Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Address:532 N. Seventh Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Tel: (215) 597-8780

Classic tales of terror leap off the page with a visit to the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The site preserves the only home of Edgar Allan Poe still standing in Philadelphia and invites visitors to learn about the writer's life through ranger-guided and self-guided tours and multimedia experiences.

In 1843, Edgar Allan Poe and his wife and mother-in-law moved into the house that became the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site. They moved out of the home in April 1844 after Edgar had written some of his most prolific work, including "The Tell-Tale Heart" and "The Gold-Bug." In 1933, Richard Gimbel, an avid fan of Poe's work, bought the home and opened a museum. Gimbel left the house to the city of Philadelphia. In 1980, the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site was officially established.

Tours of the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site take visitors through the home of Edgar Allan Poe, including the cellar which may have served as the inspiration for his story, "The Black Cat." The museum contains three permanent, and two rotating exhibits that focus on Poe's life and work. Poe's life is further detailed in an eight-minute audio-visual presentation. The site also contains a reading room with Poe's works, as well as a room where his works are narrated by celebrities such as Vincent Price and Christopher Walken. After their experience at the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site, visitors can find a wide variety of restaurants within easy walking distance, including pizza and Chinese cuisine.

To get to the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site, take I-95 to the exit at Independence Hall, then turn left onto Delaware Avenue, then left onto Spring Street until 7th Avenue. The Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site is located at 530 North 7th Street. Visit the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site and experience the exciting history of American literature.