Philadelphia Public Art @philart.net
Content: Furniture
Rock Chair
Scott Burton,
1981
* small
chair
* In the Anne d'Harnoncourt Sculpture Garden.
Anne d'Harnocourt Drive (25th and Kelly Drive to the Spring Garden Bridge).
* 39.967175,-75.181450 [map] [nearby]
* On the Art Museum Grounds tour
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Scott Burton page
+theolinstudio.com's Anne d'Harnoncourt Sculpture Garden page
Two-Part Chair
Scott Burton,
1986 (fabricated 2002)
* small
chair
* In the Anne d'Harnoncourt Sculpture Garden.
Anne d'Harnocourt Drive (25th and Kelly Drive to the Spring Garden Bridge).
* 39.967190,-75.181410 [map] [nearby]
* On the Art Museum Grounds tour
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Scott Burton page
+theolinstudio.com's Anne d'Harnoncourt Sculpture Garden page
Bench Form
Thomas Sternal,
1990
* bench,
abstract background
* Originally in a park on the South side of Market just East of 32nd which has been replaced by a building. The first picture is from the original location. The current location was a small park underneath the Katherine Drexel mural (not visible in the second picture), but the building with the mural was torn down leaving the piece much more in the open.
* On the campus of Drexel University.
Southeast of 34th and Race..
* 39.958450,-75.190400 [map] [nearby]
* On the Powelton tour
* Exhibits: Moved
* See also:
+drexel.edu
Bench and Table (Enlarged Version/Concentric)
Scott Burton,
2001 (fabricated)
* furniture
* In the Anne d'Harnoncourt Sculpture Garden.
Art Museum Drive (25th and Kelly Drive to the Spring Garden Bridge).
* 39.967100,-75.181450 [map] [nearby]
* On the Art Museum Grounds tour
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Scott Burton page
+theolinstudio.com's Anne d'Harnoncourt Sculpture Garden page
Recovering World
Lynn Denton,
2001 - 2002
* big
furniture,
seated people,
headgear,
people together,
parts of people,
sun and stars,
globe,
abstract shapes,
musical instruments,
boat,
water,
buildings,
symbols
* An ArtWell project designed and built with help from the recovering
addicts at New Jerusalem and local children.
* Partially on the wall.
East side of New Jerusalem Now.
Northwest corner, 20th and Norris.
* 39.984550,-75.166725 [map] [nearby]
* On the Temple Southwest tour
* Exhibits: Religious,
Peace and Love,
Mosaic
* See also:
+theartwell.org
+lynnbdenton.com
+newjerusalemrecovery.com
I.M. Pei Garden
Jill Sablosky,
2003
* A tribute to I. M. Pei
* bench,
sundial,
fountain
* inscription:
World-renowned Architect and Designer
of Society Hill Towers
In celebration of
the Towers 40th Anniversary, 2003
* North side of Society Hill Towers.
Near the top of the stairs off Dock Street, South of Walnut and West of 2nd.
* 39.946000,-75.144850 [map] [nearby]
* On the Society Hill tour
* See also:
+jillsablosky.com
+wikipedia.org's I. M. Pei page
+philadelphiabuildings.org's Society Hill Towers page
Lovett Memorial Reading Garden Benches
Warren C. Holzman,
2004
* abstract
benches,
words
* inscription:
read, muse, grow
* In the garden of the Lovett Memorial Library.
East side of Germantown, South of Sedgwick.
* 40.056650,-75.187525 [map] [nearby]
* On the Germantown Avenue tour
* See also:
+ironstudioltd.com
+freelibrary.org's Lovett Memorial Library page
Balance
Jill Sablosky,
2009
* abstract
furniture forms,
steles,
ideas
* inscription:
E Pluribus Unum
Out of Many One
* Northwest corner, 7th and Appletree.
* 39.953550,-75.151600 [map] [nearby]
* On the Convention District tour
* See also:
+jillsablosky.com
Object for Expression
Warren C. Holzman,
2012
* In honor of a speech by Martin Luther King, Jr.
* podium
* inscription:
for impromptu performances and oration -
in honor of the neighborhood's musical history
and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s
1965 speech at 13th and Fitzwater Streets
* East side of Hawthorne Park.
Northwest of the Northwest corner, 12th and Catharine.
* 39.940650,-75.162700 [map] [nearby]
* On the South Philly tour
* See also:
+ironstudioltd.com
+wikipedia.org's Martin Luther King, Jr. page
The Porch Swings
Bill Curran Design,
Gehl Studio,
2015
* big
swings
* The Porch. South side, 30th Street Station.
North side of Market between 29th and 30th.
* 39.954850,-75.182050 [map] [nearby]
* On the Avenue of Technology tour
* See also:
+billcurrandesign.com
+gehlpeople.com
+wikipedia.org's 30th Street Station page
Abraham Lincoln
Randolph Rogers,
1871
* Statue of Abraham Lincoln
* big
seated person,
chair,
quill, book,
eagles,
federal and city seals
* Moved in January 2002 from the middle of Kelly Drive to the North side.
* inscription:
front:
To Abraham Lincoln from a grateful people
left:
With malice towards none, with charity towards all, with firmness in the
right as God gives us to see the right, let us finish the work we are in
back:
Let us here highly resolve that the government of the people. by the people,
and for the people shall not perish from this earth
right:
I do order and declare that all persons held as slaves within the states in
rebellion are and hence forth shall be free
* Kelly Drive and Sedgely Drive.
