When learning about the history and development of street art, it would be impossible to overlook New York City’s huge role in it. While public art, in the form of murals or sculptures, has been around since the birth of civilization, many credit 1970’s NYC youth culture with the creation of what we now call …
Designed back in the 1850’s, Central Park often tops the list of places to see in NYC, with millions visiting each year. But if you’re the type of traveler who generally avoids crowds and touristy places, you may be wondering if there’s more to explore beyond the top highlights. Fortunately, there is. From the secluded …
Back in the early 19th century, New York City was completely lacking in vast, open green spaces (Central Park wasn’t established until 1853). So when Green-Wood Cemetery, which stretches out to 478 acres, opened up in 1838, it was a pretty big deal. New Yorkers flocked there for family picnics and leisurely strolls – completely unconcerned about …
Philadelphia has long been one of the United States’ most thriving creative hubs. Yet, probably due to the fact that it’s just a few hours away from New York, Philly’s art scene doesn’t quite get the recognition it deserves. In addition to stunning murals, the city is also home to a plethora of galleries for …
Taking up over half a block along the bohemian South Street, Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens is immediately recognizable at a glance. The entire structure is covered in colorful mosaic tiles, appearing straight out of a dream. And for a fee of $10, visitors have the chance to step inside and explore. Started by local artist Isaiah …
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Considering Philly’s rank as the fifth-largest city in the United States, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that it’s got plenty of street art. But the Philadelphia street art scene has something going for it that other cities don’t: Mural Arts Philadelphia, the largest public art program in the United States. Started in 1984 by …
Philadelphia is home to some of the USA’s most stunning – not to mention oldest – architecture. Of course, many of the buildings would still be considered ‘new’ by European standards. But what’s fascinating about Philadelphia’s oldest buildings is that they also reveal the story of the nation’s earliest years. The city’s 19th-century architecture, meanwhile, …
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It’s not often that one pays money to enter a prison. But even if walking down spooky, crumbling cellblocks isn’ normally your thing, consider making an exception for Eastern State Penitentiary. Not only was the massive prison – which ceased operations in 1971 – home to some of America’s most notorious criminals, but it was …
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Long before the first European settlers arrived, the Ohio region was home to some of North America’s most advanced civilizations. As they left behind no writing, we know relatively little about them. But we do know that the Adena, Hopewell and Fort Ancient peoples, as they’re called today, loved to build mounds. And masterpieces like …
Tragic struck 1849 St. Louis when a cholera epidemic resulted in the deaths of thousands. But according to common belief at the time, urban cemeteries were a public health risk. So where to place all the bodies? Prominent residents of the city decided to build a new large cemetery well outside the city limits. It …