A rare citywide takeover is happening this weekend as Philadelphia unlocks its historic landmarks for free public tours and experiences. On Saturday, April 18, the city will come alive with free and discounted tours, open houses, and cultural programming as Global Philadelphia Association marks the International Day of Monuments and Sites (IDMS)—a global celebration honoring the world’s most meaningful heritage landmarks.
From Revolutionary War cemeteries to Victorian prison cellblocks, Philly is opening doors you usually walk right past.
What’s happening across the city 🗺️
Here’s your ultimate guide to free (and nearly-free) historic tours and experiences happening for IDMS:
🧱 Eastern State Penitentiary- Discounted Admission
- $2 off daytime admission (use promo IDMS26)
- Explore the world’s first true penitentiary (opened 1829)
- Includes audio tours, exhibits & guided mini-tours
- Walk through one of the most hauntingly iconic sites in American history
🥨 Reading Terminal Market Historic Tour -FREE
- Step inside a former train station turned iconic food hall
- Taste + explore Philly’s culinary history
- Stories of culture, commerce & community woven into every aisle
- Registration required
💦 Farimount Water Works Cultural Heritage Tour -FREE
- Discover how Philly tackled public health crisis in the 1800s
- Learn how the site connects to today’s climate challenges
- One of the city’s most scenic hidden gems
- Registration required
🚶Arch Street Meeting House: “The Quaker City” Walking Tour -FREE
- Begin at historic burial grounds
- Walk Old City through a Quaker history lens
- Includes Betsy Ross House + Welcome Park
- A quieter, deeper look at Revolutionary Philadelphia
🌿 Woodford Mansion Open House -FREE
- Tour one of Fairmount Park’s grandest colonial estates
- Learn about colonial gardens + early American architecture
- Begins with a talk from a historic horticulturalist
- No RSVP required
🕊️ Richard Allen Museum Tours (Mother Bethel AME) -FREE
- Explore Black religious heritage in America’s oldest Black-owned continuously held property
- Artifacts dating back to the early 1700s
- Centered on faith, freedom, and Black excellence
🏫 Girard College Architecture Adventures – FREE
- Inside Founders Hall Museum
- Learn the story behind its iconic architecture
- Walk-in friendly (RSVP encouraged)
🌸 Dinah Day at Stenton Museum- FREE
- Community healing + reflection event
- Crafts, tours & storytelling
- Premiere of “For the Common Good: Dinah”
- Honors Dinah’s 1776 manumission
🪦 Laurel Hill Cemetery: “Liberty or Death” Tour
- Explore Revolutionary War patriots buried on-site
- Stories of sacrifice & early American life
- Ticketed special program (part of IDMS programming)
Featured Historic Sites Participating in IDMS
Philadelphia’s World Heritage celebration spans some of its most iconic landmarks:
- Eastern State Penitentiary
- Independence Seaport Museum
- Fairmount Water Works
- Reading Terminal Market
- Arch Street Meeting House
- Laurel Hill Cemetery
- Woodford MansionStenton Museum
- Girard College (Founders Hall)
- Church of the Advocate
- Historic Rittenhouse Town
- The Hill-Physick House
- And more hidden gems across the city
“As Philadelphia prepares for America’s 250th anniversary, International Day of Monuments and Sites offers a powerful opportunity to reflect on the places and stories that define our city’s global significance,” said Zabeth Teelucksingh, President of 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.”
Don’t miss your chance to tour historic landmarks in Philly
Indeed, Philly isn’t just America’s birthplace—it’s one of the world’s only designated World Heritage Cities, home to 67 National Historic Landmarks that stretch from revolutionary politics to industrial innovation to everyday neighborhood life.
And for one day only, they’re all wide open!