* 39.969550,-75.184500 [map] [nearby]
* On the Kelly Drive tour
* Exhibits: Moved
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Randolph Rogers page
+wikipedia.org's Abraham Lincoln page
Morton McMichael
John H. Mahoney,
1881
* Statue of Morton McMichael
* seated person,
chair
* inscription:
left:
An honored and beloved citizen of Philadelphia
right:
In commemoration of the civic service and private
virtues of Morton McMichael
this monument is erected by his fellow citizens.
* W. Sedgley and Lemon Hill.
* 39.973150,-75.189025 [map] [nearby]
* On the Fairmount tour
* See also:
+indyencylopedia.org's John H. Mahoney page
+wikipedia.org's Morton McMichael page
John Marshall
William Wetmore Story,
1883
* Statue of John Marshall
* seated person,
chair
* inscription:
Chief Justice of the United States 1801-1835. As soldier he fought that the nation might come into being. As expounder of the Constitution he gave it length of days.
* On a traffic island behind the Art Museum.
Anne d'Harnocourt Drive (25th and Kelly Drive to the Spring Garden Bridge).
* 39.966200,-75.181800 [map] [nearby]
* On the Art Museum Grounds tour
* See also:
+Max Buten's picture of this piece
+wikipedia.org's William Wetmore Story page
+wikipedia.org's John Marshall page
+philamuseum.org
Bedell Residence Entrance
Wilson Eyre (Architect),
1889 - 1890
* small
sitting people,
furniture
* Entrance.
Southeast Corner, 22nd and Chestnut.
* 39.952310,-75.176975 [map] [nearby]
* On the Rittenhouse Square tour
* See also:
+philadelphiabuildings.org entry for the building
+wikipedia.org's Wilson Eyre page
William Pepper
Karl Bitter,
1896
* Statue of William Pepper
* sitting and kneeling people,
chair,
plants,
staff
* Another copy can be found at the Main Library on the landing of the stairs to the second floor.
* inscription:
M.D. L.L.D.
Provost of the
University
of
Pennsylvania
1881-1894
There will be sleeping enough in the grave.
All things exist in the man
tinged with the manners of his soul.
* South side of College Hall.
North of Spruce, West of 34th.
* 39.951230,-75.193825 [map] [nearby]
* On the Penn Campus tour
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Karl Bitter page
+wikipedia.org's William Pepper page
+wikipedia.org's College Hall page
Benjamin Franklin
John J. Boyle,
1899
* Statue of Benjamin Franklin
* seated person,
chair,
papers
* In front of College Hall.
Woodland Walk West of 34th Street.
* 39.951950,-75.193700 [map] [nearby]
* On the Penn Campus tour
* Exhibits: Moved
* See also:
+Max Buten's picture of this piece
+phillyhistory.org 1913 picture of this piece at 9th and Chestnut
+wikipedia.org's John J. Boyle page
+The Electric Franklin
+wikipedia.org's College Hall page
Anthony J. Drexel
Moses Jacob Ezekiel,
1904
* Statue of Anthony J. Drexel
* seated person,
chair,
pail,
books and papers
* Originally just East of 33rd. Moved Summer, 2001 to 32nd Street. In 2011 the building it was next to was torn down and the statue was moved closer to Market, rotated, and enclosed in a large box. The box was removed some time in 2013.
The last two pictures are from the first and second locations.
* On the campus of Drexel University.
South side of Market, East of 32nd.
* 39.955100,-75.187525 [map] [nearby]
* On the Avenue of Technology tour
* Exhibits: Moved
* See also:
+phillyhistory.org 1959 picture of this piece
+jewishvirtuallibrary.org's Moses Jacob Ezekiel page
+wikipedia.org's Anthony J. Drexel page
+drexel.edu
James Bartram Nicholson
J. Otto Schweizer,
1913
* statue of James Bartram Nicholson
* standing person,
pedestal
* visible through the fence
* inscription:
front (partial):
Erected and Dedicated May 10, 1913
by the Independent Order Of Odd Fellows of Pennsylvania
In memory of James Bartram Nicholson
In recognition of his valuable services in behalf of the order
back:
Born in St. Louis Missouri 1820
Initiated into Chosen Friends Lodge No. 100 April 8, 1845
Received the Patriarchal Decrees in Mount Olive Encampment 1848
Admitted into Grand Lodge 1848
Admitted into Grand Encampment 1849
Grand Warden of Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania May 1851
Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge 1852
Grand Master of the Grand Lodge 1853
Grand Represntative to the Sovereign Grand Lodge 1859
Grand Sire of the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the United States 1862
Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania January 1869
Grand Scribe of the Grand Encampment of
Pennsylvania January 1869
Died in Philadelphia March 4 1901
* Mount Peace Cemetery.
North side of Lehigh at 31st.
* 39.997690,-75.181760 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+findagrave.com's entry for this piece
+gravelyspeaking.com blog entry about this piece
+wikipedia.org's J. Otto Schweizer page
+josephsmithpapers.org's James Bartram Nicholson page
+wikipedia.org's Mount Peace Cemetery page
Pastorius Monument
Albert Jaegers,
1917
* Monument to Franz Daniel Pastorius
* big
seated person,
chair,
hint of a boat,
groups of people
standing,
plants,
lamp
* Northeast corner Vernon Park.
Germantown above Chelten.
