Editing Fairmount

{{Infobox Neighborhood
| name = Fairmount
| type = Neighborhood
| location = North Philadelphia
| zip_codes = 19130
| boundaries = North: Girard Avenue, South: Spring Garden Street/Fairmount Avenue, East: Broad Street, West: 29th Street
| adjacent_neighborhoods = [[Spring Garden (Philadelphia)|Spring Garden]], [[Brewerytown]], [[Francisville]], [[Logan Square]]
| major_streets = Fairmount Avenue, 22nd Street, Pennsylvania Avenue
| transit = Broad Street Line (Fairmount Station)
| notable_landmarks = [[Philadelphia Museum of Art]], [[Eastern State Penitentiary]], Fairmount Park
}}

'''Fairmount''' is a neighborhood in [[Philadelphia]] located north of [[Center City]], adjacent to [[Fairmount Park]] and the [[Philadelphia Museum of Art]]. The neighborhood is characterized by Victorian rowhouses, tree-lined streets, and proximity to the city's cultural institutions along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Eastern State Penitentiary, the historic former prison now operating as a museum, sits at the neighborhood's heart.<ref name="visitphilly">{{cite web |url=https://www.visitphilly.com/areas/philadelphia-neighborhoods/fairmount/ |title=Fairmount |publisher=Visit Philadelphia |access-date=December 22, 2025}}</ref>

Fairmount has become one of Philadelphia's most desirable residential neighborhoods, attracting young professionals and families with its combination of historic character, park access, and proximity to Center City.

== History ==

=== Early History ===

Fairmount takes its name from "Faire Mount," the colonial-era name for the hill where the Philadelphia Museum of Art now stands. The Fairmount Water Works, built in 1815, was one of America's first municipal water systems and drew the name from this geographic feature.

=== 19th Century Development ===

The neighborhood developed rapidly after the Civil War as wealthy Philadelphians built elegant Victorian homes along the park's edge. The construction of Eastern State Penitentiary (1829) preceded residential development; the prison's massive walls remain a neighborhood landmark.

=== 20th Century ===

Like many Philadelphia neighborhoods, Fairmount experienced decline in the mid-20th century. Revitalization began in the 1990s and accelerated in the 2000s, driven by the neighborhood's architecture, location, and proximity to the museum district.

== Landmarks ==

=== Eastern State Penitentiary ===

'''[[Eastern State Penitentiary]]''' operated as a prison from 1829 to 1971 and is now a museum and historic site. The prison's innovative radial design influenced prison architecture worldwide. Famous inmates included Al Capone and bank robber Willie Sutton.

Today, the site offers:
* Daytime tours exploring prison history
* '''Terror Behind the Walls''' (seasonal Halloween attraction)
* Art installations and special exhibitions
* Historic preservation programs

=== Philadelphia Museum of Art ===

The '''[[Philadelphia Museum of Art]]''' sits at the neighborhood's southern edge, where Fairmount meets [[Logan Square]]. The "Rocky Steps" leading to the museum's entrance are one of Philadelphia's most visited attractions.

=== Fairmount Park ===

Fairmount borders '''[[Fairmount Park]]''', one of the largest urban park systems in the United States. Park access provides:
* Trails for running, biking, and walking
* Historic houses ([[Lemon Hill]], [[Strawberry Mansion]])
* [[Boathouse Row]] along the Schuylkill
* Playgrounds and recreation facilities

=== Rodin Museum ===

The '''Rodin Museum''' on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway houses the largest collection of Auguste Rodin sculptures outside Paris, including "The Thinker."

== Character ==

=== Architecture ===

Fairmount features some of Philadelphia's finest Victorian residential architecture:
* Three-story brick rowhouses with bay windows
* Queen Anne and Italianate styling
* Tree-lined streets
* Historic details including ornate cornices and ironwork

=== Atmosphere ===

Fairmount maintains a quiet, residential character despite proximity to tourist attractions. The neighborhood offers:
* Family-friendly atmosphere
* Strong sense of community
* Local shops along Fairmount Avenue
* Walkable, safe streets

== Dining and Shopping ==

Fairmount Avenue serves as the commercial corridor:

=== Restaurants ===

* '''London Grill''' - Neighborhood staple
* '''Sabrina's Cafe''' - Popular brunch spot
* '''Bishop's Collar''' - Neighborhood bar
* '''Rembrandt's''' - Bar and restaurant
* Various cafes and casual eateries

=== Shopping ===

* Local boutiques
* Art galleries
* Antique shops
* Specialty food stores

== Getting There ==

=== Public Transit ===

* '''Broad Street Line (The B):''' Fairmount Station
* '''SEPTA Bus Routes:''' 7, 32, 43, 48
* '''PHLASH:''' Seasonal tourist trolley connecting Fairmount attractions

=== Biking ===

The neighborhood connects to:
* [[Schuylkill River Trail]]
* [[Kelly Drive]]
* Martin Luther King Jr. Drive

=== Driving ===

* I-76 (Schuylkill Expressway) access nearby
* Street parking generally available (easier than Center City)
* Philadelphia Museum of Art parking lot

== Living in Fairmount ==

=== Housing ===

* Predominantly Victorian rowhouses
* Some apartment buildings
* Increasing condo conversions
* Higher prices than many Philadelphia neighborhoods

=== Demographics ===

* Young professionals
* Families with children
* Empty nesters
* Mix of long-term residents and newcomers

=== Schools ===

Fairmount is served by the School District of Philadelphia. Nearby schools include:
* Spring Garden School
* The Science Leadership Academy @ Center City

{{FAQ
| q1 = Why is it called Fairmount?
| a1 = Fairmount takes its name from "Faire Mount," the colonial-era name for the hill where the Philadelphia Museum of Art now stands. The Fairmount Water Works (built 1815) also drew from this geographic feature name.
| q2 = What is Eastern State Penitentiary?
| a2 = Eastern State Penitentiary operated as a prison from 1829-1971 and is now a museum. Its innovative radial design influenced prison architecture worldwide. Famous inmates included Al Capone. The "Terror Behind the Walls" Halloween event is extremely popular.
| q3 = Is Fairmount a good neighborhood?
| a3 = Fairmount is one of Philadelphia's most desirable neighborhoods, featuring Victorian architecture, proximity to the Art Museum and Fairmount Park, good transit access, and a quiet residential character. Prices are higher than the Philadelphia average.
| q4 = What is near the Philadelphia Museum of Art?
| a4 = The Art Museum area includes the Rodin Museum, Boathouse Row, the Fairmount Water Works, and access to the Schuylkill River Trail. The famous "Rocky Steps" lead up to the museum entrance.
}}

== See Also ==

* [[Philadelphia Museum of Art]]
* [[Eastern State Penitentiary]]
* [[Fairmount Park]]
* [[Three Bears Park]]
* [[Eakins Oval]]
* [[Boathouse Row]]
* [[Lemon Hill]]
* [[Logan Square]]
* [[Brewerytown]]
* [[Spring Garden (Philadelphia)|Spring Garden]]

== References ==
<references />

{{#seo:
|title=Fairmount Philadelphia - Victorian Neighborhood Near the Art Museum
|description=Guide to Fairmount, Philadelphia's Victorian neighborhood near the Art Museum, Eastern State Penitentiary, and Fairmount Park. Restaurants, housing, and things to do.
|keywords=Fairmount Philadelphia, Philadelphia Museum of Art neighborhood, Eastern State Penitentiary, Fairmount Avenue, Fairmount Park, Philadelphia Victorian neighborhood
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Neighborhoods]]
[[Category:North Philadelphia]]