Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site is a one-time home of the acclaimed writer Edgar Allan Poe and a museum dedicated to his career. Poe is famous for being a key member of the romanticism literature movement. At Edgar Allan Poe Historic Site you can learn about Poe’s tumultuous life, which was cursed by bad luck and personal demons. Read excerpts from his works and get a feel for his writing style, described as haunting, horrifying and mysterious.
The exhibits spread throughout the rooms of the last-surviving of the houses that Poe lived in during his 6 year residence in Philadelphia. Watch a short video presentation about his early years, upbringing and life as a poet and writer. Appreciate how his work has influenced many other great authors, including Alfred Hitchcock and Stephen King.
Learn why Poe is considered to be a pioneer of short stories, most notably detective stories. Listen to well-known actors, such as Vincent Price, narrate passages from his poems and tales. See a collection of rare letters written by the literary master.
Visit the Reading Room, where you can while away hours browsing editions of Poe’s catalogue. Alternatively, hear a selection of his works narrated to music. Among the collaborating artists are the Alan Parsons Project and Lou Reed.
The museum is located in the Spring Valley district, which sits to the north of Philadelphia’s City Center district. It’s about a 30-minute walk from the Independence National Historical Park. Public buses stop close by. The nearest metro station is Spring Garden Station, situated a 15-minute walk towards the Delaware River. Free parking is available on the surrounding streets.
Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site is open from Friday to Sunday and admission is free. The house closes at midday for 1 hour. Guided tours are offered upon request. Find full details on the attraction’s official website.
