The Changing Look of Philadelphia Catholic Architecture

This article provides an overview of several of the key themes that emerged in preparing the American Catholic Historical Society's most recent exhibit, Change of Plans: Alternative Architectural Visions of Catholic Philadelphia, which showcases the story of parish development and institutional growth in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia as told though unexecuted designs and modified plans. By juxtaposing images of what had initially been intended with what was ultimately built, the materials invite viewers to recognize the forces that contributed to the changing look of Catholic architecture and to appreciate its remarkable variety of shape and form.