A small red-carpeted room with faux marble table, red upholstered chairs and sofa, and red curtains.
20-45 MinutesFee applies

Visit the Reading Room

Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site

Feel a shiver creep down your spine when you browse the bookshelves or listen to a dramatic reading of Poe's work in the Reading Room.

Poe satirized the tastes of the newly-rich middle class in his 1840 essay called "The Philosophy of Furniture," which gives detailed instructions on how to tastefully decorate a room. The Reading Room is a recreation of Poe's description. Take a moment to listen to some of Poe's most atmospheric works narrated by prominent actors, or put to music by the likes of the Alan Parsons Project and Lou Reed.

Tags

Museum ExhibitsPoetry and LiteratureEdgar Allan Poe National Historic Sitethings to doLiteraturepoetryEdgar Allan Poe

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Details

Duration

20-45 Minutes

Fees

There is no fee to visit the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site.

Fees Apply

No

Seasons

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

Time of Day

Day

Accessibility

The Reading Room and historic home are not accessible to those who use wheelchairs, nor are there any accessible restrooms. However, the exhibit area is accessible through a ramp. To access the ramp, please call ahead (215-597-8780). The film is captioned for the hearing impaired, and audio description is available for the sight impaired. Audio description is available for the exhibits.

Pets

No — Pets are not allowed on-site, unless a designated assistive dog or miniature horse. Read the regulations concerning pets and service animals in the Superintendent's Compendium.

Reservations

No

Location

Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site

View on NPS.govBack to Edgar Allan Poe

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