Philadelphia Public Art @philart.net
Size: Big
Pieces that are significantly larger than life (e.g. 10 foot tall people) and/or more than 20 feet in one or more dimensions.
Benjamin Franklin
* Portrait of Benjamin Franklin
* big
head
* Originally part of a Franklin Court Motor Lodge sign on the Northeast corner of 22nd and Pennsylvania/Hamilton. Franklin's head outlived the rest of the sign by over ten years, but not the demolition of the building in June, 2008.
* Wall.
* Exhibits: Missing,
Unidentified
* See also:
+ushistory.org's The Electric Ben Franklin
Demeter and Poseidon
* bas reliefs of Demeter
and
Poseidon
* big
standing people,
horses,
baskets,
fish,
food,
plants,
weapon (trident),
crown
* Wall.
North side of Spring Garden, West of 18th.
* 39.963540,-75.168850 [map] [nearby]
* On the Franklin Town tour
* Exhibits: Religious
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Demeter page
+wikipedia.org's Poseidon page
Labyrinth
* big
labyrinth
* Observed April 2023. The bricks had faded to a uniform color.
* Southwest from School House Lane and Henry Ave..
* 40.017900,-75.193400 [map] [nearby]
* On the Jefferson East Falls Campus tour
* Exhibits: Unidentified
Saint Joseph's University Hawks
* big
hawks,
Saint Joseph's University shield
* Parking lot entrance posts.
Saint Joseph's University.
Southwest corner, 54th and City Line.
* 39.996650,-75.235800 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Unidentified
* See also:
+sju.edu
Stack of Books With People
* big
books,
two people,
one standing,
one sitting
* The title is unofficial. The only thing resembling an artist signature is a carved ML with the L coming out the bottom of the right vertical of the M.
* Philadelphia University Campus, Northeast of Henry Ave. and School House Lane.
* 40.022550,-75.192750 [map] [nearby]
* On the Jefferson East Falls Campus tour
* Exhibits: Unidentified
Pegasus
Vincenz Bildhauer Pilz,
1863
* Two separate statues of Pegasus with Calliope
and
Erato
* big
horses,
standing people,
scroll
* In front of Please Touch Museum (Memorial Hall).
Avenue of the Republic.
* 39.978935,-75.209500 [map] [nearby]
* On the West Park tour
* See also:
+Max Buten's picture of this piece (Calliope)
+Max Buten's picture of this piece (Erato)
+wikipedia.org's Calliope page
+wikipedia.org's Erato page
+pleasetouchmuseum.org
Masonic Temple Entrance
James H. Windrim (Architect),
1868 - 1873
* big
geometric patterns
* Entrance.
Masonic Temple.
Northeast corner, Broad and JFK.
* 39.953675,-75.163145 [map] [nearby]
* On the City Hall tour
* Exhibits: Labor
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Masonic Temple page
+philadelphiabuildings.org's James H. Windrim page
+pamasonictemple.org
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
Catholic Total Abstinence Union Fountain
Herman Kirn,
1876
* Five statues, six carved portraits and quotes of and from John Barry,
Charles Carroll,
John Carroll,
Lewis Cass,
Henry Clay,
Comte de Grasse,
Stephen A. Douglas,
Sam Houston,
Tadeusz Kosciuszko,
Marquis de Lafayette,
Theobald Mathew,
George Gordon Meade,
Moses,
Orono,
Casimir Pulaski,
William H. Seward
and
Robert Walsh
* big and small
standing people,
heads,
tablet,
rocks
lion heads
* There is a blank portrait oval labeled Moylan on the West side.
* inscription:
John Barry
First Commodore of the United States Navy
Born in 1745 in Wexford Co. Ireland
Died September 13, 1803 at Philadelphia
During the Revolutionary War he distinguished himself greatly. He filled the various commands entrusted to him with skill and gallantry. When unable to fight on the ocean he obtained command of a company of volunteers and fought against the enemy on land. Among his exploits was the capture upon May 28, 1781 of two English
vessels, the Atalanta and Trespasa, after a hotly contested action with his own ship the Alliance. In January 1776 he commanded the brig Lexington, the first regular cruiser that got to sea under the authority of the Continental Congress and the vessel that first carried the American flag upon the ocean.
Charles Carroll
of Carrollton
Signer of the Declaration Independence
Born September 20, 1737 at Annapolis, Maryland
Died November 14, 1832 at Baltimore, Maryland
To obtain religious as well as civil liberty I entered zealously into the revolution. God grant that this religious liberty may be preserved in these states to the end of time.
-Charles Carroll
Your soldiers will be masters of the spot only on which they encamp. They will find naught but enemies before and around them. If we are beaten on the plains, we will retreat to our mountains. and defy them.
We have made up our minds to abide the issue of the approaching struggle and though much blood may be spilt we have no doubt of our ultimate
success.
-Charles Carroll
Rev. John Carroll
A commissioner of the Continental Congress
Born Jan. 8, 1735 at Upper Marlboro, Md.
Died Dec. 3 1815 at Baltimore, Md
The Archbishop's patriotism was as decided as his piety. He loved Republicanism. He had joined with heart and judgement in the Revolution and retained without abatement of confidence or favor the cardinal sympathies upon which he then acted.
-Address of Robert Walsh
May these United States flourish in pure and undefiled religion, in morality, peace, union, and liberty, and the enjoyment of their excellent Constitution, so long as respect, honor and veneration shall gather around the name of Washington. That is whilst there shall be any surviving record of human events.
-John Carroll
Father Mathew
The Apostle of Temperance
Born Oct. 10, 1790 in Tipperary Co. Ireland
Died Dec. 8, 1856 in Cork Co. Ireland
How Congress Honored Him
Upon December 19th 1849
Rev. Theobald Matthew was by a special resolution invited to a privileged seat upon the floor of the House of Representatives.
Upon December 20th 1849
The Senate Accorded to him a similar privilege - an honor
which previous to that time had been conferred on Lafayette only.
That resolution is an homage to humanity, to philanthropy, to virtue
-Henry Clay
This illustrious benefactor of the human race and our own country
-Wm. H. Seward
He comes among us on a mission of benevolence - it is a noble mission
and well he is fulfilling it.
-Lewis Cass
He comes here upon a great mission which commands the admiration and sympathy of all men.
-Stephen A. Douglas
There is love, purity and fidelity inscribed upon the banner that
he bears.
-Sam Houston
* Avenue of the Republic and States Street.
* 39.982400,-75.219650 [map] [nearby]
* On the West Park tour
* Exhibits: Religious
* See also:
+Pictures of this piece from the Philadelphia Archdiocese Historical Research Center
+ushistory.org's Commodore Barry page
+wikipedia.org's Charles Carroll page
+wikipedia.org's John Carroll page
+wikipedia.org's Lewis Cass page
+wikipedia.org's Henry Clay page
+wikipedia.org's Comte de Grasse page
+wikipedia.org's Stephen A. Douglas page
+wikipedia.org's Sam Houston page
+wikipedia.org's Tadeusz Kosciuszko page
+wikipedia.org's Marquis de Lafayette page
+wikipedia.org's Father Mathew page
+wikipedia.org's George Meade page
+wikipedia.org's Moses page
+history of the Penobscot Indians
+wikipedia.org's Casimir Pulaski page
+wikipedia.org's William H. Seward page
+wikipedia.org's Robert Walsh page
Religious Liberty
Moses Jacob Ezekiel,
1876
* big
standing
people,
liberty cap,
eagle,
serpent,
flame,
the Constitution
* Was half a block North on 5th. Moved late 2010. The first two pictures are from the current location. The rest are from the previous location.
* inscription:
Plinth:
Dedicated to the people of the United States by the order B'nai B'rith and Israelites of America in commemoration of the centennial anniversary of American Independence.
Plaque:
Commissioned by B'nai B'rith for the United States Centenial, "Religious Liberty" was dedicated in Fairmount Park on Thanksgiving Day in 1876.
Carved in Rome from a single block of carrara marble, the statue was executed by Sir Moses Ezekiel, an American Jewish sculptor.
The monument was rededicated by B'nai B'rith International for this nation's Bicentennial in 1976.
The allegorical group represents liberty protecting religious freedom. The female figure wears the liberty cap bordered by thirteen stars for each of the original American colonies. In her left hand, she holds the constitution of the United States the legal document by which freedom is guaranteed to all citizens.
Religion is personified by a youth standing beside the figure of Liberty, whose outstretched arm extends over him protectively. His right hand reaches toward her, while in his left, he holds the inextinguishable flame of faith.
At the base of the group is an American eagle crushing a serpent in its talons, signifying the triumph of American democracy over the tyranny of intolerance and oppression.
The monument was relocated to Independence Mall and rededicated on May 4, 1986 in an historic joint venture between B'nai B'rith International and the National Museum of American Jewish History.
From this site, the statue proclaims in harmony with the Liberty Bell only steps away, a resounding message of religious liberty for all peoples.
* In front of the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History.
Southeast corner, 5th and Market.