* 40.036900,-75.176150 [map] [nearby]
* On the Germantown Avenue tour
* Exhibits: Favorites
* See also:
+phillyhistory.org 1921 picture of this piece
+wikipedia.org's Albert Jaegers page
+wikipedia.org's Franz (Francis) Daniel Pastorius page
+ushistory.org's Vernon Park tour page
Edgar Fahs Smith
R. Tait McKenzie,
1925
* Statue of Edgar Fahs Smith
* sitting person,
chair,
lizard,
books,
mortarboard,
jug or basket
* inscription:
Provost, 1911-1920, teacher, investigator, friend. Born 1856 - Died 1928. A tribute of affection from John C. Bell, class of 1889.
* East side of 34th St. at Smith Walk (between Walnut and Spruce).
* 39.951610,-75.192175 [map] [nearby]
* On the Penn Campus tour
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's R. Tait McKenzie page
+wikipedia.org's Edgar Fahs Smith page
Wisdom and Commerce
Alfred-Alphonse Bottiau,
1932
* big
sitting people,
chairs,
standing person,
tree,
owl,
ship mast and sails
* Flanking the entrance.
North side of Chestnut, East of 10th.
* 39.950050,-75.156650 [map] [nearby]
* On the Jefferson Center City Campus tour
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Alfred-Alphonse Bottiau page
Benjamin Franklin National Memorial
James Earle Fraser,
1938
* Statue of Benjamin Franklin
* big
seated person,
chair
* Free, but not always open. Check times.
The last picture is of a reference from the mural at 24th and Chestnut.
* Interior.
Franklin Institute.
West side of 20th, South of the Parkway.
* 39.958200,-75.173000 [map] [nearby]
* On the Parkway and Pennsylvania tour
* Exhibits: Favorites
* See also:
+official page for this piece
+wikipedia.org's James Earle Fraser page
+The Electric Franklin
+fi.edu
The Alchemist
Donald De Lue,
1940
* seated person,
furniture,
headgear,
alchemy equipment
* Above the entrance.
Chemistry Laboratories Cret Wing.
North side of Spruce, West of 33rd.
* 39.950510,-75.192050 [map] [nearby]
* On the Penn Campus tour
* See also:
+sculptor.org's Donald De Lue page
+wikipedia.org's Donald De Lue page
Benjamin Franklin
George Lundeen,
1987
* Statue of Benjamin Franklin
* small
seated person,
bench,
eyeglasses,
cane,
newspaper,
pigeon
* East side of 37th Street, just South of Locust Walk.
* 39.952150,-75.196975 [map] [nearby]
* On the Penn Campus tour
* See also:
+lundeensculpture.com's George Lundeen page
+The Electric Franklin
Subject/Object Memory
Lauren Ewing,
1990
* words,
chairs
* Checked July 2013. Chairs are missing. Able to transcribe most of the historical inscription.
* inscription:
Prehistory-1638
This was a land of natural beauty and bounty.
Oak, Maple, Hawthorne, Cherry, Sweetgum, Crabapple and Ash
sheltered deer, fox, rabbit and racoon.
The lower land was cut through by hundreds of creeks,
and streams rich in muskrat, beaver, fish and waterfowl.
This was the home of the Lenni Lenape and Minquas
who lived in harmony with the land.
(see natural habitat at Tinecum Envm. Cntr.)
1638-1750
In 1638 Swedish settlers founded the colony of New Sweden.
The colony prospered and grew because of the fur trade.
The settlers built log homes, dams and mills and cleared the land for farms.
The wilderness was transformed. When William Penn sailed up the Delaware
decades later, he saw a peaceful colony with schools, snug houses, churches
and law courts with jury trials.
1750-1780
In 1762 Swedish worshippers built St. James Kingsessing
(68th and Wdlnd). The first recorded burial was Jacob Lincoln, 1725-1769.
During the Revolutionary War the British attacked Washington's men at
the Blue Bell Tavern. Every 20 minutes 1,000 cannon balls were fired
at Ft. Mifflin. One passed through the Adam Guyer house while the family
dined. (see Cannon Ball House near Ft. Mifflin)
1780-1810
The Penrose Ferry Hotel and Blue Bell Tavern (built 1776)
were popular meeting places for local residents and travelers.
Legends flourished about marsh creatures and unsavory local characters
such as One-armed Tom Robinson. In 1802 Tom framed a man for
a grisly murder he committed. After the innocent man hanged,
Tom gleefully admitted his misdeeds.
1810-1840
[not legible]
1840-1870
June 9, 1859 the ladies of St. James Church hosted a strawberry
festival at Bartram Gardens (residence of Andrew M. Eastwick) to
fund a new schoolhouse. From 1880-92, the present Penrose Plaza
site was Suffolk Park Racetrack. July 9, 1866 Bud Doble drove "Dexter"
to a record win in 2 min. 23 1/2 sec. Wm. T. Eastwick and Emma Thomas
married on June 2, 1870 at st. James Church.
1870-1900
A map dated 1872 shows large farm estates in this area. Local
family names were Johnson, Young, Mitchell, Holstein and Serrill.
The P.B.& W Railroad stopped at Bell Road Sta. and a steam car ran
on Darby St. (Woodland). It cost 5c and took only 15 min. to reach
Broad and Market Sts. By '86 lots were selling in the area. New streets
opened and a hotel was built.
1900-1930
The 20th C. brought industry and population growth to Eastwick.
Fels-Naptha Soap and Brill trolley cars were made here.
Land was drained for Wilson Field (now Phila. Intn. Airport).
In 1927 Lindbergh landed here. During W.W.I Hog Island
Naval Yard employed local workers whose sandwiches became known as "Hoagies".
Everyday, 1905-16, Anthony Rubillo lit and put out the local street lamps.
