The South Philadelphia Athenaeum was one of the most important not-for-profit venues in Philadelphia during its existence, an open forum where events ranging from weekly philosophy and mathematics lectures, to fashion, art, game, puppet, magic, comedy and musical shows would be free to the public. It operated from circa spring 2004 to September 24, 2005.
"The Anthenaeum", more commonly called the "Juniper Warehouse", is associated with other members of Philadelphia's independent art scene including Space 1026, Vox Populi, The Fabric Workshop and Museum and Black Floor Gallery.
Overview
The roughly 14,000 sq ft (1,300 m2) space housed a recording studio, two practice rooms, a silk-screen printing area, and an enormous performance space. Donations were requested to support nationally and internationally touring acts.
It was shut down by Philadelphia Licensing and Inspections and the South Philadelphia Police on the same day that it was mentioned in National Geographic Traveler magazine as "a veritable beacon of Philadelphia's artistic sub-culture".