15 Major Philly Landmarks To Host Free Hours, Special Events This Weekend

PHILADELPHIA — National landmarks across Philadelphia will offer free and discounted events and tours this Saturday in honor of International Day of Monuments and Sites.

The observance will highlight Philadelphia’s status as the first World Heritage City in the United States and its 67 National Historic Landmarks, according to the Global Philadelphia Association, a group dedicated to raising the city's international profile.

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Some highlighted events include:

• free historic tours of Reading Terminal Market: 10-11 a.m. Saturday at Reading Terminal Market (1136 Arch St., #400, Philbert Statue in Center Court). Sign-up is required.
• $2 off daytime admission of Eastern State Penitentiary: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Eastern State Penitentiary (2027 Fairmount Ave.). Purchase tickets here.
• free cultural heritage tours of the Fairmount Water Works: 2:30-3 p.m. Saturday at Fairmount Water Works, 640 Water Works Dr.). Click here to register.
• free tours of Woodford Mansion in Fairmount Park: 1-3:30 p.m. Saturday at Woodford Mansion (2300 N 33rd St.). More info.
• free architecture tours of Girard College: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in Founders Hall at Girard College (2101 S. College Ave.). RSVP here.
• tours at Laurel Hill Cemetery honoring Revolutionary War soldiers: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Sunday at Laurel Hill Cemetery, 3822 Ridge Ave.). Purchase tickets, and get more info.

This year’s observance also coincides with the debut of Philadelphia Histories Month — a new initiative featuring programming, tours and exhibitions throughout April and into May. Global Philadelphia Association said its monument day programming is part of a broader effort to raise awareness of Philadelphia’s World Heritage City designation, with World Heritage Month continuing in May.

International Day of Monuments and Sites will offer a chance to reflect on Philadelphia's history as the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary, says Zabeth Teelucksingh, president of the Global Philadelphia Association.

“Through this citywide celebration, we invite residents and visitors alike to explore our historic landmarks, deepen their connection to Philadelphia’s past and take pride in the role our city continues to play on the world stage,” Teelucksingh said.

Featured sites for International Day of Monuments and Sites include:

• Athenaeum of Philadelphia
• Arch Street Meeting House
• Church of the Advocate
• Eastern State Penitentiary
• Fairmount Water Works
• Founder’s Hall at Girard College
• Historic Rittenhouse Town
• Independence Seaport Museum
• Laurel Hill Cemetery
• New Sweden Centre
• Reading Terminal Market
• Stenton Museum
• The Hill-Physick House
• The Tanner House
• Woodford Mansion

Global Philadelphia Association said additional events and a map of all 67 National Historic Landmarks are available on its website.