* 39.950350,-75.148825 [map] [nearby]
* On the Independence Mall tour
* Exhibits: Religious,
Moved
* See also:
+Max Buten's first picture of this piece
+Max Buten's second picture of this piece
+Max Buten's third picture of this piece
+jewishvirtuallibrary.org's Moses Jacob Ezekiel page
+theweitzman.org
Civil War Soldiers and Sailors Monument
John Massey Rhind,
James H. Windrim (Architect),
1883
* brief quotes from Lord Byron,
Saint Luke,
William Penn
and
Daniel Webster
* big
standing person
wearing a hat,
weapons,
eagles,
horses,
olive branches,
United States, Pennsylvania and Philadelphia seals
* The eagles and plaques are by John Massey Rhind. The soldier is variously attributed to John Lachmier or Lachmer. The quote on the Pennsylvania plaque, though not attributed, is from is from William Penn's Frame of Government
* The soldier is identical to the one on the West Park Civil War Soldiers and Sailors Monument
* inscription:
They never fail who die in a great cause.
-Byron
1861 Germantown's tribute to her heroic dead 1883
United States of America
Liberty and Union
now and forever, one
and inseperable
-Webster
Pennsylvania
The Keystone State
liberty without obedience is confusion and obedience without liberty is slavery.
Philadelphia
The City of Brotherly Love
On Earth peace
Good will toward men
-Luke
* Market Square.
Germantown between Shoolhouse and Church.
* 40.034325,-75.172300 [map] [nearby]
* On the Germantown Avenue tour
* Exhibits: Religious,
War
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's John Massey Rhind page
+philadelphiabuildings.org's James H. Windrim page
+wikipedia.org's Lord Byron page
+wikipedia.org's Luke the Evangelist page
+wikipedia.org's William Penn page
+wikipedia.org's Daniel Webster page
+ushistory.org's Market Square page
Native Americans, Swedish Settlers and Eagles
Alexander Milne Calder,
1894
* big
people
standing,
sitting,
eagles
* Part of the whole building's art.
Around the tower of City Hall.
Broad and Market.
* 39.952750,-75.163350 [map] [nearby]
* On the City Hall tour
* See also:
+undated picture of part of this piece in the studio from phillyhistory.org
+another picture of part of this piece in the studio from phillyhistory.org
+wikipedia.org's Alexander Milne Calder page
+philadelphiabuildings.org's City Hall page
+wikipedia.org's City Hall page
William Penn
Alexander Milne Calder,
1894
* Statue of William Penn
* big
standing person
wearing a hat
* Billy Penn's hat was once higher than all the buildings in the city.
The last two pictures are of references to this piece from the murals at 12th and Walnut and 24th and Chestnut.
* There is a much smaller copy in Welcome Park
* Also referenced by The Tableau
* Part of the whole building's art.
On top of the tower of City Hall.
Broad and Market.
* 39.952750,-75.163350 [map] [nearby]
* On the City Hall tour
* See also:
+phillyhistory.org undated picture of the head of this piece
+phillyhistory.org 1893 picture of this piece in the courtyard
+wikipedia.org's Alexander Milne Calder page
+wikipedia.org's William Penn page
+philadelphiabuildings.org's City Hall page
+wikipedia.org's City Hall page
Spirit of Transportation
Karl Bitter,
1895
* big
group of people,
mostly standing,
some sitting,
horses,
sheep,
oxen,
wagon and carriage,
basket
of fruit,
model train,
model boat,
model airship
* inscription:
This panel, the conception and work of Karl Bitter, sculptor, was executed in 1895 and placed in the waiting room of Broad Street Station Philadelphia from which place it was removed to this site in January, 1933. The spirit of transportation is represented in triumphant procession of progress led by a little child carrying a model of an airship, a prophetic vision of a mode of transportation to come.
* North Waiting Room.
30th Street Station.
Northeast corner, 30th and Market.
* 39.956140,-75.182025 [map] [nearby]
* On the Avenue of Technology tour
* Exhibits: Mass Transit
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Karl Bitter page
+wikipedia.org's 30th Street Station page
Smith Memorial Arch
Herbert Adams,
George E. Bissell,
Alexander Stirling Calder,
Katherine M. Cohen,
Moses Jacob Ezekiel,
Daniel Chester French,
Charles Grafly,
Samuel Murray,
Edward Clark Potter,
John Massey Rhind,
Bessie O. Potter Vonnoh,
John Quincy Adams Ward,
James H. Windrim (Architect),
1897 - 1912
* Statues and busts of James A. Beaver,
Samuel Wylie Crawford,
Andrew Gregg Curtin,
John A. B. Dahlgren,
John B. Gest,
Winfield Scott Hancock,
John Hartranft,
George B. McClellan,
George Gordon Meade,
David Dixon Porter,
John Fulton Reynolds,
Richard Smith
and
James H. Windrim
* big
arches,
standing people,
seated people,
heads,
horses,
eagles,
globe,
weapons,
hats
* Despite the name, the memorial is actually not an arch at all, though it does include two arches. Sculptures on the memorial include Herbert Adams' statue of Richard Smith, who funded the memorial, and Samuel Murray's bust of James H. Windrim, who was the artist and architect of the memorial itself. Detail pictures of the individual pieces are in alphabetical order by subject. One of John Massey Rhind's eagles is pictured last. Dahlgren is listed elsewhere as "Dahlgreen."
* Avenue of the Republic at 41st.
* 39.977450,-75.206500 [map] [nearby]
* On the West Park tour
* Exhibits: War
* See also:
+ushistory.org's page for this piece
+philadelphiabuilding.org's page for this piece
+wikipedia.org's page for this piece
+wikipedia.org's Herbert Adams page
+wikipedia.org's George Edwin Bissell page
+wikipedia.org's Alexander Stirling Calder page
+wikipedia.org's Katherine M. Cohen page
+jewishvirtuallibrary.org's Moses Jacob Ezekiel page
+wikipeadia.org's Daniel Chester French page
+wikipedia.org's Charles Grafly page
+wikipedia.org's Samuel Murray page
+wikipedia.org's Edward Clark Potter page
+wikipedia.org's John Massey Rhind page
+wikipedia.org Bessie O. Potter Vonnoh page
+wikipedia.org John Quincy Adams Ward page
+philadelphiabuildings.org's James H. Windrim page
+wikipedia.org's James Addams Beaver page
+wikipedia.org's Samuel W. Crawford page
+wikipedia.org's Andrew Gregg Curtin page
+wikipedia.org's John A. Dahlgren page
+wikipedia.org's John B. Gest page
+wikipedia.org's Winfield Scott Hancock page
+wikipedia.org's John Hartranft page
+wikipedia.org's George B. McClellan page
+wikipedia.org's George Meade page
+wikipedia.org's David Dixon Porter page
+wikipedia.org's John F. Reynolds page
+wikipedia.org's James H. Windrim page
The Washington Monument
Rudolf Siemering,
1897 (restored 1997)
* Monument to George Washington
* big
fountains,
groups of people,
standing people,
sitting and reclining people,
alligator,
bears,
birds,
bison and oxen,
elk and moose,
fish,
horses,
snake,
plants,
shells,
weapons,
drum,
net,
hats,
Pennsylvania State Seal
* West end of Eakins Oval.
Parkway at 24th.
* 39.964250,-75.179150 [map] [nearby]
* On the Parkway and Pennsylvania tour
* Exhibits: Favorites
* See also:
+phillyhistory.org 1910 picture of this piece
+phillyhistory.org 1959 picture of this piece
+wikipedia.org's Rudolf Siemering page
+wikipedia.org's George Washington page
+wikipedia.org's Eakins Oval page
Tedyuscung
John Massey Rhind,
1902
* Statue of Tedyuscung
* big
kneeling person,
feathered headgear
* Also listed as "Teedyuscung"
* On a trail that starts on the North side of Rex Ave. about 150 feet West of Forbidden Drive. About a 20-30 minute walk from the Highland train station..
* 40.068234,-75.220326 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+fow.org page for this piece
+wikipedia.org's John Massey Rhind page
+wikipedia.org's Teedyuscung 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
Chestnut Hill and Mt. Airy World War I Memorial
1918 (based on inscription)
* big
cross
* inscription:
In loving memory of the men
of Chestnut Hill and Mt. Airy
Who died in the World War
France, 1918
They challenge us to hold more
precious than mortal life
Ideals of Honour, Justice, and
Righteousness.
They counted not their lives
dear unto themselves
* Germantown Ave. and Mermaid Lane.
* 40.067750,-75.197150 [map] [nearby]
* On the Germantown Avenue tour
* Exhibits: War
Civil War Sailors Memorial
Hermon Atkins MacNeil,
1921
* big
stele,
angel,
group of people,
standing,
lying and kneeling,
suggestion of a ship,
hats,
weapons,
anchor,
seahorses,
eagles
* inscription:
front top: In giving freedom to the slave we assure freedom to the free.
front bottom: All who have labored today in behalf of the Union have wrought
for the best interests of the country and the world not only for the
present but for all future ages.
back: Port Royal, Port Hatteras, Port Henry, Hampton Roads, New Orleans,
Memphis, Port Hudson, Charleston, Mobile Bay, Drury's Bluff, Cherbourg,
Fort Fisher, 1961-1865.
* South side of the Parkway, West of 20th.
