How long does it take to walk from the Library Company to the Poe House?

The walk itself is approximately 1.5 to 2 miles, taking about 40 minutes of direct walking time. Including stops for exploration, you should budget 2 to 3 hours for the full experience.

Is the Edgar Allan Poe House in Philadelphia worth visiting?

Yes, it is highly worth it for fans of Poe's work. It is the only surviving residence of the author in the city and features a chilling cellar that inspired many of his stories.

Can I see the original Ulysses manuscript in Philadelphia?

Yes, the original manuscript of James Joyce's 'Ulysses' is held at The Rosenbach on Delancey Place. It is one of the most significant literary treasures in the United States.

Where can I see Charles Dickens' raven in Philadelphia?

You can find 'Grip,' the taxidermied raven that belonged to Charles Dickens, in the Rare Book Department of the Parkway Central Library. This bird is famously linked to Edgar Allan Poe's inspiration for his poem 'The Raven.'

Is this Philadelphia walking route accessible for strollers?

The exterior route is stroller-friendly as it uses city sidewalks. However, the historic Poe House has steep, narrow stairs that are not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.

What is the best time to do this literary walk?

The best time is a weekday morning or Saturday. Note that the Poe House and Rosenbach often have limited hours, frequently closing on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Are there public restrooms along this walking route?

Yes, the Parkway Central Library and The Rosenbach provide public facilities for visitors. There are also many cafes in the Center City portion of the walk.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Philadelphia is often hailed as the cradle of American democracy, but it is also a sanctuary for the written word. This self-guided walk invites you to uncover the city’s profound literary soul, tracing a path through the hallowed halls where some of the world's most influential texts were preserved. On this walking route, you’ll journey through the history of the 'Athens of America,' exploring institutions that served as the backbone of colonial and 19th-century intellectual life. The journey begins with the Library Company of Philadelphia, an institution founded by Benjamin Franklin that essentially invented the concept of the public library. As you explore independently, you’ll traverse the elegant streets of Center City to reach The Rosenbach, home to rare treasures like the original manuscript of James Joyce’s Ulysses. This isn't just a walk; it's a pilgrimage for bibliophiles. You’ll stand before the Shakespeare Memorial, a tribute to the Bard’s enduring influence on American culture, and step inside the majestic Parkway Central Library, a temple of knowledge designed in the Beaux-Arts style. The path then shifts toward the darker side of American literature at the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site, where the master of the macabre lived and penned some of his most chilling works. Finally, the route concludes at the Athenaeum of Philadelphia, a private library and architectural gem that showcases the city’s refined 19th-century tastes. This audio walk allows you to discover these landmarks at your own pace, soaking in the stories of the poets, playwrights, and publishers who shaped the American narrative. Whether you are a fan of classic literature or a history buff, this walking route offers a unique perspective on Philadelphia’s cultural legacy, far beyond the Liberty Bell. This walking tour Philadelphia experience highlights the intersection of civic duty and the arts.

Highlights

Benjamin Franklin’s original Library Company

The James Joyce 'Ulysses' manuscript at The Rosenbach

The majestic architecture of the Parkway Central Library

Edgar Allan Poe’s 19th-century Philadelphia residence

The stunning Italianate interiors of the Athenaeum

Grip the Raven, the inspiration for Poe’s most famous poem

Tour Stops (6)

Library Company of Philadelphia

Welcome to the Library Company of Philadelphia, an institution that predates the United States itself. Founded in 1731 by Benjamin Franklin and his group of young tradesmen known as the 'Junto,' this was the first subscription library in the American colonies. At a time when books were expensive luxuries, Franklin’s vision allowed citizens to pool their resources to share knowledge. For decades, this served as the de facto Library of Congress while Philadelphia was the nation's capital. As you look at this historic institution, consider that the very ideas of the Enlightenment and American independence were nurtured through the volumes held within these walls.

The Rosenbach

Tucked away in a pair of 19th-century townhouses, The Rosenbach is a world-class destination for rare books and manuscripts. Founded by brothers Philip and A.S.W. Rosenbach, who were among the greatest rare book dealers of the 20th century, the collection is staggering. Here, you can find the original handwritten manuscript of James Joyce’s 'Ulysses,' Bram Stoker’s research notes for 'Dracula,' and even some of George Washington’s personal letters. The building itself is a masterpiece of domestic architecture, offering a glimpse into the sophisticated lifestyle of Philadelphia's elite collectors and the treasures they preserved for future generations.

Shakespeare Memorial

Standing before you is a grand tribute to the Bard, created by sculptor Alexander Stirling Calder. This monument reflects Philadelphia’s deep-seated appreciation for Shakespearean drama, which was a cornerstone of 19th-century American education. The figures on the memorial represent 'Comedy' and 'Tragedy,' personified by characters from Shakespeare's plays. It is a quiet, contemplative spot that connects the local landscape to the global literary canon, reminding us that the themes of human nature explored in the 16th century remain just as relevant in modern Philadelphia.

Parkway Central Library

The Parkway Central Library is the flagship of the Free Library of Philadelphia. Designed by architect Horace Trumbauer and modeled after the Ministry of the Marine in Paris, it is a temple of learning. While the exterior is breathtaking, the real treasures are inside. The Rare Book Department houses thousands of medieval manuscripts and incunabula. One of its most famous 'residents' is Grip, the taxidermied pet raven of Charles Dickens. Legend has it that Edgar Allan Poe was so fascinated by Grip that the bird became the primary inspiration for his famous poem, 'The Raven.'

Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site

Step into the world of the master of mystery and the macabre. Edgar Allan Poe lived in this modest home between 1843 and 1844, a period during which he was incredibly productive. It was here that he wrote 'The Tell-Tale Heart' and 'The Black Cat.' As you explore the site, the stark, empty rooms and the chilling atmosphere of the cellar evoke the psychological intensity of his stories. This is the only one of Poe's several Philadelphia residences that still stands, serving as a visceral link to the man who pioneered the detective story and the modern horror genre.

Athenaeum of Philadelphia

Our final stop is the Athenaeum of Philadelphia, an independent member-supported library founded in 1814. This National Historic Landmark is housed in a stunning Italianate building designed by John Notman. Unlike the public library system, the Athenaeum was created to provide a quiet sanctuary for the study of history, architecture, and the decorative arts. Its reading rooms remain a testament to 19th-century intellectual life, with high ceilings, grand bookshelves, and a collection that focuses on the built environment. It is the perfect place to conclude a journey through the literary and architectural history of the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

This literary-themed walking route is the best option, as it connects Benjamin Franklin's Library Company to the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site. It covers the city's most significant bibliophile landmarks in about 2.5 hours.