Wanamaker Organ

The Wanamaker Organ dominates the Grand Court of Philadelphia’s former John Wanamaker store and is widely recognized as the world’s largest fully functioning pipe organ. Built for the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, it was bought by John Wanamaker in 1909 after earlier plans for Kansas City failed, then installed and steadily enlarged in Philadelphia. Designed in the American Symphonic style for orchestral color as well as power, it became both a remarkable feat of craftsmanship and a major concert instrument. Careful maintenance, later restoration, landmark protection, and continued public performances have preserved it as a notable part of the city’s musical life.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · United States