* 39.959420,-75.172960 [map] [nearby]
* On the Parkway and Pennsylvania tour
* Exhibits: War
* See also:
+phillyhistory.org 1959 picture of this piece
+another phillyhistory.org 1959 picture of this piece
+wikipedia.org's Hermon Atkins MacNeil page
Civil War Soldiers Memorial
Hermon Atkins MacNeil,
1921
* big
stele,
group of people,
standing people,
angel,
hats,
weapons,
flag,
eagle,
horse
* The last picture is of the reference to this piece from the mural at 12th and Walnut
* inscription:
front top: One country, one Constitution, one destiny.
front bottom: Each for himself gathered up the cherished purposes of life,
its aims and ambitions, its dearest affections, and flung all with life
itself into the scale of battle.
back: Donaldson, The Peninsula, Antietem, Murfreesborg, Chancelorsville,
Gettysburg, Chickanagua, Chattanooga, Petersburg, Atlanta, Appomatox,
1861-1865
* North side of the Parkway, West of 20th.
* 39.959650,-75.172650 [map] [nearby]
* On the Parkway and Pennsylvania tour
* Exhibits: War
* See also:
+phillyhistory.org 1959 picture of this piece
+another phillyhistory.org 1959 picture of this piece
+wikipedia.org's Hermon Atkins MacNeil page
PSFS Franklin Logo
1924 (year of building)
* relief bust of Benjamin Franklin
* big
head,
PSFS logo
* inscription:
PHILADELPHIA SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY
CRESCIT EUNDO
1706-1790
* Wall.
Southeast corner, Broad, McKean, and Passyunk.
* 39.925460,-75.169250 [map] [nearby]
* On the South Philly tour
* See also:
+philadelphiabuilding.org's entry for the building
+ushistory.org's The Electric Ben Franklin
Swann Memorial Fountain
Alexander Stirling Calder,
Wilson Eyre (Architect),
1924
* Memorial to Dr. Wilson Cary Swann
* big
reclining people,
swans,
frogs,
turtles,
fountain
* Consists of three large pieces representing the Delaware, the Schuylkill and the Wissahickon, plus frogs and turtles. The fountain is on during the summer and is visible from both ends of the Parkway.
* Center of the circle. Logan Square.
19th and the Parkway.
* 39.957900,-75.170600 [map] [nearby]
* On the Parkway and Pennsylvania tour
* Exhibits: Favorites
* See also:
+Max Buten's picture of one of the turtles
+wikipedia.org's page for this piece
+phillyhistory.org 1931 picture of this piece
+wikipedia.org's Alexander Stirling Calder page
+wikipedia.org's Wilson Eyre page
+wikipedia.org's Wilson Cary Swann page
+wikipedia.org's Logan Circle page
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
Great Seals of Cities and States
Paul Philippe Cret,
Leon Hermant,
1926
* big
Seals of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania,
standing people,
arm,
scales and plow,
ship,
basket,
fruit,
scroll,
horses,
eagle
* The Philadelphia and Pennsylvania seals are in Philadelphia. The Camden and New Jersey seals (not pictured) are in Camden.
* Bridge anchorages.
Ben Franklin Bridge.
West of Columbus on Race and South of Vine on Water.
* 39.954225,-75.140300 [map] [nearby]
* On the Penn's Landing tour
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Paul Philippe Cret page
+wikipedia.org's Leon Hermant page
+wikipedia.org's Benjamin Franklin Bridge 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
First National Bank Building
1928 (original building date)
* big and small
birds,
seated people,
dog head,
lion head,
snakes,
zodiac signs
* Zodiac signs and dog's head are behind the 15th street entrance awning.
* Whole Building.
Southwest corner, 15th and Walnut.
* 39.949500,-75.166040 [map] [nearby]
* On the Avenue of the Arts tour
* Exhibits: Gargoyles,
Unidentified
* See also:
+philadelphiabuildings.org's page for the building
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
Girard Trust Building
1931
* relief busts of Stephen Girard
* big
head,
ships,
lion head
* inscription:
Girard Trust Company, Incorporated 1836
* North and East sides.
Ritz Carlton.
West side of Broad, North of Chestnut.
* 39.951150,-75.164100 [map] [nearby]
* On the Avenue of the Arts tour
* See also:
+philadelphiabuildings.org entry for the building
+ushistory.org's Stephen Girard page
John Harrison, Chemist
Lawrence Tenney Stevens,
1932
* Statue of John Harrison
* big
standing person
* I'm basing the attribution on the name and date at the bottom of the back of the statue's coat. The University listed it as Lynn Jenkins, 1934.
* inscription:
1773-1833
* In a small park South of Smith Walk between 33rd and 34th..
* 39.951150,-75.191685 [map] [nearby]
* On the Penn Campus tour
* See also:
+lawrencetenneystevens.com
+prabook.com's John Harrison page
PSFS Sign
George Howe (Architect),
William Lescaze (Architect),
1932
* big
neon
wordmark
sign
* The picture was taken from the North side of the 1600 block of Market
* Roof.
Loews Hotel.
Southwest corner 12th and Market.
* 39.951800,-75.160150 [map] [nearby]
* On the City Hall tour
* See also:
+philadelphiabuildings.org page for the building
+wikipedia.org's page for the building
+wikipedia.org's George Howe page
+wikipedia.org's William Lescaze page
+loewshotels.com Philadelphia 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
Handshake
1934
* big
hands
* Former headquarters of the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America
* Over the entrance.
North side of South, East of 22nd.
* 39.945250,-75.177775 [map] [nearby]
* On the Fitler Square tour
* Exhibits: Labor
* See also:
+ Reference to the building from library.temple.edu
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
+ushistory.org's The Electric Ben Franklin
+fi.edu
Family Unity
Giuseppe Donato,
1940
* big
group of people
sitting,
dog,
dove,
books,
plants,
symbols of justice, law, and peace
* East pediment.
Family Court (old building).
North side of Vine West of 18th.
* 39.959050,-75.169125 [map] [nearby]
* On the Parkway and Pennsylvania tour
* See also:
+findagrave.com entry for Giuseppe Donato
+philadelphiabuildings.org Municipal Courthouse entry
Justice and Law
Donald De Lue,
1940
* big
seated people,
eagles
* North and South walls.
Nix Federal Building.
Southwest corner of 9th and Market and the Northwest corner of 9th and Chestnut.
* 39.949950,-75.155900 [map] [nearby]
* On the Jefferson Center City Campus tour
* See also:
+sculptor.org's Donald De Lue page
+wikipedia.org's Donald De Lue page
+wikipedia.org's Nix Federal Building page
Juvenile Protection
Louis Milione,
1940
* big
group of people,
some standing,
some sitting,
plants,
symbols of justice, law and peace
* West pediment.
Family Court (old building).
North side of Vine East of 19th..
* 39.959150,-75.169950 [map] [nearby]
* On the Parkway and Pennsylvania tour
* See also:
+philadelphiabuildings.org Municipal Courthouse entry
Giant Frog
Cornelia Van Auken Chapin,
1941
* big
frog
on a rock
* Between the Northeast entrance and the center of Rittenhouse Square.
Southwest from 18th and Walnut.
* 39.949600,-75.171675 [map] [nearby]
* On the Rittenhouse Square tour
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Cornelia Van Auken Chapin page
+wikipedia.org's Rittenhouse Square page
+friendsofrittenhouse.org
PTC Trolley No. 2733
St. Louis Car Company,
1947
* big
actual trolley
* Accessible from the concourse when the building is open, visible through the glass when it isn't.
* Interior.
Concourse level. 1234 Market.
South side of Market between 12th and 13th.
* 39.951850,-75.160850 [map] [nearby]
* On the Convention District tour
* Exhibits: Mass Transit
* See also:
+youtube video walk around of this piece
+wikipedia.org's PCC streatcar page
+wikipedia.org's St. Louis Car Company page
The Spirit of Enterprise
Jacques Lipchitz,
1950 - 1960
* Quote from Theodore Roosevelt
* big
eagle,
snake,
person leaning forward
* inscription:
Our nation glorious in youth and strength looks into the future with fearless and eager eyes as vigorous as a young man to run a race. -Theodore Roosevelt
* Central Terrace Ellen Phillips Samuel Memorial.
Kelly Drive, past Boat House Row.
* 39.973600,-75.190875 [map] [nearby]
* On the Kelly Drive tour
* Exhibits: Favorites
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Jacque Lipchitz page
+wikipedia.org's Theodore Roosevelt page
+ushistory.org's Samuel Memorial tour page
Pennsylvania Railroad World War II Memorial
Walker Hancock,
1952
* big
vertical
people
(one winged)
* prominently displayed in the movie Witness
* inscription:
front:
In memory of the men and women of the Pennsylvania Railroad who laid down their lives for our country 1941-1945.
back:
That all travelers here may remember those of the Pennsylvania Railroad who did not return from the Second World War.
* East end of the main lobby.
30th Street Station.
Northeast corner, 30th and Market.
* 39.955655,-75.181400 [map] [nearby]
* On the Avenue of Technology tour
* Exhibits: Religious,
War,
Mass Transit
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Walker Hancock page
+wikipedia.org's 30th Street Station page
Social Consciousness
Jacob Epstein,
1954
* Quote from Walt Whitman
* big
people,
some standing,
some not
* Was next to the back steps of the Art Museum. Moved August, 2019. The first three pictures are from the current location.
