Peter Arrell Brown Widener

Biography

Peter Arrell Brown Widener used his entrepreneurial vision to grow the streetcar industry and build a fortune that he believed should serve others. He cultivated a deep appreciation for the arts and amassed a notable collection, seeking to share beauty with the people of Philadelphia.

With a philanthropic hand he supported hospitals, museums, and educational endeavors, always mindful of the wider community. His passing in 1915 marked the close of an era, but the galleries and institutions he helped endow continue to honor his belief in generosity.