Philadelphia's Multicultural Treasures

Philadelphia is a city overflowing with historical attractions. In addition to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, there is a diverse history that underlines the very fabric that helped build Philadelphia. Explore the paths of our multicultural history that helped Philadelphia be named the number 1 city for minority tourism, by the U.S. department of Commerce.

Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church – Mother Bethel sits on the country’s oldest piece of property continually owned by African-Americans. Purchased by Richard Allen in 1791, this site has been a focal point for the struggle of freedom among African-Americans. Mother Bethel is also the first African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) church in the world. The current building was built in1889 in the same location as the three previous structures – the third structure served as a hiding place for fugitives from slavery. The shrine of the church also contains the tomb of founder Bishop Allen and his wife.

The Johnson House Historical Site, Inc. – Built in 1768, it is the only known structure in Philadelphia open to the public that served as a house of refuge for fugitives from the slavery system.

Roberto Clemente Monument – A memorial honoring the late baseball hero sits in front of the middle school that also bears his name.

All Wars Memorial to Colored Soldiers and Sailors – Commissioned in 1927, it was originally relegated to a remote location in Fairmount Park. The Philadelphia Arts Jury, and the committee to restore and relocate it, successfully lobbied for the memorial to be moved to its current location on Ben Franklin Parkway in November 1994.

Philadelphia Museum of Art – Julian F. Abele, the first African-American to graduate from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Architecture, created the architectural design of this world-renowned museum. The Free Library of Philadelphia is another example of his fine work.

Centro Musical – Visitors to Philadelphia are always surprised to find this compilation of musical treasures, which houses the best collection of Latino music, videos, instruments and sheet music. A large portion of the collection is composed of originals and cannot be found anywhere else.

Washington Square – One of William Penn’s five squares, it was originally called Congo Square. During America’s colonial period, enslaved Africans were brought to this square before they were sold and transported. It later served as a burial ground for American British Revolutionary Soldiers and white and black victims of the yellow fever epidemic of 1793.

Chinese Friendship Gate – The gate, commissioned in 1982, is a symbol of the cultural exchange and friendship between Philadelphia and its sister city, Tianjin, China and was completed in the winter of 1983. The friendship gate is the first authentic Chinese gate built in America by artisans from China.

London Coffee House Marker – An historic marker notes the popular meeting place of prospective buyers of enslaved Africans. Prospective trade buyers would come to purchase and examine newly arrived Africans who were being held in bondage. It was also a platform where enslaved Africans were displayed.

Paul Robeson’s Former Residence – Paul Robeson has a legacy of recordings, films and other memorabilia that continues to carry the message of this artistic humanitarian’s dedication to the principles of racial equality.

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