* inscription:
A grand sane towering seated mother
Chair'd in the adamant of Time.
-Walt Whitman
* On the walkway that runs East from 36th just South of Walnut.
* 39.952600,-75.194475 [map] [nearby]
* On the Penn Campus tour
* Exhibits: Moved
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Jacob Epstein page
+wikipedia.org's Walt Whitman page
The Great Doctor
Waldemar Raemisch,
1955
* big
group of people,
standing,
sitting
* Formerly on the North side of the Parkway between 19th and 20th. Moved August, 2008.
The first two pictures are from the original location.
The third and fourth pictures were taken during installation at the new site.
* Collectively known as Spirit of the Juveniles with The Great Mother
* In front of the School of the Future.
North side of Parkside at 40th and Girard.
* 39.974775,-75.203800 [map] [nearby]
* On the West Park tour
* Exhibits: Medical,
Moved
* See also:
+blog about this piece being moved
+wikipedia.org's Waldemar Raemisch page
+sof.philasd.org
The Great Mother
Waldemar Raemisch,
1955
* big
group of people,
standing,
sitting,
book
* Formerly on the North side of the Parkway bewteen 19th and 20th.
Moved August, 2008.
The first two pictures are from the original location.
The third and fourth pictures were taken during installation at the new site.
* Collectively known as Spirit of the Juveniles with The Great Doctor
* In front of the School of the Future.
North side of Parkside at 40th and Girard.
* 39.974750,-75.203650 [map] [nearby]
* On the West Park tour
* Exhibits: Moved
* See also:
+blog about this piece being moved
+wikipedia.org's Waldemar Raemisch page
+sof.philasd.org
Antillean Couple
Agustin Cardenas,
1957
* big
abstract
standing
people
* Southwest corner 36th and Sansom.
* 39.953850,-75.194780 [map] [nearby]
* On the Chestnut 29th to 40th tour
* Exhibits: Black Lives
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Agustin Cardenas page
Creese Student Center Mosaic
1962
* big
abstract mosaic
* Was on the South side of Chestnut, just West of 32nd. The Creese Student Center was expanded in to a much larger complex which opened in 2014.
* Lower East wall.
Creese Student Center, Drexel University.
* 39.953450,-75.187950 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Missing,
Mosaic
* See also:
+drexel.edu
Bell Tower
Nolen and Swinburne (Architects),
1965
* big
tower,
bells
* Polett Walk between 12th and 13th.
* 39.981300,-75.154350 [map] [nearby]
* On the Temple Campus tour
* See also:
+philadelphiabuildings.org's Nolen and Swinburne page
Milkweed Pod
Clark B. Fitz-Gerald,
1965
* big
plant
fountain
* Courtyard.
Behind the Rohm and Haas building, West side of 6th street between Chestnut and Market (go up the steps and through the underpass).
* 39.950300,-75.151400 [map] [nearby]
* On the Independence Mall tour
* See also:
+Clark Fitz-Gerald gallery from sfitzgeraldfineart.com
City Seal
Dexter Jones,
1966
* big
seal of the city,
standing people,
ship,
plow,
scroll,
food
* Entrance.
Municipal Services Building.
North side of JFK between Broad and 15th.
* 39.953900,-75.164420 [map] [nearby]
* On the City Hall tour
Free Interpretation of Plant Forms
Harry Bertoia,
1967
* big
plant,
fountain
* Formerly on Civic Center Boulevard (34th Street South of Spruce). Removed when the entire complex was torn down in 2000. Installed at the Woodmere in 2016 with a very different fountain treatment. The last picture is from the original location.
* Grounds of Woodmere Art Museum.
Corner of Germantown Avenue and Bells Mill Road.
* 40.082985,-75.220250 [map] [nearby]
* On the Germantown Avenue tour
* Exhibits: Moved
* See also:
+Inquirer article about this piece
+wikipedia.org's Harry Bertoia page
+woodmereartmuseum.org
Benjamin Franklin in Fireman's Hat
Dexter Jones,
1968
* Head of Benjamin Franklin
* big
head,
hat
* Wall.
North side of Arch, East of 4th.
* 39.952425,-75.146450 [map] [nearby]
* On the Old City tour
* Exhibits: Police and Fire Fighters
* See also:
+ushistory.org's The Electric Ben Franklin
Russell Conwell
Boris Blai,
1968
* Bust of Russell Conwell
* big
head
* Conwell and his wife, Sarah S. Conwell, are buried behind the sculpture. The waterfall in the background of the third picture was added in 2017.
* The waterfall is part of the O'Connor Plaza Fountain
* inscription:
Russell H. Conwell, Founder of Temple University, 1843-1925
* Conwell's burial site.
Lower Northwest corner of Founder's Garden.
Liacouras and Polett Walks.
* 39.981350,-75.155700 [map] [nearby]
* On the Temple Campus tour
* See also:
+findagrave.com entry for this piece
+wikipedia.org's Boris Blai page
+wikipedia.org's Russell Conwell page
+sikora-wa.com page for their Founder's Garden reimagining
Magnolia Blossom
Harold Kimmelman,
1969
* big
plant
* Courtyard.
West side of Belfield between Haines and High.
* 40.045020,-75.170875 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+hksculpt.com
Two Athletes
Joe Brown,
1969
* big
vertical
people
* Was on the West side of Broad, just North of Montgomery in front of Pearson and McGonigle Halls which have been expanded into a single building that now covers the space where it was.
* 39.980800,-75.157650 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Athletic,
Missing
* See also:
+wikipedia.org Joe Brown page
Butterfly
Harold Kimmelman,
1970
* big
abstract
butterfly
* South side of Delancey West of 2nd.
* 39.943625,-75.145700 [map] [nearby]
* On the Society Hill tour
* See also:
+artist's page for this piece
+hksculpt.com
Giant Three-Way Plug, Scale A
Claes Oldenburg,
1970 (installed 2010)
* big
electric plug
* In the Anne d'Harnoncourt Sculpture Garden.
Anne d'Harnocourt Drive (25th and Kelly Drive to the Spring Garden Bridge).
* 39.966950,-75.181950 [map] [nearby]
* On the Art Museum Grounds tour
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Claes Oldenburg page
+theolinstudio.com's Anne d'Harnoncourt Sculpture Garden page
Mitosis
Clark B. Fitz-Gerald,
1970 (approximate)
* big
plant
* picture of the artist with the piece provided by and copyright Stephen Fitz-Gerald
* Northwest Corner 78th and Lindbergh.
* 39.903800,-75.243600 [map] [nearby]
* On the Southwest Philly tour
* See also:
+Clark Fitz-Gerald gallery from sfitzgeraldfineart.com
Cross
Joseph C. Bailey,
1973
* Symbol of Jesus
* big
cross
* Outside Bright Hope Baptist Church.
Southeast corner, 12th and Cecil B. Moore.
* 39.977875,-75.154060 [map] [nearby]
* On the Temple Campus tour
* Exhibits: Religious
* See also:
+askart.com's Joseph C. Bailey page
+wikipedia.org's Jesus page
+brighthopebaptist.org
Giraffe
Harold Kimmelman,
1973
* big
giraffe
* North side of Dunks Ferry Rd., West of Lester.
* 40.102750,-74.969450 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+hksculpt.com
Kopernik
Dudley Talcott,
1973
* Memorial to Nicolaus Copernicus
* big
abstract
representation of Earth's relationship to the sun
* Between the Parkway and Race, East of 18th.
* 39.956800,-75.168525 [map] [nearby]
* On the Parkway and Pennsylvania tour
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Dudley Talcott page
+wikipedia.org's Nicolaus Copernicus page
Milord La Chamere
Jean Dubuffet,
1973
* big
standing person
* Was on the wall on the North side of the building on Market between 15th and 16th, facing Northwest. Moved some time before November 29, 2019. The first two pictures are from the current location. Visible through the doors when locked.
* Concourse level of the atrium.
Centre Square.
South side of Market at 15th.
* 39.952100,-75.166200 [map] [nearby]
* On the City Hall tour
* Exhibits: Favorites,
Moved
* See also:
+WestWords blog post about this piece
+wikipedia.org's Jean Dubuffet page
+wikipedia.org's Centre Square page
Water
Robinson Fredenthal,
1973
* big
abstract
water
* Usually open, visible through the window when not
* In the lobby.
1234 Market.
South side of Market, East of 13th.
* 39.951800,-75.160700 [map] [nearby]
* On the Convention District tour
* See also:
+robinfredenthal.com
Covenant
Alexander Liberman,
1974
* big
abstract
arch
* Spanning Locust Walk at 36th Street.
* 39.952700,-75.200600 [map] [nearby]
* On the Penn Campus tour
* Exhibits: Favorites
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Alexander Liberman page
Phoenix Tree
Christopher T. Ray,
1975
* big
abstract
tree,
partial person,
bird
* In the traffic circle of the Penn Presbyterian Medical Center.
North and East of 39th and Filbert.
* 39.958550,-75.199000 [map] [nearby]
* On the Powelton tour
* See also:
+chrisray.com
+pennmedicine.org's Penn Presbyterian Medical Center page
Batter
Joe Brown,
1976
* big
standing person
wearing a helmet,
baseball bat
* Originally on the walkway around Veterans Stadium until it was torn down in 2004. The last picture is from the original location. The inscription on the attached plaque is related to the history of the original location and not to the subject of the sculpture.
