8. Poe Park and Visitor’s Center, The Bronx
Poe Park is a public park that opened in the Bronx in 1902. The Poe Cottage was moved to the northern tip of the park from its original location across the street in 1913. In 2011, the cottage was joined by a modern visitor’s center designed by Toshiko Mori.
Mori took inspiration from Poe’s life and works when designing the striking dark gray building. She expresses the duality inherent in Poe’s work through two sections of the building, while the dramatic roofline is reminiscent of the wings of a raven. Slate shingles that cover the facade were traditionally used on the roofs of New England buildings. Inside the 2,700-square-foot building, visitors will find exhibition and assembly spaces, an information desk, and learning areas.