PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The Athenaeum of Philadelphia has a stunning exterior with an interior to match.

"It's a beautiful structure, Italian Renaissance," says Kristina Wilson, Archivist and Gladys Brooks Curator of Architecture at The Athenaeum of Philadelphia.

"We've been in this building since 1847," says Beth Hessel, Executive Director of The Athenaeum of Philadelphia. "So much wow factor."

"We are extremely welcoming, and we encourage everybody to come in," says Wilson.

When The Athenaeum was founded in 1814, there were no free public libraries.

"The founders wanted this to be a place of common and agreeable resort for learning," says Hessel. "Over the years we have created an incredible collection that continues to grow."

Its main focus is Philadelphia architecture and archit

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