* inscription:
Veterans Stadium hosted many concerts including Bruce Springsteen, Genesis, Madonna, David Bowie, Pink Floyd, The Who, Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, U-2, Billy Joel, Elton John, Dave Matthews and N'Sync. Other events included religious conventions, pro wrestling, Hero Scholarship Thrill Show, truck/tractor pull and closed circuit championship boxing.
* North side of the parking lot North of Pattison and East of Broad.
* 39.907350,-75.169800 [map] [nearby]
* On the South Broad tour
* Exhibits: Athletic,
Moved
* See also:
+wikipedia.org Joe Brown page
Clothespin
Claes Oldenburg,
1976
* big
clothespin,
abstract
standing
people
* The sculpture is an elongated version of Brancusi's Kiss.
* Referenced by Under the Clothespin
* Top of the concourse stairs.
In front of Centre Square.
South side of Market at 15th.
* 39.952400,-75.16570 [map] [nearby]
* On the City Hall tour
* Exhibits: Favorites
* See also:
+Travis Truman's picture of this piece
+wikipedia.org's Claes Oldenburg page
+wikipedia.org's Centre Square page
Dream of Sky
Timothy Duffield,
1976
* big
abstract
elephant
* South side of Market at the 37th Street Walkway.
* 39.956265,-75.196200 [map] [nearby]
* On the Avenue of Technology tour
* Exhibits: Favorites
* See also:
+inquirer.com obituary for Timothy Duffield
Face Fragment
Arlene Love,
1976
* big
face fragment
* In front of the Monell Chemical Senses Center.
South side of Market between 34th and 36th (35th Street doesn't intersect Market).
* 39.955900,-75.193150 [map] [nearby]
* On the Avenue of Technology tour
* See also:
+Arlene Love interview on vimeo.com
+monell.org
Ghost Structures
Venturi, Scott Brown (and Rauch),
1976
* Representation of houses belonging to Benjamin Franklin
* big
buildings
* At the time this piece was built the firm was named Venturi and Rauch.
* Franklin Court.
Between 3nd and 4th, Market and Chestnut, entrances on Market and Chestnut.
* 39.949650,-75.146525 [map] [nearby]
* On the Old City tour
* See also:
+ushistory.org's The Electric Ben Franklin
+ushistory.org's Franklin Court tour page
Government of the People
Jacques Lipchitz,
1976
* big
group of people,
kneeling and crushed
* inscription:
Symbolizing family life
"the wellspring of society,
the hope of the future"
and
the concept of government
being of, by, and for the people,
this sculpture is dedicated
to the people of Philadelphia
* Plaza.
Municipal Services Building.
Northwest corner, Broad and JFK.
* 39.953750,-75.163975 [map] [nearby]
* On the City Hall tour
* See also:
+Max Buten's picture of this piece
+wikipedia.org's Jacque Lipchitz page
Orball
Ken Clark,
1976
* big
abstract ball
* Disston Park.
Southeast side of Keystone St., just Northeast of Levick St., near the top of the slight hill with the tennis courts.
* 40.018850,-75.049050 [map] [nearby]
* On the Lower Northeast tour
Play at Second Base
Joe Brown,
1976
* big
two people,
one standing,
one sliding,
baseball glove,
hats
* Originally on the walkway around Veterans Stadium until it was torn down in 2004. The last picture is from the original location.
* inscription:
The Phillies played at Veterans Stadium, 1971-2003.
They reached the post-season seven times and won
three National League Pennants (1980, 1983, 1993).
The Phillies' greatest moment was winning the World Series
over the Kansas City Royals, October 21, 1980, before
65,838 delirious fans at the Vet. Twice, the Phillies
hosted the All-Star Game, 1976 and 1996, with the
National League winning both games.
Following the last out of the 2003 season,
the Phillies closed Veterans Stadium
with an emotional Closing Ceremony that
featured a parade of alumni and the 2003 team.
Tug McGraw, who got the final out in the 1980
World Series win, threw the simulated last pitch.
The date was September 28, 11,859 days
after the first game, April 10, 1971.
Hundreds of youth from the area played
at Veterans Stadium through numerous baseball programs,
including the Carpenter Cup for high school players,
Liberty Bell Classic and Bill Giles Cup for colleges
and Philadelphia Recreation Department Games. The
Home Run Derby championships were held there annually.
* North side of Pattison East of Broad.
* 39.905200,-75.170300 [map] [nearby]
* On the South Broad tour
* Exhibits: Athletic,
Moved
* See also:
+wikipedia.org Joe Brown page
Punter
Joe Brown,
1976
* big
standing person
wearing a helmet
* Originally on the walkway around Veterans Stadium until it was torn down in 2004. The last picture is from the original location.
* inscription:
The Philadelphia Catholic League football playoffs
were held at the Vet during the 1970s and 1980s.
South Philadelphia High School played a football game there in 1983.
Soccer, including two pro soccer teams, the Fury and the Atoms,
plus a World Soccer Exhibition in 1991, took place at the stadium.
* North side of the parking lot North of Pattison and East of Broad.
* 39.907575,-75.171500 [map] [nearby]
* On the South Broad tour
* Exhibits: Athletic,
Moved
* See also:
+wikipedia.org Joe Brown page
Saint Nicholas Church
1976
* Mosaic and cross of Jesus
* big
person from the waist up,
kneeling
angels,
symbols
* Entrance and steeple.
South side of Poplar, West of 24th.
* 39.972075,-75.176360 [map] [nearby]
* On the Fairmount tour
* Exhibits: Religious
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Jesus page
Striding Man
Bernard Brenner,
James Fuhrman,
1976
* big
abstract
standing person
* In the parking lot of Penrose Plaza.
West side of Island, South of Lindbergh.
* 39.902700,-75.241025 [map] [nearby]
* On the Southwest Philly tour
* See also:
+Bernard Brenner exhibit at chrisray.com
+jfuhrman.com
+mallsinamerica.com's Penrose Plaza page
Tackle
Joe Brown,
1976
* big
people
standing,
football,
helmets
* Originally on the walkway around Veterans Stadium until it was torn down in 2004. The last picture is from the original location.
* inscription:
Veterans Stadium was home to the Eagles from 1971 through
two playoff games in January 2003. Biggest of their 11
playoff games at the Vet was a 20-7 win over the bitter
rival Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Championship game before
70,696 roaring fans, January 11, 1981.
The Vet was home to another pro football team, the
Philadelphia Stars, of the United States Football League.
The Stars played there during the 1983 and 1984 USFL seasons.
Included was one playoff game in their initial season.
Seventeen times the Army/Navy college football classic
was played at the Vet. The stadium was home to Temple University
football, 1974-2002. Among other college teams that made their
appearances at the Vet were Notre Dame, Penn State, BYU, Villanova,
Florida A&M, Howard University and Delaware State.
* North side of Pattison, East of Broad.
* 39.905440,-75.172125 [map] [nearby]
* On the South Broad tour
* Exhibits: Athletic,
Moved
* See also:
+wikipedia.org Joe Brown page
The Seed
Christopher T. Ray,
1976
* big
seed
* inscription:
Source: Deuteronomy 8:7-8:11
"...for the Lord thy God bringeth thee into a good land..."
The Seed symbolizes the generation of
creative life in America, the Good Land
which has made us welcome. In its roots
exist the reminder of our origins and
traditions. In the leaves are the elements of
continuing growth. From the pod and its
emerging flowr comes the promise
of the future.
* Entrance.
Mikveh Israel.
East Side of 5th Street, North of Market, along the walkway between 4th and 5th..
* 39.951175,-75.147550 [map] [nearby]
* On the Independence Mall tour
* See also:
+chrisray.com
+mikvehisrael.org
Burst of Joy
Harold Kimmelman,
1977
* big
exploding geometric form
* Was on the West side of 9th Street, just North of Market. Removed 2015 with the conversion of The Gallery to Fashion District Philadelphia. It has been reported that the piece has been or will be donated to Central High School.
* Former Gallery Plaza/Courtyard.
* 39.951650,-75.155250 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Missing
* See also:
+Artist's page for this piece
+hksculpt.com
Quadrature #1
Robert Engman,
1977
* big
abstract forms
* The last picture was taken before the outdoor cafe seating was added around the base.
* Courtyard.
Between Spruce and Hamilton Walk, East of 36th.
* 39.950150,-75.194900 [map] [nearby]
* On the Penn Campus tour
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Robert Engman page
Ritz Screen
William Daley,
1978
* big
abstract form
* East wall.
Ritz 5.
West side of Dock, South of Walnut between 2nd and 3rd.
* 39.946550,-75.145300 [map] [nearby]
* On the Society Hill tour
* See also:
+williamdaley.net
Turtle
Eric Berg,
1978
* big
turtle
* visible through the fence
* North side of Fitzwater, East of 10th.
* 39.941060,-75.158475 [map] [nearby]
* On the South Philly tour
* See also:
+bergbronze.com
White Water
Robinson Fredenthal,
1978
* big
geometric forms
* Was on the East Side of 5th Street, North of Market, along the walkway between 4th and 5th. Moved March, 2019. The picture is from the original location.
