Philadelphia Literary Landmark
Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site: The House of Macabre
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
By the Wicked Cool Places editors · Published · Updated
Why it’s cool
Visitors can descend into the very basement that likely provided the architectural inspiration for the gruesome ending of "The Black Cat" and listen to celebrity readings of Poe's work.
In the early s, a modest brick residence on North th Street became the crucible for some of the most enduring horror in American literature. Between and , Edgar Allan Poe shared this home with his wife and mother-in-law.
Though his residency lasted only a single year, it was a period of intense creative output. Within these walls, Poe composed the psychological thriller "The Tell-Tale Heart" and the pioneering detective story "The Gold Bug."
Why It Stands Out
The most evocative part of the tour is the descent into the cellar. This dark, subterranean space is widely considered the real-world blueprint for the terrifying climax of "The Black Cat," a story involving a hidden corpse and a trapped, wailing feline behind a basement wall.
The city also hosts the Mütter Museum, which shares a similar focus on the macabre. The house eventually transitioned from a private residence to a public monument thanks to a dedicated Poe enthusiast who bought the property a century after the author left, later gifting it to the city.
Today, the museum balances historical preservation with multimedia engagement. Those who enjoy unusual exhibits might also appreciate the Museum of the Weird.
Visitors can explore various exhibits, watch a biographical film, or retreat to the reading room. The George Peabody Library is another notable destination for book lovers.
A highlight for many is the audio collection, which features the haunting verses of Poe performed by distinctive voices like Christopher Walken and Vincent Price.
Before You Go
The site is conveniently located for those using public transportation. From the Independence Visitor Center, you can catch the SEPTA Route bus at th and Market, which stops at th and Spring Garden Street.
If you prefer the train, the SEPTA Blue Line (Market-Frankford Elevated) serves the Spring Garden Station, which is roughly five blocks away from the historic site. Several bus routes also stop at Green Street, directly across from the museum entrance.
Questions worth answering
What makes this specific house important to literary history?
Poe lived in this small brick home for roughly twelve months starting in 1843. During that short window, he wrote famous works like The Gold Bug and The Tell-Tale Heart.
Is there a particular highlight for fans of his darker stories?
The basement is the main draw because it likely inspired the grim finale of The Black Cat. It's the same underground area where a fictional corpse and cat were famously walled up.
Can I hear any of the poetry while I'm there?
We've got an audio library where you can listen to his verses. The recordings feature recognizable voices like Vincent Price and Christopher Walken reading the author's work.
How do I get to the site using the train?
Take the Blue Line to the Spring Garden Station. From that stop, it's a walk of about five blocks to reach the property.
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