Portrait Gallery in the Second Bank of the United States

Portrait of George Washington by Rembrandt Peale (1848).

The facade of the Second Bank of the United States.
(photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

More in line with the architecture of buildings in Washington, D.C, the Second Bank of the United States is also designed in Greek revival style. I still had some time to spare before my timed entry to tour of Independence Hall so I opted to see more sites in the Independence National Historic District.

The building was constructed between 1819 and 1824 and housed the Second Bank of the United States which eventually went bankrupt in 1841. From 1845 to 1935 the building served as the Philadelphia Customs House and today houses the Portrait Gallery.

The "People of Independence" exhibit in the gallery includes 185 paintings of Colonial and Federal leaders, military officers, explorers and scientists. For me the real treat was admiring the architecture of the building inside and out. However the artwork especially those of George Washington obviously demanded extra attention.

More info at nps.gov. The Second Bank of the United States is located on Chestnut Street one block east of Independence Hall. Hours: Wed-Sun 11am-5pm.

The exhibit is intimate and more accessible due to the select number of
artwork on display. 

A room at the rear of gallery appears to be out of different century. It
houses portraits of inventors and scientists.

Another view of the facade.