* Grounds of Woodmere Art Museum.
Corner of Germantown Avenue and Bells Mill Road.
* 40.082400,-75.219950 [map] [nearby]
* On the Germantown Avenue tour
* Exhibits: Moved
* See also:
+Max Buten's first picture of this piece
+Max Buten's second picture of this piece
+Max Buten's third picture of this piece
+Woodmere's page for this piece
+robinfredenthal.com
+woodmereartmuseum.org
Cubus Assemblage
Theodore Miller,
1979
* big
cubic forms
* Also listed as CUBIS
* On the wall.
South side of Spring Garden, West of 5th.
* 39.961060,-75.147400 [map] [nearby]
* On the Northern Liberties tour
General Tadeusz Kosciuszko
Marian Konieczny,
1979
* Statue of Tadeusz Kosciuszko
* big
standing person,
hat,
sword,
rolled up paper
* Southwest corner, 18th and the Parkway.
* 39.956800,-75.169350 [map] [nearby]
* On the Parkway and Pennsylvania tour
* Exhibits: War
* See also:
+ushistory.org page for this piece
+wikipedia.org's Marian Konieczny page
+wikipedia.org's Tadeusz Kosciuszko page
The Wall As a Window
Richard Camitta,
Ken Clark,
Woody Stange,
1979
* big
sun
* Wall.
Rivers Edge Park.
Front and Vine.
* 39.955550,-75.140425 [map] [nearby]
* On the Penn's Landing tour
* See also:
+waymarking.com's entry for Rivers Edge Park
ANH: Acro, Nexus, Habile
Robert David Lasus,
1980
* big
abstract linear form
* Eastwick Park.
Northwest of 80th and Mars.
* 39.904450,-75.251150 [map] [nearby]
* On the Southwest Philly tour
Bird
Joseph J. Greenberg, Jr.,
1980 (date of building)
* big
bird
* Was between 16th and 17th, Race and Vine on the North side of the hotel which was the Wyndham Franklin Plaza and then the Sheraton Center City. Disappeared some time around 2017 when the Franklin Plaza complex was reconfigured.
* Was in the driveway entrance.
* 39.957700,-75.166900 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Missing
* See also:
+nytimes.com Joseph J. Greenberg obituary
Wall Reliefs
George Sugarman,
1980 (year of building according to Wills Eye)
* big
abstract reliefs
* These are the parts that are left of a piece that originally wrapped around the ground floor of the building.
* Wall.
North side of Locust, West of 9th.
* 39.947225,-75.156250 [map] [nearby]
* On the Jefferson Center City Campus tour
* See also:
+georgesugarman.com
Family
Timothy Duffield,
1981
* big
people
standing
* Was on the North side of Market St. between 18th and 19th. Permanently removed by the building's new owners some time in 2016, whereabouts unknown, possibly scrapped.
* 39.953450,-75.170950 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Favorites,
Missing
* See also:
+broadstreetreview.com article about the piece disappearing
+inquirer.com obituary for Timothy Duffield
Split Button
Claes Oldenburg,
1981
* big
button
* In front of the Penn Library.
Woodland Walk, between 34th and 36th.
* 39.952210,-75.193700 [map] [nearby]
* On the Penn Campus tour
* Exhibits: Favorites
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Claes Oldenburg page
+library.upenn.edu
Life Savers
Billie Lawless,
1982
* big
Lifesavers
* Was at 39th Street between Spruce and Baltimore (39.950750,-75.200900). Moved late 2014. Not clear if this is permanent or temporary. The last picture is from the new location and shows paint loss on the red piece.
* Northeast corner of the Veterinary Hospital.
Southwest corner, 38th and Spruce.
* 39.951150,-75.199425 [map] [nearby]
* On the University City South Medical Complex tour
* Exhibits: Moved
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Billie Lawless page
+upenn.edu's Ryan Veterinary Hospital page
Welcome Park
Venturi, Scott Brown (and Rauch),
1982
* Tribute to William Penn
* big
map,
standing person
wearing a hat,
house
* Welcome Park is laid out on a giant map of the original street plan, with miniature representations of two objects related to William Penn - the City Hall statue and his original slate-roof house. The Park itself sits on the site of the house. Two walls around the park contain a biography of Penn, and his farewell address to the city is on the back of the base of the model of the statue. At the time Welcome Park was built, the firm was named Venturi, Rauch and Scott Brown.
* The original City Hall statue: William Penn
* inscription:
house:
This model design was created
from available knowledge of the
SLATE ROOF HOUSE
ground:
Of all the many places I have seen
in the world, I remember not one
better seated: so that it seems to me
to have been appointed for a town.
The names of the streets are mostly
from the things that grow in
the country, as Vine Street, Mulberry
Street, Chestnut Street, and the like.
* Plaza.
East side of Second Street between Chestnut and Walnut.
* 39.947300,-75.143975 [map] [nearby]
* On the Penn's Landing tour
* Exhibits: Religious
* See also:
+ushistory.org page for this piece
+wikipedia.org's William Penn page
Flower (Iris)
Rebecca Rose,
1983
* big
concrete flower
* Haddington Community Park.
53rd and Haverford.
* 39.965235,-75.225910 [map] [nearby]
Iroquois
Mark di Suvero,
1983 (installed 2007)
* big
abstract assemblage
* Between the Parkway and Pennsylvania at 24th.
* 39.965050,-75.177800 [map] [nearby]
* On the Parkway and Pennsylvania tour
* Exhibits: Favorites
* See also:
+Max Buten's picture of this piece
+Another Max Buten picture of this piece
+wikipedia.org's Mark di Suvero page
Paper in Motion
Tony Trezza,
1983
* big
paper
* Northwest side of Brewster at 76th.
* 39.902225,-75.232950 [map] [nearby]
* On the Southwest Philly tour
Stack of Checkers
Charles Fahlen,
1983
* big
checkers
* Building entrance overhang.
Senior citizen center, West side of Passyunk North of Dickinson.
* 39.931300,-75.162250 [map] [nearby]
* On the South Philly tour
* See also:
+charlesfahlen.com
Barton and Beury Hall Walls
John Botkin,
David Porter,
1984
* big
abstract forms
* Barton Hall, which was on the West side of 13th, was replaced by the Charles Library in 2019, so half of this piece is missing. The third picture is of the Beury half, taken from outside the library in 2021. The artist is listed elsewhere as "John Borkin"
* Wall.
East side of 13th, North of Polett Walk.
* 39.981925,-75.154875 [map] [nearby]
* On the Temple Campus tour
* Exhibits: Missing
* See also:
+porterarchitects.com article about this piece
+porterarchitects.com
Bolt of Lightning
Isamu Noguchi,
1984
* Representation of an act of Benjamin Franklin
* big
kite,
lightening,
key
* At the foot of the Ben Franklin Bridge.
6th and Vine.
* 39.955450,-75.148750 [map] [nearby]
* On the Independence Mall tour
* See also:
+ushistory.org page for this piece
+noguchi.org
+ushistory.org's The Electric Ben Franklin
+wikipedia.org's Benjamin Franklin Bridge page
China Gate
Sabrina Soong,
1984
* big
arch
* Spanning 10th Street, North of Arch.
* 39.953700,-75.156250 [map] [nearby]
* On the Convention District tour
* See also:
+legacy.com's Sabrina Soong obituary
Commuter Tunnel Mural
David Beck,
Verlin Miller,
1984
* big
trees
* The mosaics run two full blocks on both sides of the station.
* Tunnel walls.
Jefferson Station.
Underground. Between Market and Filbert from 10th to 12th..
* 39.952500,-75.158150 [map] [nearby]
* On the Convention District tour
* Exhibits: Mosaic,
Mass Transit
* See also:
+picture from flickr.com
+wikipedia.org's Jefferson Station page
Home of Isaiah and Julia Zagar
Isaiah Zagar,
1984
* big
abstract mosaic
* Wall.
South side of South, East of 9th, at Darien.
* 39.942450,-75.156401 [map] [nearby]
* On the Lombard-South tour
* Exhibits: Mosaic
* See also:
+phillymagicgardens.org
Tuning Fork
Raymond Granville Barger,
1984
* In memory of Lawrence Katz
* big
tuning fork
* inscription:
In fond remembrence of
LAWRENCE KATZ
from his friends of
MANN MUSIC CENTER
1984
* Visible through the South gate of the Mann Center.
Avenue of the Republic near 52nd and Parkside.
* 39.982775,-75.222750 [map] [nearby]
* On the West Park tour
* See also:
+Max Buten's picture of this piece
+michenerartmuseum.org's Raymond Granville Barger page
+manncenter.org
Total Environment
Barbara Neijna,
1986
* big
abstract
arches,
spires
* Plaza.
East side of 6th, South of Walnut.
* 39.946125,-75.151000 [map] [nearby]
* On the Washington Square tour
* See also:
+askart.com's Barbara Neijna page
Vine Street Neighborhood Relief
Michael Borsuk,
William Wilson,
1986 - 1991
* big
buildings and bridge
* Bridge (676 overpass).
Spanning 3rd, 4th, and 5th North of Wood.
