History of the Forum building

The Forum, also known as the Education Building, is one of the most beautiful structures in Harrisburg. The Forum Building is located at 607 South Drive and is part of the Capital complex in downtown Harrisburg. It is constructed of Indiana limestone with wrought iron doors depicting scenes from history and literature. Strange as it may seem, one of these doors portrays a beautiful scene where Medusa’s severed head is displayed next to clowns and magicians.

The Forum was built in the late 1920’s to house the Pennsylvania State Library and Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra. It was designed by two architects, William Gehron and Sidney F. Ross, who would later go on to supervise and collaborate the construction of the Finance Building nearby. Under Gehron and Ross, a team of artists, sculptors, and painters labored to make the building a work of art.

Just before the Forum’s completion, some of the oil paint on the ceiling caught fire. The fire consumed most of the Forum—costing over a million dollars in damage and setting back construction for another year. Finally, in November 1931, the Forum was at last completed. It covers over eight acres of floor space and can seat 1,833 people. The Forum cost 5.5 million dollars to complete. Yet despite the cost, Harrisburg now has one of the most beautiful and artistic buildings in the state.


~History compiled by Alex Lovelace ~Sketch completed by Christine Kelly