Philadelphia, PA - The largest building in Pennsylvania, both in height and floor area, is the Comcast Technology Center. Located in the heart of Philadelphia, this impressive skyscraper stands tall at 1,121 feet (342 meters) with 60 floors. Completed in 2018, it not only dominates the Philadelphia skyline but also ranks as the 9th tallest building in the entire United States.
A Guide to the Comcast Technology Center: The Tallest Building in Philadelphia
It dominates the Philadelphia skyline, a towering, futuristic pillar of glass and steel that soars above the historic streets below. This is the Comcast Technology Center, and it's more than just an office building—it's the tallest building in Philadelphia, the tallest in Pennsylvania, and a must-see landmark of the city's modern identity.
Standing at a commanding 1,121 feet, it's not just the tallest building in the U.S. outside of New York City and Chicago; it's a multi-purpose "vertical city" that blends innovation, luxury, and public art.
Here’s a guide to what’s inside Philly's towering giant and how you can experience it.
A Masterpiece of Modern Architecture
Designed by the world-renowned architect Lord Norman Foster, the Comcast Technology Center is a masterpiece of modern design. Its sleek, reflective glass exterior mirrors the sky and the surrounding city, creating a dynamic appearance that changes with the light of day.
But the real show-stopper for the public is the interior. The building's futuristic lobby, often called the "winter garden," is an immense, light-filled space that is open to the public and serves as a breathtaking entry point.
What's Inside the Comcast Technology Center?
While it is a private office building, its most stunning features are designed to be accessible to the public, blending corporate life with luxury hospitality.
- Comcast Corporation Headquarters: First and foremost, the building is a hub of innovation. It serves as the primary home for Comcast's thousands of engineers, software developers, and media professionals, solidifying Philadelphia's status as a leading technology center.
- The Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia: The building's crown jewel. The Four Seasons Hotel occupies the building's highest floors (48-60), offering what are indisputably the best views in the city. The hotel lobby, located on the 60th floor, features a stunning floral display and panoramic skyline vistas.
- World-Class Dining (with a View): The hotel is home to two of the city's most high-end restaurants. Jean-Georges Philadelphia, located on the 59th floor, offers fine dining with jaw-dropping, 360-degree views. On the ground floor, Vernick Fish provides an upscale, modern oyster bar experience.
- Public Art & The Lobby: The main lobby features "The Universal Sphere," a massive, free, multi-media art installation that offers a unique show, as well as other significant art pieces.
A Symbol of Philadelphia's Future
The Comcast Technology Center, along with its shorter next-door sibling, the Comcast Center, has fundamentally transformed the Philadelphia skyline. Completed in 2018, its construction marked a massive milestone in the city's 21st-century development.
It stands as a bold symbol of progress, economic growth, and the city's shift from a purely historical capital to a vibrant, forward-looking hub for media and technology.
How to Visit the Comcast Technology Center
While you can't access the private office floors, here’s how visitors can experience this architectural wonder:
- For the Free Experience: Visitors are welcome to walk into the public lobby at 1800 Arch Street. You can admire the stunning architecture, see the art installations, and feel the building's immense scale from the inside.
- For the "Top-of-the-World" View: The "observation deck" mentioned in some guides is actually the Four Seasons Hotel lobby on the 60th floor. To access it, you must be a hotel guest or have a reservation at the hotel's bar or at the Jean-Georges restaurant.
Whether you admire its architectural grandeur from the street, explore its public lobby, or sip a cocktail from the 60th floor, the Comcast Technology Center is a must-see attraction and a soaring reminder of Pennsylvania's commitment to innovation.