* 39.957050,-75.145800 [map] [nearby]
* On the Old City tour
* See also:
+spanamwar.com's Michael Borsuk memorial page
Synergy
Albert Paley,
1987
* big
abstract
implied arch
* Was an arch across the entrance to a parking lot, which was replaced with a new building in 2016. The piece was temporarily removed and then put back in its original location but a completely different context. The last two pictures are from 2017.
* Entrance (after the fact).
West side of 18th, South of Spring Garden.
* 39.962500,-75.168100 [map] [nearby]
* On the Franklin Town tour
* Exhibits: Moved
* See also:
+albertpaley.com
Indian Land Commemorative
Bob Hazous,
1988 - 1995
* big
abstract
standing
people,
birds
* On the traffic island next to Penn Treaty Park.
Delaware and Marlborough.
* 39.966800,-75.129400 [map] [nearby]
* On the Kensington tour
* See also:
+bobhazous.com
+wikipedia.org's Penn Treaty Park page
Refractive Light Spine
James Carpenter,
1988 - 1989
* big
collection of triangles
* Over the entrance.
Southwest corner, 36th and Market.
* 39.956050,-75.194800 [map] [nearby]
* On the Avenue of Technology tour
* See also:
+jcdainc.com
How to Retain Site Memory While Developing the Landscape
Winifred Lutz,
1990
* big
abstract
idea,
column from the Preston Retreat
* inscription:
The Preston Retreat was here once but now it is a circle for arrivals and departures.
* Courtyard Traffic Circle.
CityView Condominiums.
West side of 20th between Hamilton and Spring Garden.
* 39.962800,-75.171900 [map] [nearby]
* On the Franklin Town tour
* See also:
+freelibrary.org's Preston Retreat page
+winifredlutz.com
Neons for Buttonwood
Stephen Anotonakos,
1990
* big
abstract lines
* Roof.
South side of CityView Condominiums.
North side of Hamilton between 20th and 21st. Visible from the Parkway from 18th to 22nd..
* 39.962550,-75.171750 [map] [nearby]
* On the Franklin Town tour
* See also:
+stephenantonakos.com
Starman in the Ancient Garden
Brower Hatcher,
1990
* big
face,
architectural elements
* The first two pictures are of the piece in its original configuration. The second two pictures were taken after 2002 when the plaza was leveled and partially converted to a driveway, most of the Ancient Garden elements were removed, and the Starman was moved closer to the Walnut Street sidewalk and surrounded by concrete bumper posts.
* Plaza.
Wills Eye Hospital.
Southeast corner, 9th and Walnut.
* 39.948150,-75.155550 [map] [nearby]
* On the Jefferson Center City Campus tour
* Exhibits: Favorites,
Moved
* See also:
+midoceanstudio.com
+willseye.org
Skin of the Bride
Isaiah Zagar,
1991 - 2000
* big
abstract,
words
* Was on the South side of Vine between 2nd and 3rd on the walls of the Painted Bride Art Center, which is no longer the home of the Painted Bride. The mosaic was dismantled in 2023.
* Walls.
* 39.955725,-75.143950 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Missing,
Mosaic
* See also:
+phillymagicgardens.org
Big Ben at Franklin Town
Alexander L. Generalis,
Tom Miles,
1992
* Bust of Benjamin Franklin
* big
head,
eyeglasses,
lightning bolts,
arch,
kite,
implied keys
* The eight seat-sized posts each have a letter inscribed on top, spelling out FRANKLIN.
* Bridge over I-676.
17th and Vine.
* 39.958450,-75.167100 [map] [nearby]
* On the Franklin Town tour
* See also:
+milesstudios.info
+ushistory.org's The Electric Ben Franklin
Caring Center Frogs and Tadpoles
Friday Architects/Planners,
1992
* big
frogs
* These are separate cutouts, not painted on.
* Walls.
Caring Center.
Northwest corner, 31st and Spring Garden.
* 39.963450,-75.187600 [map] [nearby]
* On the Powelton tour
* See also:
+thecaringcenter.org
Columbus Monument
Venturi, Scott Brown (and Rauch),
1992
* Monument to Christopher Columbus
* big
abstract
obelisk,
pennant,
biographical text
* At the time this piece was built the firm was named Venturi, Scott Brown
* inscription:
1492-1992
Charismatic Leader, Navigator, Mathematician, Cartographer
Cinquecento Anniversary
Columbus, intrepid navigator, with a sense of the sea unparalleled
before or after him. A native son of Genoa, he became through
his dedication to a dream, an honored hero of history.
His keen intellect, abiding faith, and undaunted persistence
made him a giant among men of this millenium.
* Columbus at Dock Street.
* 39.944650,-75.141500 [map] [nearby]
* On the Penn's Landing tour
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Christopher Columbus page
Franklin Town Park Connections
Athena Tacha,
1992
* big
abstract
rocks
* Matthias Baldwin Park.
Between 18th and 19th, South of Spring Garden.
* 39.961600,-75.168900 [map] [nearby]
* On the Franklin Town tour
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Athena Tacha page
+baldwinparkphilly.org
cirque, CIRQUE
Judy Pfaff,
1993
* big
abstract forms
* Unless you're there for an event, you'll have to look at it through the entrance
* On the ceiling.
Ballroom of the Convention Center.
Inside Reading Terminal Headhouse, North side of Market between 11th and 12th, at the top of the escalator (top floor).
* 39.952800,-75.159050 [map] [nearby]
* On the Convention District tour
* See also:
+judypfaffstudio.com
+paconvention.com
Philadelphia Beacons
Ray King,
1994 - 1999
* big
abstract
towers,
light sources
* Broad and Washington.
* 39.937850,-75.166800 [map] [nearby]
* On the Avenue of the Arts tour
* See also:
+rayking.nu
Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
Isaiah Zagar,
1994 - 2013
* big
abstract
partial people,
plates, dishes, cups, bottles,
bicycle parts,
words
* Large portions are visible from the sidewalk. See the website for admission information.
* Courtyard/garden.
South side of South between 10th and 11th.
* 39.942825,-75.159400 [map] [nearby]
* On the Lombard-South tour
* Exhibits: Mosaic
* See also:
+phillymagicgardens.org
Clef Club
Les Rosenwinkel,
1995
* big
abstract
idea
* Wall.
Clef Club.
North side of Fitzwater, West of Broad.
* 39.941925,-75.166300 [map] [nearby]
* On the Avenue of the Arts tour
* See also:
+/clefclubofjazz.org
Rose and the Firefighters
Isaiah Zagar,
1995 - 2004
* big
abstract
partial people,
words
* Walls.
West side of Alder between South and Kater and North side of Kater West of Alder.
* 39.942600,-75.159190 [map] [nearby]
* On the Lombard-South tour
* Exhibits: Mosaic
* See also:
+phillymagicgardens.org
Spiral Ears
Ming Fay,
1995
* big
abstract
ear
* Visible from the lobby and from outside.
The first picture is from the staircase. The second is from outside through the highly reflective dark glass.
* Over the stairs behind security.
Justice Center.
North side of Filbert, West of 13th.
* 39.953325,-75.161600 [map] [nearby]
* On the City Hall tour
* Exhibits: New
* See also:
+artist's page for this piece
+mingfay.com
+wikipedia.org's Justice Juanita Kidd Stout Center for Criminal Justice page
Stroll
William King,
1995
* big
abstract
people
strolling
* South Street Footbridge.
South between Front and Columbus.
* 39.940850,-75.143150 [map] [nearby]
* On the Penn's Landing tour
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's William King page
Tamanend
Raymond Sandoval,
1995
* Statue of Tamanend
* big
standing person
wearing a hat,
eagle,
turtle
* inscription:
In honor of the contributions of Native American Indians - the
ancestors, the elders, this generation and the generations to come -
this sculpture commemorates Tamanend, a Sakima, of the Lenni-Lenape
Nation who resided in the Delaware Valley when Philadelphia or
"Coaquannok" was established.
Tamanend stands on a turtle, which represents Mother Earth. The
eagle, a reverend messenger of Great Spirit, has a wampum belt
in its grasp. This belt recognizes the friendship treaty under the
Sackomaxen elm between William Penn ("Mikwon"), Tamanend ("The Affable
One") and other leaders of the Lenni-Lenape Nation. It reads "to live
in peace as long as the waters are in the rivers and creeks and as
long as the stars and moon endure."
Penn dealt with the Lenni-Lenape people when he came to the land
given him by the King of England. He bought the land from the
Lenni-Lenape through a number of treaties. Tamanend was one of
the Sakimas who played a prominent role as a welcoming delegate
on Penn's arrival in 1682 and in the early treaties of 1683 and 1692.
Tamanend was considered the patron saint of America by the colonists
prior to American Independence. Tamanend day was celebrated annually
on May 1st in Philadelphia and bells were rung in his honor.
* Front and Market.
* 39.949735,-75.142000 [map] [nearby]
* On the Penn's Landing tour
* Exhibits: Favorites,
Religious
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Tamanend page
Brushstroke Group
Roy Lichtenstein,
1996
* big
abstract forms
* West side of 17th North of Chestnut.
* 39.952050,-75.168900 [map] [nearby]
* On the Rittenhouse Square tour
* See also:
+lichtensteinfoundation.org
Schell Street Walls
Isaiah Zagar,
1996
* big
abstract designs,
plants,
partial
people,
hats,
tableware,
words
* Sourrounds Schell Street Cosmos
* Walls.