1930-1960
The Meadows, as residents called it, was a multi-racial
community with churches of all denominations. Neighborhood
kids starred on American Bandstand. In 1950 it was declared
an Urban Renewal Area. In 1958 the Redevelopment Authority
condemned 2,535 homes and 37 churches to make way fora "city within a
city." Residents strongly resisted displacement and the imposed change.
1960-1972
[not legible]
* In the parking lot of Penrose Plaza.
West side of Island, South of Lindbergh.
* 39.899475,-75.239700 [map] [nearby]
* On the Southwest Philly tour
* Exhibits: Missing
* See also:
+laurenewingart.com
+mallsinamerica.com's Penrose Plaza page
Philadelphia Books of Just Hours
Phillips Simkin,
1995
* small
books,
podium
* Also listed as "Philada Book of Just Hours" and "Philada Books of Just Hours". Philada is an old abbreviation of Philadelphia. The on-site plaque spells Philada with a final superscript a.
* Inside the corner column.
Southwest corner of the Justice Center.
Juniper and Filbert.
* 39.953350,-75.162150 [map] [nearby]
* On the City Hall tour
* See also:
+inquirer.com's Phillips Simkin obituary
+wikipedia.org's Justice Juanita Kidd Stout Center for Criminal Justice page
Dr. Beukenkamp
T.J. Dixon,
James Nelson,
1998
* statue of Cornelius F.J. Beukenkamp Jr.
* small
sitting person,
bench
* visible through the fence
* Broad and Vine, Northwest corner.
* 39.958225,-75.162600 [map] [nearby]
* On the Convention District tour
* See also:
+NY State Department of Health 1994 License Surrender Record for Cornelius Beukenkamp
Steel Woman II
Thomas Schutte,
1999
* horizontal person,
furniture
* Was in the Anne d'Harnoncourt Sculpture Garden on Art Museum Drive. Removed some time prior to July 7, 2022.
* 39.967150,-75.181425 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Missing
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Thomas Schutte page
Bear Bench
2008
* painted bear
bench
* The hat is not original to the piece.
* North corner, Germantown and Southampton.
* 40.074375,-75.203490 [map] [nearby]
* On the Germantown Avenue tour
Richard Allen
Fern Cunningham-Terry,
2016
* statue of, with tribute to Richard Allen,
Sharonda Coleman-Singleton,
Cynthia Hurd,
Susie Jackson,
Ethel Lance,
DePayne Middleton-Doctor,
Clementa C. Pinckney,
Tywanza Sanders,
Daniel Simmons
and
Myra Thompson
* small
standing person,
pulpit,
Bible
* inscription:
base
Richard Allen
1760-1831
Founder and First Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church
Apostle of freedom proclaiming a liberating and reconciling Gospel.
tribute plaques
In Tribute to the Emanuel Nine
On Wednesday, June 17, 2015, the pastor and eight faithful members
were tragically slain in a mass shooting at
Emanuel African American Methodist Episcopal Church
Charleston, South Carolina
They had come together with great joy for a weekly Bible Study.
But a stranger who had been warmly welcomed into the group
snuffed out the lives of these beloved fathers,
mothers, daughters, sons, colleagues and friends.
May the untimely deaths of these three men and six women
be an eternal reminder of the power of love and forgiveness,
and that God's grace is sufficient, no matter what.
The Rev. Clementa C. Pinckney, 41
State Senator and Senior Pastor
The Rev. Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, 45
Mrs. Cynthia Hurd, 54
Ms. Susie Jackson, 87
Ms. Ethel Lance, 70
The Rev. DePayne Middleton-Doctor, 49
Mr. Tywanza Sanders, 26
The Rev. Daniel Simmons, 74
Mrs. Myra Thompson, 59
For to me, to live in Christ and to die is gain.
Philippians 1:21, NIV
* Southwest corner of the parking lot. Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Northeast corner 6th and Lombard.
* 39.943115,-75.151985 [map] [nearby]
* On the Lombard-South tour
* Exhibits: Religious,
Black Lives
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Fern Cunningham page
+wikipedia.org's Richard Allen page
+emanuelnine.org's Sharonda Coleman-Singleton page
+wikipedia.org's Cynthia Graham Hurd page
+scafricanamerican.com's Susie Jackson page
+scafricanamerican.com's Ethel Lance page
+emanuelnine.org's DePayne Middleton-Doctor page
+wikipedia.org's Clementa C. Pinckney page
+tywanzasanderslegacyfoundation.com
+findagrave.com's Rev. Daniel Lee Simmons Sr. page
+scafricanamerican.com's Myra Thompson page
+wikipedia.org's Mother Bethel AME Church page
Plateau
Andrea Blum,
2018 (original configuration 2006)
* big
abstract
shelter,
benches
* Was on the other side of Locust Walk. Moved to the new location and reconfigured in 2018 when a new dorm was built on the North side. The plaque lists it as 2006/2018. The first 3 pictures are from the original location.
* East side of 40th, South of Locust Walk.
* 39.952725,-75.202725 [map] [nearby]
* On the Penn Campus tour
* Exhibits: Moved
* See also:
+andreablum.com
Summer Winter Community Garden Mosaic
* sun,
plants,
functional bench
* Summer Winter Community Garden.
Northeast corner, 33rd and Race.
* 39.958950,-75.189050 [map] [nearby]
* On the Powelton tour
* Exhibits: Unidentified,
Mosaic
* See also:
+summerwintergarden.org
Mary Dyer
Sylvia Shaw Judson,
1960
* Statue of Mary Dyer
* seated person
wearing a bonnet,
bench
* inscription:
Quaker witness for religious freedom. Hanged on Boston Common 1660.
