Global Philadelphia to Celebrate International Day of Monuments and Sites, Showcasing the City’s 67 National Historic Landmarks
From Reading Terminal Market to Eastern State Penitentiary and Woodford Mansion, Global Philadelphia Association will celebrate Philadelphia’s World Heritage City status on Saturday, April 18
PHILADELPHIA, PA (April 16, 2026) – In celebration of International Day of Monuments and Sites (IDMS) on Saturday, April 18, 2026, Global Philadelphia Association (GPA) invites the public to take part in a citywide celebration of Philadelphia’s rich historical legacy—featuring free or discounted events and activities across the city on April 18.
A global event designated by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), IDMS honors the cultural significance of monuments and heritage sites around the world, encouraging communities to connect with history through preservation, education, and engagement.
This year’s celebration arrives alongside the debut of Philadelphia Histories Month, a new, month-long initiative spotlighting the people, places, and moments that have shaped the city’s legacy. Throughout April and extending into May, cultural institutions and historic sites across Philadelphia will present special programming, tours, and exhibitions, offering visitors expanded opportunities to engage with the city’s past.
As the first World Heritage City in the United States, Philadelphia is home to 67 National Historic Landmarks (NHLs) that share the story of the city’s profound role in American and global history. Through mapping tools, educational initiatives, and neighborhood collaborations, GPA works year-round to make these sites more accessible, inviting everyone to discover both iconic and hidden historic gems throughout the city.
In addition to Philadelphia-proper, Moravian Bethlehem, one of Pennsylvania's three UNESCO World Heritage Sites — will participate in IDMS 2026.
“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.”
All activities organized by Global Philadelphia in honor of IDMS are free or discounted and open to the public, offering Philadelphians and visitors alike a unique opportunity to engage with the city’s cultural heritage. GPA’s International Day of Monuments and Sites celebration is part of a broader commitment to raising awareness and appreciation for Philadelphia’s designation as a World Heritage City, which continues with World Heritage Month this May.
International Day of Monuments and Sites Schedule of Events & Programming
Explore America’s First Penitentiary at Eastern State Penitentiary
Details: Enjoy $2 off daytime admissions to Eastern State Penitentiary and step inside the cellblocks of the world’s first penitentiary, a bold 19th century experiment in justice reform. Designated a National Historic Landmark while still operating as a prison in 1965, Eastern State Penitentiary held near 85,000 people between its opening in 1829 and closing in 1971. Through tours, exhibits, programs, and other dynamic experiences, engage with this iconic site’s powerful history, deepen your understanding of the justice system today, and imagine a more just future. Admission includes a self-guided audio tour, guide-led tour and discussion (subject to availability), mini tours, award-winning exhibits, art installations, and more. Tickets can be purchased here; use promo IDMS26 at checkout.
Location: Reading Terminal Market, 1136 Arch Street, #400, Philbert Statue in Center Court
Date & Time: Saturday, April 18 from 10 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Historic Tour of the Reading Terminal Market
Details: Enjoy a free historic tour of Reading Terminal Market and step into history as we honor one of Philadelphia’s most iconic landmarks. Once a bustling train station, now a vibrant marketplace filled with stories, culture, and tradition. This special event invites you to appreciate the beauty of historic spaces while experiencing the flavors that have stood the test of time. Indulge in a curated selection of nostalgic and heritage-inspired foods, bringing back the tastes that defined past generations. From forgotten favorites to timeless classics, every bite tells a story of culture, community, and culinary evolution. Sign up is required; more information can be found here.
Location: Eastern State Penitentiary, 2027 Fairmount Avenue
Date & Time: Saturday, April 18 from 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Quaker City: A Walking Tour at Arch Street Meetinghouse
Details: Start with a brief exploration of the historic burial grounds at Arch Street Meeting House, then set out on a guided walking tour of Old City’s most significant Quaker sites. From the Betsy Ross House to Welcome Park and beyond, this experience offers a fresh, lesser-known perspective on Philadelphia’s history—perfect for visitors looking to go beyond Arch Street Meetinghouses’ traditional Founding Fathers tour.
Location: Arch Street Meeting House Preservation Trust, 320 Arch Street
Date & Time: Saturday, April 18 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Dinah Day with Stenton Museum
Details: Join Stenton and nearby neighbors for the third annual Dinah Day, marking the date in 1776 when Dinah was manumitted from slavery. This celebratory afternoon will include reflection time at the Dinah Memorial, tours, crafts, community healing, and the premiere of the short film “For the Common Good: Women Who Shaped our Nation – Dinah.”
Location: Stenton Museum, 4601 N. 18th Street
Date & Time: Saturday, April 18 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Liberty or Death: Revolutionary War Patriots at Laurel Hill Cemetery
Details: Laurel Hill invites visitors to join a special program honoring Revolutionary War patriots interred on its grounds. The tour explores the lives, sacrifices, and legacies of these early American heroes. More information can be found here. Interested participants can purchase tickets here.
Location: Laurel Hill Cemetery, 3822 Ridge Avenue
Date & Time: Sunday, April 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Woodford Mansion Open House
Details: Enjoy a guided tour of the Woodford Mansion with expert docents and explore one of the grandest historic homes in Fairmount Park. The tour will begin with a lecture from historic horticulturalist Anna David about colonial gardens and will offer an opportunity to learn about the architecture, the people who lived there, and its place in Philadelphia's colonial and revolutionary past. No RSVP is needed. More information can be found here.
Location: Woodford Mansion, 2300 N. 33rd Street
Date & Time: Saturday, April 18 from 1 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Richard Allen Museum Tours with Mother Bethel Church
Details: Join Mother Bethel AME Church for free tours of the Richard Allen Museum, an on-site museum dedicated to showcasing two centuries of preserved history, faith, and Black excellence. The Richard Allen Museum is located on land purchased by Bishop Richard Allen in 1791, making it the continuously owned property owned by African Americans in the United States, and showcases rare artifacts and historical documents dating back to the early 1700s.
Location: Mother Bethel AME Church - The Richard Allen Museum
419 S. 6th Street
Date & Time: Saturday, April 18 from 1 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Architecture Adventures Open House at Girard College
Details: Join Founder's Hall Museum at Girard College for a free Architecture Adventures House. Guests will step into the historic building and immerse themselves in its rich architectural beauty and learn the history behind its construction and design. Walk-in visitors are welcome and RSVP is encouraged; RSVP at the link here. More information can be found here.
Location: Founders Hall at Girard College, 2101 S. College Ave.
Date & Time: Saturday, April 18 from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
For additional events and to learn more about Global Philadelphia’s involvement in International Day of Monuments and Sites please visit, www.globalphiladelphia.org.
The featured sites for IDMS 2026 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
A map of all 67 National Historic Landmarks can be found on the Global Philadelphia website.
About Global Philadelphia Association
The Global Philadelphia Association consists of more than 200 internationally involved organizations, businesses, and individuals in Greater Philadelphia. It was created to assist – and to encourage greater interaction among – the many organizations and people who are engaged in international activity in the Greater Philadelphia Region, to promote the development of an international consciousness within the area, and to enhance Philadelphia’s global profile.
Media Contact:
Victoria Gevurtz
Cashman & Associates
[email protected]
610-908-4757
Photo credit: Photo by Ethan Hoover on Unsplash
