Discovering Lynnewood Hall: The Titanic Mansion of Pennsylvania
History of Lynewood Hall
Nestled just outside Philadelphia, Lynnewood Hall is one of those places that feels frozen in time—an abandoned mansion full of history, mystery, and a touch of tragedy. Known by many as the Titanic Mansion, it’s an iconic landmark for urban explorers and photographers who are drawn to its faded grandeur. Let’s take a closer look at the story behind Lynnewood Hall, the stunning Lynnewood Hall mansion, and what makes it such a fascinating destination.
Lynnewood Hall, referred to the “Last American Versailles”, and sometimes referred to as the “Titanic Mansion” among urban explorers, is a neoclassical design masterpiece, and is also considered one of the best remaining Gilded Age mansions in the United States. Today the abandoned Lynnewood Hall mansion sits empty waiting for its revival.
The story of Lynnewood Hall begins with Peter A.B. Widener, a wealthy industrialist who made his fortune in Philadelphia’s transit industry. In the early 1900s, he decided to build a home worthy of his status, and in 1912, the Lynnewood Hall mansion was completed. Designed by architect Horace Trumbauer, it was one of the largest and most luxurious estates of its time, inspired by European classical styles with a distinctly American flair.
But what gives Lynnewood Hall its unique allure is its tragic connection to the Titanic. Peter’s son, George Dunton Widener, was aboard the ill-fated ship, traveling with his mother, Eleanor. Neither survived the disaster. Peter, devastated by the loss of his son, withdrew from public life, and Lynnewood Hall—once a symbol of his family’s wealth and power—began to slowly fade into obscurity.
The mansion sits on roughly 34 acres, and cost an estimated $8 million to build (equal to about $300 million today). The abandoned mansion has 110 total rooms, including 55 bedrooms, 22 bathrooms, and an art gallery and a ballroom large enough to host up to 1,000 guests. During it’s peak, Lynnewood Hall required 37 full time staff members to operate it, and an additional 60 employees to care for the extensive garden.
For a more in depth history of the mansion, and old historical photos of Lynnewood Hall, visit the Lynnewood Hall Preservation Foundation website.
Lynnewood Hall Today
In recent years, there have been efforts to preserve Lynnewood Hall, but restoring such a large and historically significant property is no small feat. The mansion’s size and condition make it a complex project, and the costs involved are staggering. While it’s unclear what the future holds for Lynnewood Hall mansion, its rich history continues to draw interest from preservationists and history buffs alike.
As of now, the mansion remains a fascinating and somewhat mysterious place. It may be slowly fading away, but it still has a powerful presence—a reminder of a time when it was a symbol of wealth, ambition, and loss.
On July 5, 2022, it was announced that the newly formed Lynnewood Hall Preservation Foundation was established with the goal of acquiring the Widener Family Estate to see it restored to its former breathtaking glory.
On February 8, 2023, a purchase agreement was announced for the mansion by the foundation. Plans included the gardens to be restored and opened as a public park, and to fully restore the Lynnewood Hall. In June, 2023, the sale was completed for $9 million.