* Just inside the gate of the Friends Center.
Northwest corner, 15th and Cherry.
* 39.955650,-75.164900 [map] [nearby]
* On the Franklin Town tour
* Exhibits: Religious
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Sylvia Shaw Judson page
+wikipedia.org's Mary Dyer page
+friendscentercorp.org
The Tableau
1986
* Representations of Adam,
David,
Eve,
Isaiah
and
The Magi
* groups of people,
standing people,
furniture,
sitting people,
headgear,
staffs, crutch,
tools,
Earth,
sun, moon, planets, stars,
water,
buildings,
plants,
lion,
lamb,
food,
serpent,
symbols
* Includes a representation of the City Hall William Penn
* inscription:
A series of 8 Sculptured Murals commissioned by
Monsigner Charles V. Devlin, PA, in 1986.
The first half of the tableau tells a story via
excerpts from biblical history from the
creation of the world to the birth of Jesus Christ:
I. Creation
II. Expulsion from the Garden of Eden
III. The Prophet Isaiah prophesying the Messiah
IV. King David
V. The Three Wisemen of the Epiphnany
The second half depicts the mission of St. John
the Evangelist Church and how we can all continue
the mystery of God's love by caring for the needs of:
VI. The sick
VII. The homeless and needy
VIII. The imprisoned
"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was
thirsty and you gave me drink, I was naked and
you clothed me, ...I was ill and you comforted me,
in prison and you came to visit me."
* North side of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.
East side of 13th between Chestnut and Market.
* 39.951300,-75.161300 [map] [nearby]
* On the Convention District tour
* Exhibits: Religious
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Adam page
+wikipedia.org's David page
+wikipedia.org's Eve page
+wikipedia.org's Isaiah page
+wikipedia.org's Magi page
+stjohnsphilly.org
River of Life
Masayuki Nagase,
2014
* big and small
water,
rocks,
furniture,
birds,
fish,
insects,
plants,
turtle
* inscription:
plaque: Hand carved granite benches, sculptural boulders, and engraved tile pavers and medallions
depicting images of local flora, fauna, and water patterns. An original artwork commissioned by
The City of Philadelphia Percent for Art Program and The Philadelphia Water Department
rock: Venice Island is the legacy of 19th century urbanization.
In 1819 a three mile sliver of schist was sliced away from Manayunk by a narrow canal that supplied
the textile mills on the Island. Today, this site location led the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD)
to install a subsurface Combined Sewer Overflow Tank. This tank holds nearly 1 million
gallons of a mixture of sewage and storm water during rain events,
preventing untreated wastewater from flowing into the Schuylkill River.
To enable the use of the island for this essential river protection
project, PWD committed to a full scale reconstruction of the Venice Island's
recreation facilities. PWD worked with its sister city agencies and the
neighborhood in the master planning process. This site uses the best in
sustainable storm water management, ecological design and
restoration to provide a much needed public place in the
heart of Manayunk that addresses multiple needs - recreation,
environmental protection, commerce and open space.
The revitalized space reflects the Island's industrial heritage,
local building techniques and the vibrant natural history
along the Schuylkill River, all the while meeting the
rigorous challenges of creating a safe city park in the
floodway. This park resides at the intersection of nature and city, striving to bring both closer.
* Multi-level plaza.
Venice Island.
Across the canal off Main and Cotton.
* 40.023810,-75.222675 [map] [nearby]
* On the Manayunk tour
* See also:
+mnagase.com
+veniceisland.org
Penn Presbyterian Park
2022
* trees,
stones,
seating
* I cannot find any official listing for this work with either a title or artist.
* Plaza.
East side of Penn Presbyterian Medical Center.
West side of 38th, North of Medical Drive.
* 39.958250,-75.197900 [map] [nearby]
* On the Powelton tour
* Exhibits: Unidentified
* See also:
+pennmedicine.org's Penn Presbyterian Medical Center page
Dickens and Little Nell
Francis Edwin Elwell,
1890
* Only known statue of Charles Dickens
* two people,
one standing,
one sitting,
chair
* Clark Park.
North side of Chester, West of 43rd.
* 39.948625,-75.209550 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Favorites
* See also:
+Article about this piece by Martha Rosso
+phillyhistory.org 1910 picture of this piece
+wikipedia.org's Francis Edwin Elwell page
+wikipedia.org's Charles Dickens page
+wikipedia.org Clark Park page
Major General Peter Muhlenberg
J. Otto Schweizer,
1910
* Statue of John Peter Gabriel Muhlenberg
* standing person,
group of people,
church interior,
pulpit and pews,
book,
hat
* inscription:
front:
"There is a time for all things - a time to preach and a time to fight, and now is the to fight"
Farewell sermon in the church at Woodstock, VA, 1776
right:
1776, Charleston, Sullivans Island, Brandywine, Germantown, Monmouth, Stony Point, Petersburg, Yorktown, 1781
left:
Member of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania, 1784
Vice President of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, 1785
Member of the first, third, and sixth Congress of the U.S.
U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania, 1801
President of the German Society of Pennsylvania, 1788 and 1802-1807
* Behind the Art Museum.
Anne d'Harnocourt Drive (25th and Kelly Drive to the Spring Garden Bridge).
