Manufacturer’s National Bank to reopen as the Ministry of Awe in March 2024.
The historic Manufacturer’s National Bank building in Old City is undergoing a significant transformation into a six-story arts venue named the Ministry of Awe, set to open its doors to the public on March 14, 2026. This ambitious project is designed to create an immersive cultural attraction, featuring an array of performance arts, visual art displays, and interactive installations spanning an impressive 8,500-square-foot space.
A collaborative effort led by renowned Philadelphia muralist Meg Saligman, the project involves more than 100 local artists dedicated to breathing new life into the once-vacant bank building. Saligman, who refers to herself as the “bank president,” founded the Ministry of Awe in 2022 as a nonprofit organization aimed at reviving the historical site and reimagining it as an arts hub that incorporates themes related to the concept of a bank.
The central philosophy behind the Ministry of Awe is to explore deeper societal values and human experiences rather than traditional financial transactions. Key themes include questioning personal value systems and the nature of what is genuinely significant in life. In this venue, visitors will engage in a metaphorical exchange of stories instead of currency, as Saligman emphasized that every individual’s narrative holds intrinsic value.
Before the unveiling of the Ministry of Awe, the building had been closed to the public for many years. Saligman’s initial effort to engage the community involved a pop-up installation entitled “Make Bank,” featured during the Philadelphia Fringe Festival in 2023. The inspiration for the project arose from her belief that the venue was imbued with a creative essence waiting to be uncovered.
Saligman acquired the 19th-century building for .65 million, a purchase financed by the sale of two garage studios in South Philadelphia. With additional funding from city, state, and federal sources, renovation work commenced approximately one year ago, facilitated by KMC Partners. The restoration emphasizes preserving the building’s architectural integrity, including its historic vault, while integrating vibrant murals and interactive spaces designed to engage visitors on multiple levels.
Innovative features of the venue will include a music box room where sound and art merge, collaborative drawing areas for guest-created designs, and an interactive counterfeiting room where participants can recreate signatures of notable historical figures. Saligman is working with Spatial Pixel, a research and design studio, to incorporate artificial intelligence elements, allowing artworks to change dynamically in response to visitor interactions.
Throughout the venue, actors will engage with guests, enhancing the immersive experience that encourages exploration and surprise. Visitors will have opportunities to participate in scavenger hunts and other interactive experiences, all while piecing together the mythical history purportedly associated with the Ministry.
As Saligman stated, the Ministry aims to facilitate connections among individuals at a time when digital interactions often dominate social landscapes. Tickets for timed entry will be available for purchase starting in January 2026, paving the way for what promises to be a remarkable addition to Philadelphia’s cultural fabric. For more information, prospective visitors can find details on the Ministry of Awe at moaphilly.org.
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