Memorial Hall

Situated on a meadow in Fairmount Park, its high copper dome is visible for miles. Built in 1875, Memorial Hall was conceived as an international art gallery but became the central facility for the United States' Centennial celebration. President Ulysses S. Grant opened the Centennial proceedings in Memorial Hall's 150 foot-high 'Great Hall' on May 10, 1876. This is the only significant structure remaining from the Centennial festivities. An exhibition in the basement pays homage to the Centennial fairground, the first World's Fair ever held in America. Admission is free.