* 39.966600,-75.181950 [map] [nearby]
* On the Art Museum Grounds tour
* Exhibits: Religious,
Moved,
War
* See also:
+Max Buten's picture of this piece
+phillyhistory.org 1913 picture of this piece outside City Hall
+wikipedia.org's J. Otto Schweizer page
+wikipedia.org's John Peter Gabriel Muhlenberg page
+philamuseum.org
Fidelity Mutual Building
Lee Lawrie,
1926 - 1927
* Building renamed in honor of Raymond G. Perelman
and
Ruth Perelman
* big and small
people
standing
sitting,
furniture,
weapons,
kite,
ships,
tools and machines,
dogs,
horses,
alligators,
elephants,
owls,
squirrels,
buildings,
trains,
plants,
symbols and words
* Originally an insurance building. Donated to the Art Museum by the Perelmans. The pictures here are only a representative sampling of the art.
* inscription:
Pennsylvania side:
In the honor and perpetuity of the family is founded the state. In the nobler life of the household is the nobler life of mankind.
26th side:
He labors best who loves best : the finest work of a man's life is to open the doors of opportunity to those who depend on him.
* The whole building.
Perelman Annex.
Northwest corner of Fairmount and Pennsylvania.
* 39.967490,-75.179490 [map] [nearby]
* On the Parkway and Pennsylvania tour
* Exhibits: Labor
* See also:
+philadelphiabuildings.org's page for the building
+Max Buten's picture of one of the reliefs
+Another Max Buten picture of one of the reliefs
+wikipedia.org's Lee Lawrie page
+wikipedia.org's Raymond G. Perlman page
Eugene Ormandy
1983 (Guess. Year of hotel construction)
* Tribute to Eugene Ormandy
* partial
people,
conductor's baton,
podium
* Wall.
Outside the Ormandy Ballroom.
East side of Broad, South of Locust.
* 39.947385,-75.164450 [map] [nearby]
* On the Avenue of the Arts tour
* Exhibits: Unidentified
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Eugene Ormandy page
Declaration of Independence
Tiequn Geng,
Guangxi Qihe Bronze Studio,
Dr. Komuro Hiromi,
Dr. QiongZhao (Ellen) Schicktanz,
John Trumbull,
2017 (installed)
* Full figure reliefs of John Adams,
Samuel Adams,
Josiah Bartlett,
Charles Carroll,
Samuel Chase,
Abraham Clark,
George Clinton,
George Clymer,
John Dickinson,
William Ellery,
William Floyd,
Benjamin Franklin,
Elbridge Gerry,
John Hancock,
Benjamin Harrison V,
Joseph Hewes,
Thomas Heyward Jr.,
William Hooper,
Stephen Hopkins,
Francis Hopkinson,
Samuel Huntington,
Thomas Jefferson,
Richard Henry Lee,
Francis Lewis,
Philip Livingston,
Robert R. Livingston,
Thomas Lynch Jr.,
Thomas McKean,
Arthur Middleton,
Lewis Morris,
Robert Morris,
William Paca,
Robert Treat Paine,
George Read,
Benjamin Rush,
Edward Rutledge,
Roger Sherman,
Richard Stockton,
Charles Thomson,
George Walton,
William Whipple,
William Williams,
Thomas Willing,
James Wilson,
John Witherspoon,
Oliver Wolcott
and
George Wythe
* small
people,
some standing,
some sitting,
furniture,
paper and pens,
interior of Independence Hall
* inscription:
(partial)
This bronze sculpture replicates John Trumbull's famous
painting Declaration of Independence that is displayed
in the Rotunda of the United States Capitol. It depicts the
presentation of the Declaration of Independence to the
Continental Congress in Independence Hall on June 28, 1776, by
the drafting committee, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams,
Thomas Jefferson, Roger Sherman and Robert Livingston
(shown seated to the left of the table).
Forty-two of the 56 signers of the Declaration are portrayed;
Trumbull originally intended to include the 56 signers,
but was unable to obtain likenesses for all of them.
He also portrayed five people who did not sign the Declaraion,
but who were present on June 28th.
Because the Declaration was debated and signed over a period of
six to eight weeks, the men shown here were never in
Independence Hall at the same time.
The sculpture is a donation from Dr. QiongZhao (Ellen) Schicktanz,
a naturalized Asian-American artist, in gratitude for her life
as an American Citizen.
* North wall.
Museum of the American Revolution.
South side of Chestnut, East of 3rd.
