordon Penn (John’s nephew) in 1869, the last direct male descendant of William Penn.
During this period, the city of Philadelphia had been assembling land to form Fairmount Park. The Park Commission initiated plans to purchase The Solitude estate after Thomas’s death. Then, in 1874, the newly formed Zoological Society of Philadelphia was given a lease on the land and “the house” for America’s first Zoo. The Solitude has been a cherished part of the Zoo ever since.
The eloquent motifs throughout the house, its historical significance, distinctive architecture and unique surroundings have inspired artists, preservationists, architects, poets, historians, academics and us, the staff of the Philadelphia Zoo and Friends of The Solitude, to write about its legacy and beauty. The House has also inspired individuals and groups to make wonderful contributions to upkeep the estate. Thanks to a recent gift from the Gray family,
the gardens at The Solitude are currently being rennovated.
Please contact the Development Office, or
click here to support The Solitude.