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Park to Broad Arts and Business District
Center City’s neighbor to the north, Fairmount, is a gateway to one of the city’s epic cultural scenes.
Bordered by the Logan Square, Spring Garden and Brewerytown neighborhoods, the area — also sometimes called the “Art Museum Area” — is home to one of the most impressive fine art collections in the nation at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Several other sites — including the popular and historic former prison Eastern State Penitentiary — are located within Fairmount’s boundaries.
And many of the city’s other must-visit attractions — The Franklin Institute, Rodin Museum, Barnes Foundation, Academy of Natural Sciences and more — are located just beyond its borders in Logan Square.
But the arts are just the beginning. With a lush canopy of trees, beautiful green spaces, a thriving food scene, and pedestrian- and bike-friendly streets, there’s a ton to explore in Fairmount.
Read on for a guide to Fairmount, curated with help from Park to Broad, a community development initiative celebrating Spring Garden, Fairmount, Francisville and Brewerytown.
A stunning example of Greek Revival architecture rising majestically from the head of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the Philadelphia Museum of Art is itself an impressive piece of fine art — and that’s before you even get into the building.
Inside, it boasts one of America’s greatest collections of Renaissance, American and impressionist art featuring works from van Gogh, Manet, Cassatt, Dalí and Picasso, plus rotating exhibitions and tons of special programming.
A trip to the museum wouldn’t be complete without a quick sprint up its iconic staircase made famous by Rocky Balboa. Just promise to send up a “Yo, Adrian!” for us.
Philadelphia Museum of Art — Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia
Once the most famous prison in the world — thanks to its grand architecture and radical philosophy — Eastern State Penitentiary operated from 1829 to 1970 and introduced Americans to the concept of prison as a reform (penitentiary for “penitence”) tool. Its notable list of inmates included the likes of notorious bank robber “Slick Willie” Sutton and legendary gangster Al Capone.
Today, the deteriorating penitentiary has been reimagined as a museum, sharing its history and reflecting on social justice issues through tours, exhibits, art installations, educational events and occasional vendor markets.
If your visit brings you in the fall, be sure to experience the site’s popular Halloween Nights immersive haunted house experience.
Eastern State Penitentiary — Photo by Visit Philadelphia
From tree-lined boulevards to sprawling urban parks to waterfront trails, the neighborhood is one of the most picturesque — and bikeable — corners of the city.
Rent a set of wheels from Fairmount Bicycles or Indego, Philly’s citywide bike share program, then pedal your way through nearby East Fairmount Park or along the Schuylkill River Trail.
Fuel up riverside at Cosmic Café on Boathouse Row or grab a seat on its year-round patio, Ciderhouse, for views and brews.
Boathouse Row — Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia
The neighborhood’s collection of historic sites continues just west of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Don’t miss the Fairmount Water Works, a former pumping station that’s now a museum and environmental center; get an up-close look at the charming 19th-century architecture of Boathouse Row; and snap a pic of Philadelphia’s only lighthouse, The Lighthouse on Turtle Rock, now home to the Sedgley social club.
Other nearby spots include Corinthian Gardens, a public and flourishing community garden located right next door to Eastern State, and the cornerstone of Fairmount Park Lemon Hill mansion. Built by Founding Father and American Revolutionary War financier Robert Morris, the historic home is open for tours and offers a stellar skyline view.
Fairmount Water Works — Photo courtesy Wawa Welcome America
Take a culinary trip around the globe in just a few steps.
Zorba’s Tavern serves up authentic Greek flavors with plates of spanakopita and moussaka, Nepali Momo Kitchen transports you to Asia with orders of Himalayan dumplings, and longtime Fairmount Farmers Market fave Shevy’s Babka Paradise has found a new home for its kosher, Jewish pastries at Stephen’s Cafe.
If you want to keep things simple and handheld, Christie’s Deli (check its IG for daily specials), RyBread and Trust Deli are favorite sandwich shops among the locals.
Wrap up your Faimount adventure with a toast at family-owned neighborhood bar Bad Brother.
Maj Hotel is located right on the border of Fairmount and Spring Garden, and there are a ton of walking-distance accommodations located along or near the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, including The Logan, the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown and the Four Seasons.
AKA King Room at Maj Hotel — Photo courtesy Maj Hotel
Ready to experience the neighborhood firsthand? Here are some tips to get you started:
Philadelphia is a city of vibrant neighborhoods bordered by a region of charming towns, with each area owning a distinctive personality. Explore the neighborhoods and towns in and around Philadelphia — their storied streets, interesting attractions, buzzed-about restaurants and year-round happenings.
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