* 39.948500,-75.145750 [map] [nearby]
* On the Old City tour
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's page for the original painting
+americangoddessartmuseum.com
+wikipedia.org's John Trumbull page
+wikipedia.org's John Adams page
+wikiedia.org's Samuel Adams page
+wikipedia.org's Josiah Bartlett page
+wikipedia.org's Charles Carroll page
+wikipedia.org's Samuel Chase page
+wikipedia.org's Abraham Clark page
+wikipedia.org's George Clinton page
+wikipedia.org's George Clymer page
+wikipedia.org's John Dickinson page
+wikipedia.org's William Ellery page
+wikipedia.org's William Floyd page
+The Electric Franklin
+wikipedia.org's Elbridge Gerry page
+wikipedia.org's John Hancock page
+wikipedia.org's Benjamin Harrison V page
+wikipedia.org's Joseph Hewes page
+wikipedia.org's Thomas Heyward Jr. page
+wikipedia.org's William Hooper page
+wikipedia.org's Stephen Hopkins page
+wikipedia.org's Francis Hopkinson page
+wikipedia.org's Samuel Huntington page
+wikipedia.org's Thomas Jefferson page
+wikipedia.org's Richard Henry Lee page
+wikipedia.org's Francis Lewis page
+wikipedia.org's Philip Livingston page
+wikipedia.org's Robert R. Livingston page
+wikipedia.org's Thomas Lynch Jr. page
+wikipedia.org's Thomas McKean page
+wikipedia.org's Arthur Middleton page
+wikipedia.org's Lewis Morris page
+wikipedia.org's Robert Morris page
+wikipedia.org's William Paca page
+wikipedia.org's Robert Treat Paine page
+wikipedia.org's George Read page
+wikipedia.org's Benjamin Rush page
+wikipedia.org's Edward Rutledge page
+wikipedia.org's Roger Sherman page
+wikipedia.org's Richard Stockton page
+wikipedia.org's Charles Thomson page
+wikipedia.org's George Walton page
+wikipedia.org's William Whipple page
+wikipedia.org's William Williams page
+wikipedia.org's Thomas Willing page
+wikipedia.org's James Wilson page
+wikipedia.org's John Witherspoon page
+wikipedia.org's Oliver Wolcott page
+wikipedia.org's George Wythe page
+amrevmuseum.org
June 5th Memorial
Scott Aker,
Barb Fox,
2018
* Memorial to the six victims with quote from Dickinson: Anne Bryan,
Roseline Conteh,
Borbor Davis,
Emily Dickinson,
Kimberly Finnegan,
Juanita Harmon
and
Mary Simpson
* ideas,
architectural elements,
steles,
benches
* The black stone sculpture by Barb Fox is separately titled "Witness".
* inscription:
For those we remember
Unable are the loved to die
for love is immortality
nay, it is deity -
unable they that love - to die
for love reforms vitality
into divinity
-Emily Dickinson
On a beautiful late Spring morning in 2013 the reckless
demolition of a neighborhood building collapsed a wall onto
the Salvation Army store that stood on this site.
This memorial park is dedicated to the memory of the six people
who died here on June 5, 2013. They were from all walks of life,
and each was uniquely precious to their family, friends and
community. The memorial park also remembers those who were
injured, and honors the rescuers.
The June 5 Memorial Park is made possible by the generosity
of private citizens and the City of Philadelphia. It challenges
the residents and leaders of Philadelphia to remember what
happened here and to always value human life above development.
* Southeast corner, 22nd and Market.
* 39.953675,-75.176600 [map] [nearby]
* On the Rittenhouse Square tour
* See also:
+june5memorial.org
+architecturalresearch.org
+Anne Bryan article
+Roseline Conteh article
+Borbor Davis article
+wikipedia.org's Emily Dickinson page
+Juniata Harmon article
The Gates of Hell
Auguste Rodin,
1880 - 1917
* groups of people,
partial,
standing,
sitting, kneeling, crouching, and horizontal,
furniture,
rocks
* Entrance.
Rodin Museum.
North side of the Parkway between 21st and 22nd.
* 39.961850,-75.174050 [map] [nearby]
* On the Parkway and Pennsylvania tour
* Exhibits: Religious
* See also:
+bronze-gallery.com's Auguste Rodin page
+rodinmuseum.org
N.W. Ayer Building
J. Wallace Kelly,
Raphael Sabatini,
1929
* big and small
standing people,
seated people,
partial people,
groups of people,
furniture,
sun,
swords,
books,
publishing equipment,
implications of building interiors,
zodiac signs,
ram,
crab,
centaur
* There are two large figures on each of the four corners of the building that are best seen from a block away.
* Doors and upper walls.
210 West Washington Square (West side of 7th, South of Walnut).
* 39.947250,-75.153400 [map] [nearby]
* On the Washington Square tour
* See also:
+michenermuseum.org's J. Wallace Kelly Page
+askart.com's Raphael Sabatini page
Penn Mutual Building Doors
1934
* small
groups of people
standing,
sitting,
machines and tools,
furniture,
baskets and jugs,
books and scrolls,
dogs,
flowers,
weapons,
helmet,
head in profile
* Entrance.
Penn Mutual Building.
South side of Walnut between 5th and 6th.
* 39.947525,-75.150250 [map] [nearby]
* On the Washington Square tour
* Exhibits: Labor
* See also:
+philadelphiabuildings.org entry for the building
Dancing Children
Henry Mitchell,
1968
* small
people
dancing,
sitting,
hats,
bench,
baby carriage,
knitting needles,
dog
* Above the entrance.
Cobbs Creek Recreation Center.
West side of 63rd at Locust.
* 39.957965,-75.248125 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+cantonartcollection.com's Henry Mitchell bio
Eastwick Farmpark
Rosalie Sherman,
1983
* small
sheep,
cows,
dogs,
seated person
wearing a hat,
bench
* The farmer and his bench were missing on April 20, 2013
* 84th and Crane.
* 39.89407,-75.246725 [map] [nearby]
* On the Southwest Philly tour
* Exhibits: Missing
* See also:
+rosaliesherman.com
Schuylkill Avenue Viaduct Decorative Barriers
2021
* people
sitting,
standing, walking and running,
plants,
clouds,
benches,
dogs,
baby carriages,
Schuylkill Banks logos
* Very similar panels repeat the length of the block. The title is from references in PennDot press releases.
* Fence.
West side of Schuylkill Avenue (aka 29th Street) between Chestnut and Walnut.
* 39.952375,-75.182415 [map] [nearby]
* On the Chestnut 29th to 40th tour
* Exhibits: Unidentified
St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church
1907
* Representations of Jesus,
Joseph
and
Mary
* people
sitting, kneeling,
standing,
headgear,
book,
manger,
furniture,
staff,
sheep,
ox,
heads,
winged people
* The Springfield side of the building was obscured by scaffolding when these pictures were taken in
August, 2010. The church web site has pictures of the front doors.
