This weekend: Visit the Masonic Temple

Tabard and Owls not secret enough for you?

Check out an ancient enclave of the famous Freemasons at the Grand Masonic Lodge Temple in Philadelphia.

Located across the street from City Hall at 1 North Broad St., the temple is one of three of its size in the world, said Andrew Zellers-Frederick, executive director of the Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania

It has been the center of the Masonic organization in Pennsylvania since its completion in 1873, and is still used by the organization for its meetings.

And it's open for tours.

Visitors to the temple should expect to see the grand foyer, decked with portraits of former Masonic grand masters - the highest rank in the society.

Tourists also pass through the seven rooms, themed Egyptian, Norman, Gothic, Renaissance, Oriental, Ionic and Corinthian. Originally, these halls served exclusively as meeting places, but now they are attractions as well.

In addition to its historical significance, the temple could soon get some pop-culture credentials: It might be a site for the filming of National Treasure.

Cara Schneider, spokeswoman for the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corp., said that the temple is an excellent destination, even if you aren't a history major.

"Just from anecdotal experience people think [the temple] is great and surprising," Schneider said. "If you have an interest in history or treasure - or not - it's a good place."

But unfortunately, Zellers-Frederick said that those on the lookout for treasure may not have much luck.

He added that while his organization is known for its secrecy, there isn't much about it that can't be uncovered on the Internet.

"It's a fraternity, it's a club, it's a meeting," said Zellers. "If you go to a fraternity, they have rites - we do the same."

Tours at the temple last 45 minutes each and run Saturdays at 10 and 11 a.m.

Tuesdays through Fridays, the tours run at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Tickets cost $6 for students, $5 if you're a Mason, and $4.50 per person for groups of 15 or more.

The temple asks that visitors call ahead to confirm at (215) 988-1900.

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