Boathouse Row

Overview

Boathouse Row is a line of 15 historic rowing clubhouses along the Schuylkill River, their outlines illuminated at night in a twinkling display that has become one of Philadelphia's most iconic sights. The row anchors the city's deep rowing tradition.

Highlights

• Night Illumination: LED outlines make the boathouses glow after dark — best seen from the Art Museum steps.
• Rowing Culture: Philadelphia is the cradle of American rowing, and crews still launch from these docks daily.
• Victorian Architecture: The 15 clubhouses span styles from Italianate to Gothic Revival.

History

The first boathouses were built in the 1860s, and rowing has been practiced on the Schuylkill since the early 1800s. The nighttime illumination tradition began in the 1950s with simple string lights and was upgraded to LEDs in 2005.

Visitor Tips

• Best viewed at night from the east bank of the Schuylkill or the Art Museum terraces.
• Drive by on Kelly Drive for stunning views or walk from the Art Museum.
• Duration: 15–30 minutes.