Explore John James Audubon’s Historic Home Outside of Philadelphia

Audubon Mid-Atlantic is proud to announce that the John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove has been designated an affiliate member of the Historic Artist’s Homes & Studios program through the National Trust for Historic Preservation.  

The historic home, where John James Audubon lived and worked after arriving in America in 1803, is a three-story farmhouse built in 1762. During his time at Mill Grove, Audubon refined his technique for drawing birds "from life," which laid the foundation for what would become some of the most celebrated wildlife artwork in history.  

The hundreds of life-size portraits of birds contained in his seminal work The Birds of America helped to bring the wonder of birds to people across the United States. 

The Historic Artist’s Homes and Studios program is dedicated to interpreting and preserving the historic spaces where American art was created. The network includes sites spanning centuries of artistic expression, each highlighting the many ways art has reflected and influenced American life. The program works to foster innovation and effectively tell the story of American visual art heritage.  

Today, visitors to the John James Audubon Center at Mill Groves can explore the historic home alongside miles of accessible walking trails, the scenic Perkiomen Creek, and a state-of-the-art visitors center where immersive indoor and outdoor visual exhibitions focus on art, birds, and Audubon’s conservation work. The museum regularly hosts rotating artwork exhibitions and educational programs that bring history to life for every visitor.  

Whether attending an exhibit or simply just strolling the grounds of the historic home, guests are likely to spot many of the same bird species famously depicted in the Birds of America, making a visit to Mill Grove both an inspiring and unforgettable experience.