* inscription:
The Word was made flesh
* Whole building.
St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church.
Northeast corner, 47th and Springfield.
* 39.947150,-75.215194 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Religious
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Jesus page
+wikipedia.org's Saint Joseph page
+wikipedia.org's Mary, mother of Jesus page
+desalesphilly.com
Classical Scene
1910 (MDCCCX)
* Reliefs of Athena
and
Hermes
* people
standing,
sitting,
winged helmet,
kerykeion,
tablet,
furniture
* Wall.
North side of Chestnut between 7th and 8th.
* 39.949550,-75.153000 [map] [nearby]
* On the Independence Mall tour
* Exhibits: Unidentified
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Athena page
+wikipedia.org's Hermes page
Central Library Pediments
John Donnelly Company,
1927
* big
groups of people,
some standing,
some sitting,
sphinx,
pyramid,
urn,
plant,
chair,
globe,
stylus, scroll, tablet and books,
typewriter and printing press
* Pediments.
Central Library.
North side of Vine between 19th and 20th.
* 39.959300,-75.171100 [map] [nearby]
* On the Parkway and Pennsylvania tour
* See also:
+freelibrary.org's Central Library page
National Monument to Scottish Immigration
Terry Jones,
2011
* standing
people,
dog,
hats,
weapons,
staff,
sitting people,
furniture,
books, scrolls and quills,
buildings,
horses,
carts,
trunks,
clouds,
ships,
symbols, logos, and insignia,
parts of people,
lion,
birds
* This piece is listed under many different names. The name shown here is from the standrewsociety.org. Was on the East side of Front, South of Chestnut. Moved late 2023 through early 2024. Pictures are from the original location.
* inscription:
(excerpt)
This monument to Scottish Immigrants seeks to provide a broad perspective on the rise and movement of the Scots
over many continents and centuries. On either side of this Monument you will find Standing Stones which will
assist you in understanding this ancient and ongoing process. The Standing Stones are part of the landscape and history of all the Celtic lands. Many remain in Scotland today. While the original purpose of these
stones is not known, it is believed they served a spiritual purpose, and may have had scientific astronomic
significance as well. We have adopted them in the monument as symbolic of Scotland's ancient past.
* Southwest corner of Foglietta Plaza.
North side of Spruce at Front.
* 39.944475,-75.143550 [map] [nearby]
* On the Penn's Landing tour
* Exhibits: Moved
* See also:
+standrewsociety.org
+terryjonessculpture.com
Art Museum North Pediment
Carl Paul Jennewein,
1932 (Museum website says 1933)
* group of people,
some standing,
some sitting or lying,
winged person,
headgear,
staff,
sun,
sword,
furniture,
musical instrument,
snake,
lion
* North Pediment.
Front of the Art Museum.
25th and the Parkway.
* 39.965625,-75.180275 [map] [nearby]
* On the Art Museum Grounds tour
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Carl Paul Jennewein page
+philamuseum.org
Philadelphia and the Schuylkill
* quotes from Charles Dickens,
John P. Shelden,
Frances Trollope
and
Mark Twain
* signs,
sheep,
locomotive,
machines and tools,
basket and barrel,
buildings,
maps,
plants,
food,
benches
with quotes
* an outdoor history exhibit with artistic elements
* inscription:
benches:
"The Water Works...are no less Ornamental than Useful,
being Tastefully Laid Out as a Public Garden..."
-Charles Dickens
"I Passed Along the Pavement by the
Pump-House... I went in.
I saw Immense Water-Wheels.."
-Mark Twain (1853) Missouri
"The Celebrated Works on the Schuylkill,
by which the Water of the River is Raised
...are Beyond Praise"
-John P. Shelden (1825) Michigan
"But interesting[?] and Curious as this
Machinery is, it is, In Truth, One of the
Prettiest Spots the Eye can look upon."
-Frances Trollope (1830) England
* Schuylkill Banks between the Waterworks and the Spring Garden Bridge.
* 39.965325,-75.183450 [map] [nearby]
* On the Art Museum Grounds tour
* Exhibits: Mass Transit
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Charles Dickens page
+wikipedia.org's Frances Trollope page
+wikipedia.org's Mark Twain page
Witherspoon Building
1895 - 1897
* References to and representations of Albert Barnes,
Charles Hodge,
Jesus,
Saint John,
Saint Luke,
Saint Mark,
Saint Matthew
and
John Witherspoon
* small
lion,
birds,
ox,
plants,
books,
winged person,
groups of people,
standing people,
reclining people,
heads and eyes,
fire,
scales,
headgear,
anchor,
cup,
furniture,
various religious symbols
* Some art was moved to the Presbyterian Historical Society: Witherspoon Building Figures
* Entire Building.
West side of Juniper between Sansom and Walnut, and along the North side of Walnut West of Juniper.
* 39.949250,-75.163200 [map] [nearby]
* On the Gayborhood tour
* Exhibits: Religious,
Gargoyles,
Unidentified
* See also:
+philadelphiabuildings.org's page for the building
+wikipedia.org Albert Barnes page
+wikipedia.org Charles Hodge page
+wikipedia.org's Jesus page
+wikipedia.org's John the Evangelist page
+wikipedia.org's Luke the Evangelist page
+wikipedia.org's Mark the Evangelist page
+wikipedia.org's Matthew the Apostle page
+wikipedia.org's John Witherspoon page