USA
Street Art: New York City
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
Five Secrets of Central Park
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
Touring the Tombs of Green-Wood Cemetery
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
A Guide to Philadelphia’s Best Art Spaces
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
The Colorful Mosaics of Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
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
Street Art: Philadelphia
Considering Philly’s rank as the fifth-largest city in the United States, it shouldn’t come as a big surprise that it’s got an abundance 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
A Guide to Philadelphia’s pre-20th Century Architecture
Philadelphia is home to some of the USA’s most stunning – not to mention oldest – architecture. Many of these buildings, of course, could 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 early years, as well as the transitions
The Spooky Cellblocks of Eastern State Penitentiary
It’s not often that one pays money to enter a prison. But even if walking down spooky, crumbling cellblocks isn’t 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
The Mounds and Mysteries of Ancient Ohio
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
Touring the Tombs of Bellefontaine Cemetery
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
Street Art: St. Louis
As ‘street art tourism’ gains popularity around the world, St. Louis is fast becoming recognized as one of North America’s premier graffiti destinations. The ‘Gateway to the West’ has been hosting regular street art festivals since the ’90s, and the city is also home to the Graffiti Wall, the longest of its kind in the
Cahokia: The Forgotten Pyramid of Illinois
Many Americans are shocked to learn that their country is home to an ancient pyramid that stands as tall as 100 feet. Mysteriously, the fascinating history of Cahokia and its Monks Mound pyramid aren’t covered in most schools. Be that as it may, Cahokia was the largest pre-Colombian urban settlement north of the Rio Grande.