Getting To Know The Fairmount Neighborhood of Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s northern neighborhood of Fairmount has long been known for world class museums, fine art, good food and a must-stop for visitors. It is also one of the hardest places to find parking spots so the best way to reach Fairmount is by taxi (maybe uber), by foot or by public transportation. The area is not far from Center City Philly very close to an abundance of great hotels and restaurants.
Click to get pre-approved for a home mortgage!
The History of Fairmount Philadelphia Neighborhood Attractions
One may not think of a prison as a museum, but visiting the Eastern State Penitentiary, once the subject of radical penal reform when it opened in 1829 will be worth the trip. Based on Quaker-inspired beliefs that solitary confinement is the key to rehabilitation of criminals, the institution has a wagon wheel type of layout, and was one of the first buildings in the United States to have indoor running water, flush toilets and central heating. The prison was operational for over 100 years, closing its doors in 1971 to become a historical landmark and visitor attraction. Notorious criminals like Willie Sutton and Al Capone were incarcerated there and Capone’s 19th century cell has been renovated with the luxuries and antiques that he was allowed. During Halloween season, from September through November, tours are extremely popular called the “Terror Behind the Walls,” which has been ranked one of the top haunted houses in the country.
Creative Commons: trevor.patt “Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia”
The third largest art museum in the US, Philadelphia Museum of Art offers the Fairmount neighborhood visitor a cultural experience. Founded on the first centennial of the US, 1876 it was first called the Museum of Decorative Arts. In 1928, as well as a name change, the museum underwent renovations that gave it the present look of three linked Greek temples. The museum houses art from the Renaissance and Impressionistic periods as well as American and modern. An entire room is dedicated to Philly’s own artist, Thomas Eakins. There are 80 period rooms and many different displays of culture from Medieval to Indian. “Art after Five” entertains visitors with live jazz concerts and occasionally international music concerts, soul and rhythm and blues performers.
Creative Commons: daBinsi “Philadelphia Museum of Art
Directly across the street from the Philadelphia Museum of Art is the Ruth and Raymond G. Perelman Building; a museum for fashion and modern designs. This museum is considered the first expansion of the main art museum and focuses on costume and textile collections. 2,000 square feet of space allows visitors to study photographs and over 30,000 pieces behind glass walls.
Visiting Fairmount Philadelphia Neighborhood
Planning a trip to Philadelphia? Hope this article will encourage you to add Fairmount to your itinerary. A trip in the fall months will allow an extraordinary “scary” event at the Eastern State Penetentiary that will be a conversation starter for years to come! Have you already come to love this neighborhood and now interested in looking at homes for sale in Fairmount? If so, call AGENT LADY, your favorite Philadelphia realtor @ 215-518-5193 or schedule an appointment now!
References:
http://www.visitphilly.com/philadelphia-neighborhoods/fairmount/
About Agent Lady: Cherise Wynne is a leading real estate agent in Philadelphia, helping home buyers and sellers navigate the City of Brotherly Love, with a special focus on first time home buyers. To chat about getting started with your first time home buying experience, click here.
