The Wanamaker Organ in Philadelphia’s Macy’s building has become an iconic symbol, loved and cherished by thousands who’ve witnessed its majestic sounds. On Saturday, a heartwarming daylong concert titled “Make a Joyful Noise” marked the end of an era as the department store prepares to close its doors for good. For many, this was a farewell to not just a department store, but to a living, breathing piece of history that has resonated through the halls of the Wanamaker Building for more than a century.
A Lasting Legacy of Music at Macy’s
The Wanamaker Organ, built in 1904 for the St. Louis World Fair, is considered the largest fully functioning pipe organ in the world. With its 28,000 pipes and incomparable sound, this National Historic Landmark has captivated the hearts of Philadelphia residents and visitors for generations.
For many, it’s hard to imagine the holiday season without the enchanting sounds of the Wanamaker Organ filling the atrium of Macy’s in Center City. The department store, once known as John Wanamaker’s, has been home to the organ for decades, and it is a central part of the store’s charm. In fact, it is arguably the most famous organ in America, and its music has accompanied shoppers and visitors for more than 100 years.
As the department store prepares to close, fans of the organ have gathered to celebrate its storied past and say goodbye. Saturday’s concert was one final chance to experience its ethereal sounds in the space where it was designed to be played.
A Day of Emotion and Reflection
The concert brought hundreds of visitors together, many of whom shared their personal stories about what the organ and the store meant to them. Among the crowd was Carol Jackson, a 51-year-old cancer patient who shared an emotional moment during the concert.
“I’ve been coming here since I was a child. My grandparents would bring me here to shop, see the light show, and listen to the organ. This whole space is a keepsake of my memories, and it’s going to be greatly missed,” Jackson said, holding back tears.
For others like Stephanie Mokan, the organ represents more than just an instrument. Mokan, now in her 40s, fondly recalled buying her first designer accessory at Macy’s when she was just 17.
“I used to walk through Macy’s when I went to City Hall, and I saved up for months to buy a Ralph Lauren handbag. I felt like the coolest person ever,” Mokan said with a smile, remembering her first purchase and how connected she felt to the store.
For many, the Wanamaker Organ’s Christmas light shows were some of the most cherished memories from their childhood. Pete Steffa, 75, recalled attending one of the very first light shows at Macy’s in 1956 when he was just a young child.
A Tribute to a National Treasure
The Wanamaker Organ was designed to be played for the public, and for decades, it has been part of the fabric of Philadelphia life. With two daily performances that attracted throngs of visitors, the organ has been at the heart of the store’s appeal.
It’s not just about the music. The organ’s legacy is also about its preservation and the care that has gone into ensuring it continues to produce such beautiful sounds. Pete Steffa, who has been a member of the Friends of the Wanamaker Organ since its inception, explained how the community’s investment in the instrument has helped sustain it for future generations.
“It’s a national treasure,” Steffa said. “Macy’s has been incredibly generous in supporting this organ over the years, and without that support, this organ might not have survived. But now, the future is uncertain.”
The Friends of the Wanamaker Organ have already begun conversations with the building’s new owners, TF Cornerstone, who have committed to preserving the organ. Ray Biswanger, executive director of the organisation, expressed optimism that the organ would continue to play an important role in Philadelphia’s cultural landscape, regardless of the changes to the store.
A Heartfelt Goodbye, But Not the End
Although Macy’s will no longer house the iconic organ, many supporters believe that this is not the end of its story. Biswanger and his team have worked tirelessly to ensure that the organ will continue to be played for the public in the future.
“We’ve had several meetings with the new owners, and they understand the importance of the organ to the city of Philadelphia,” Biswanger said. “We are optimistic that the organ will continue to be a cherished part of the space.”
Despite the uncertainty of the organ’s future home, the Make a Joyful Noise concert served as a reminder of the instrument’s significance and the many lives it has touched over the years. The event was a testament to the years of hard work, love, and investment that have gone into preserving the organ, and it underscored how crucial it is to continue supporting such cultural treasures.
As John Libertine, a devoted fan of the organ, reflected on his own personal connection to the instrument, he summed up the emotions felt by so many.
“This is the last time we’re going to hear it in the space it was designed for,” Libertine said. “No matter what changes come, the organ will always be a part of us. But it will never be the same.”
Looking Forward to a Bright Future
While the Wanamaker Organ’s days at Macy’s may be drawing to a close, its legacy is far from over. The organ has touched the lives of millions of people, and the future of this historic instrument is in good hands.
For now, the sounds of the Wanamaker Organ will live on in the memories of those who have experienced it, and we can only hope that future generations will continue to hear its beautiful music echoing through the heart of Philadelphia.
Photo credit: WHYY PBS
