The Masonic Temple in Philadelphia Shines the Light of Freemasonry

The Masonic Temple, Library & Museum welcomes more than 12,000 visitors annually, including students, artists, tourists and Masons from around the world. Now, the 152-year-old historic and iconic building is showcased in a bold new way.

One of the first ‘facade mapped’ buildings of its kind in Philadelphia, the Masonic Temple is set aglow daily beginning at dusk until dawn.

The Temple’s new lighting project was designed to accentuate the building’s unique architecture, increase visibility and begin the process of lighting up North Broad Street.

Temple staff, donors and Masons celebrated the completion of the five-year project with a public lighting ceremony on Dec. 9, 2025. R.W. Past Grand Master Larry A. Derr, assisting Brother Michael McKee, Executive Director of the Masonic Library & Museum of Pennsylvania, “flipped the switch” after a countdown to activate the building’s new lights in the spirit of the holiday season.

The project highlights the historic building’s façade after dark, including the South tower, with a permanent rotation of dynamic colors and patterns all year round.

“This journey would not have been possible without the generosity of our donors who were Freemasons and others who appreciate the beauty of the architecture of the building,” Mike said in his remarks. “Your belief in the importance of preserving and elevating this Temple helped carry this project through its challenges, including the pandemic’s long interruption. Your support kept the vision alive. We are deeply grateful.”

While the south end of Broad Street already shines with theaters, restaurants and culture, the lighting of the Masonic Temple is spearheading the efforts to lead the extension of the lighting initiative up North Broad Street.

“Tonight, we take the first step in extending that glow northward — and thanks to our donors, this Temple will now stand as a brilliant testament to heritage, renewal and community investment,” Mike said. “We hope to bring more attention to the building and to Freemasonry as a whole, and welcome folks to the city.”

Working in tandem with the Masonic Temple, Library & Museum maintenance team, Daniel Edenbaum of Drago Illumination, LLC, led the effort to install cost-effective, lower maintenance, LED fixtures to provide a nearly infinite array of options to brighten the building.

Drago installed a gobo projector, a specialized lighting device that projects images, patterns, logos or text onto surfaces like walls, floors or theatrical sets. When light passes through the gobo, it creates a distinct visual effect on surfaces. Gobo projectors are commonly used at events, exhibitions and stage projections, Mike said.

The Masonic Temple first began testing the lighting scheme in September 2025, illuminating the building to promote special events, such as pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, green and white for the Philadelphia Eagles and blue and red for the Philadelphia Phillies. Other color schemes are expected to be incorporated in the future.

“Freemasonry has always held light as one of its most sacred symbols – not just the light we seek, the light we carry and the light we are called to share with the world,” R.W. Past Grand Master Larry Derr said. “The Temple has stood for more than a century as a monument to wisdom, virtue and craftsmanship. Tonight, it becomes a literal beacon – not only for Freemasons, but for the entire city.”

To support other projects like this, please contact the Masonic Charities Office of Mission Advancement and Development at 1-800-599-6454 or email giving@masoniccharitiespa.org.