As a native of the Philadelphia region, I know the drive in and out of the City of Brotherly Love well. While the skyline constantly evolves, my favorite views remain along Boathouse Row with the Philadelphia Museum of Art rising in the background and the flag-lined Benjamin Franklin Parkway stretching beyond. The Fairmount neighborhood, home to many of Philadelphia’s world-class museums, is both visually striking and deeply associated with fine art.
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The most famous institution in the area is the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The visit often begins outdoors at the museum’s iconic steps — a must for many visitors who pause to pose with the Rocky statue before climbing the stairs made famous by Sylvester Stallone. In May 2021 the museum unveiled the first phase of a multimillion-dollar master redesign by Frank Gehry, adding 20,000 square feet of gallery space, a soaring central forum, a renovated Lenfest Hall and a new outdoor portico overlooking the Schuylkill River (pronounced “skoo-kl”).
Art enthusiasts should also plan time for the Rodin Museum, which houses one of the world’s finest collections by Auguste Rodin and is the only museum outside Paris dedicated entirely to his work. Nearby, the Barnes Foundation displays one of the strongest collections of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and modern art, arranged in an architectural setting that emphasizes the art’s impact across entire walls and galleries.
Fairmount offers attractions for visitors of all ages. The Franklin Institute makes science and technology engaging — walking through “The Giant Heart” is a memorable experience — while the Please Touch Museum encourages imaginative play with interactive exhibits that mimic fairy tales, professions and everyday life, perfect for young children.
America’s first zoo, the Philadelphia Zoo, features Zoo360, a pioneering in-air animal travel system that lets you look up to see monkeys, big cats and other animals crossing suspended pathways. The zoo sits within Fairmount Park, an expansive green space of more than 2,000 acres. During warmer months, the park’s outdoor venues, including the Mann Center, host open-air performances and concerts worth catching.
Once home to notorious prisoners such as “Slick Willie” Sutton and Al Capone, Eastern State Penitentiary now operates as a historic site offering daytime and nighttime tours along with exhibits that examine incarceration and criminal justice in America. Around Halloween the site is transformed for the seasonal Terror Behind the Walls event, a haunted attraction that draws crowds seeking thrills.
Beyond museums and historic sites, Fairmount’s thriving restaurant and beverage scene complements its cultural offerings. With friendly neighborhoods, lush parks and a variety of attractions, the best way to appreciate Fairmount is to explore it on foot and discover the neighborhood for yourself.