Both sides of Schell between South and Bainbridge.
* 39.942075,-75.156765 [map] [nearby]
* On the Lombard-South tour
* Exhibits: Mosaic
* See also:
+phillymagicgardens.org
Wilma Theater Sign
Hugh Hardy,
1996
* big
name
sign
* Front wall.
Wilma Theater.
East side of Broad, North of Spruce.
* 39.947210,-75.164565 [map] [nearby]
* On the Avenue of the Arts tour
* See also:
+h3hc.com
+wilmatheater.org
Your Move
Daniel Martinez,
Renee Petropoulos,
Roger White,
1996
* big
chess pieces, Monopoly pieces, dominoes, etc.
* Was on the West side of Broad between Arch and JFK. Severely deteriorated. Removed by the City in late May 2023 for eventual destruction.
* Scattered around the plaza.
Municipal Services Building.
* 39.953950,-75.164150 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Favorites,
Missing
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Daniel Joseph Martinez page
+wikipedia.org's Renee Petropoulos page
4005 Woodland Ave.
Isaiah Zagar,
1997
* big
abstract mosaic
* House and driveway walls.
North side of Woodland, West of the 40th St. Trolley Portal.
* 39.948685,-75.204890 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: New,
Mosaic
* See also:
+phillymagicgardens.org
Philadelphia Physicians for Social Responsibility
Isaiah Zagar,
1997
* big
abstract
sign,
ideas
* Was on the West side of 23rd between Fairmount and Aspen. As of April, 2017 the property was for sale and the mosaic had been removed. The building is now gone.
* Wall.
* 39.967840,-75.175400 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Missing,
Mosaic
* See also:
+phillymagicgardens.org
Gatekeepers
Andrea Zemel,
1998
* big
hand,
book
* A collaborative project with Penn and University City High School students, it was located on the West side of 36th, North of Market, at the Southwest corner of the High School, which was torn down in 2015
* inscription:
Knowledge is Power
* 39.957350,-75.194225 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Missing,
Black Lives
* See also:
+iliad.nyc's Andrea Zemel page
Hard Rock Cafe Guitar
1998
* big
guitar
sign
* Above the entrance.
Hard Rock Cafe.
Northeast corner, 12th and Market.
* 39.952075,-75.159750 [map] [nearby]
* On the Convention District tour
* See also:
+hardrock.com's Philadelphia page
Dreamer (Yellow Snake)
Isaiah Zagar,
1999 (repaired 2014)
* big
abstract
eyes, ears, and lips,
words
* Walls.
West side of 8th, South of South.
* 39.942225,-75.155585 [map] [nearby]
* On the Lombard-South tour
* Exhibits: Mosaic
* See also:
+phillymagicgardens.org
Homage to Mike Mattio, Master Plumber
Isaiah Zagar,
2000
* images, names, and a quote referencing William Blake,
Paul Cezanne,
Ornette Coleman,
Charles Darwin,
Miles Davis,
Eric Dolphy,
Donatello,
El Greco,
Duke Ellington,
Ella Fitzgerald,
Paul Gauguin,
Stan Getz,
Wassily Kandinsky,
Brenda Kunda,
Laocoon,
Laozi,
Mike Mattio,
Katie McNamara,
Henry Chapman Mercer,
Thelonius Monk,
Henry Moore,
Edvard Munch,
Simon Rodia,
Henri Rousseau,
Clarence Schmidt,
Rebecca Sloan,
Paolo Uccello,
Vincent van Gogh
and
Johannes Vermeer
* big
standing person,
wearing a hat
and carrying a plunger and wrench,
right side up and upside down faces,
crouching person,
names and other words,
a Darwin finch
* The list of referenced people was compiled by looking at pictures, watching the video, and web searches. There may be more.
* inscription:
(2 excerpts from the intermingled text; the second is a Laozi quote):
Rembembering
the bath tub
the warm water
the big people
their hands
their faces
everyone giggling
There was something formlessly fashioned that existed before Heaven & Earth
without sound without substance
dependent on nothing
unchanging all pervading unfailing
* Reed St. wall.
South side of Bainbridge West of 5th.
* 39.940935,-75.151450 [map] [nearby]
* On the Lombard-South tour
* Exhibits: Mosaic
* See also:
+ facebook video about this piece
+phillymagicgardens.org
+wikipedia.org's William Blake page
+wikipedia.org's Paul Cezanne page
+wikipedia.org's Ornette Coleman page
+wikipedia.org's Charles Darwin page
+wikipedia.org's Miles Davis page
+wikipedia.org's Eric Dolphy page
+wikipedia.org's Donatello page
+wikipedia.org's El Greco page
+wikipedia.org's Duke Ellington page
+wikipedia.org's Ella Fitzgerald page
+wikipedia.org's Paul Gauguin page
+wikipedia.org's Stan Getz page
+wikipedia.org's Wassily Kandinsky page
+wikipedia.org's Laocoon page
+ wikipedia.org's Laozi page
+wikipedia.org's Henry Chapman Mercer page
+wikipedia.org's Thelonius Monk page
+wikipedia.org's Henry Moore page
+wikipedia.org's Edvard Munch page
+wikipedia.org's Watts Towers of Simon Rodia page
+wikipedia.org's Henri Rousseau page
+wikipedia.org's Clarence Schmidt page
+wikipedia.org's
Paolo Uccello page
+wikipedia.org's Vincent van Gogh page
+wikipedia.org's
Johannes Vermeer page
Sun Ra
Josey Stamm,
2000
* Mosaic including depiction and symbols of Sun Ra
* big
partial people,
musical instruments,
sun and Saturn
* Retaining wall.
North end of Vernon Park.
East side of Germantown, North of Chelten.
* 40.036240,-75.177025 [map] [nearby]
* On the Germantown Avenue tour
* Exhibits: Black Lives,
Mosaic
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Sun Ra page
+ushistory.org's Vernon Park tour page
Taller Puertorriqueno Mosaic
Joe Brenman,
2000
* big
abstract mosaic
* Wall.
Education and Cultural Programs Building Taller Puertorriqueno.
Southeast corner 5th and Huntingdon.
* 39.990375,-75.140475 [map] [nearby]
* On the Kensington tour
* Exhibits: Mosaic
* See also:
+inliquid.org's Joe Brenman page
+tallerpr.org
Metamorphosis
Josh Sarantitis,
2001
* big
butterflies
* The mural is included on this site because of the butterflies, which were cut from metal by men from the Ridge Avenue Shelter
* Wall.
Southwest side of Ridge, Southeast of Broad and Fairmount.
* 39.965450,-75.160025 [map] [nearby]
* On the Fairmount tour
* See also:
+joshsarantitis.com
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
SEPTA Towers
Gordon Heuther,
2001
* big
abstract forms
* Roof and interior.
Frankford Transportation Center.
Northwest side of Frankford at Granite.
* 40.023025,-75.077725 [map] [nearby]
* On the Lower Northeast tour
* Exhibits: Mass Transit
* See also:
+gordonhuether.com
+wikipedia.org's Frankford Transportation Center page
South Street Laundromat Patio
Isaiah Zagar,
2001 - 2004
* big
abstract
partial people,
bottles,
bicycle wheels,
words
* lower parts are visible through the fence
* Walls.
East side of Schell, South of South.
* 39.942350,-75.156660 [map] [nearby]
* On the Lombard-South tour
* Exhibits: Mosaic
* See also:
+phillymagicgardens.org
Wynn Commons Sign
Venturi, Scott Brown (and Rauch),
2001
* Named for Steve Wynn
* big
Penn logo,
sign
* At the time this piece was installed the firm was named Venturi, Scott Brown and Associates
* East end of Wynn Commons. Northwest corner of Irvine Auditorium. North side of Spruce, West of 34th..
* 39.951090,-75.193215 [map] [nearby]
* On the Penn Campus tour
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Steve Wynn page
Hip Hop Cafe
Isaiah Zagar,
2002
* big
abstract forms possibly suggesting
parts of people
* Wall.
East side of 5th and Passyunk South of Bainbridge.
* 39.940515,-75.150915 [map] [nearby]
* On the Lombard-South tour
* Exhibits: Mosaic
* See also:
+phillymagicgardens.org
Zoo Mural
Geronimo Company,
Paul Santoleri,
Steve Stormer,
2002
* big
abstract,
giraffe,
hippo
* Focusing on the sculptural and mosaic elements.
* Railroad bridge.
Outside the Zoo.
Both sides of Girard, from 34th West.
* 39.975150,-75.195550 [map] [nearby]
* On the West Park tour
* Exhibits: Favorites,
Mosaic
* See also:
+paulsantoleri.com
+findagrave.com's Steven Michael Stormer page
+philadelphiazoo.org
Pay Attention
Bob Rivera,
2003
* big
scientific equipment,
symbols
* Behind a fence but visible from both Poplar and Franklin.
A companion piece, Discovery not yet pictured here, is high on the North wall of the building
along 8th Street.
* Southwest corner Franklin and Poplar (Franklin is one block East of 8th).
* 39.967515,-75.150000 [map] [nearby]
* On the Northern Liberties tour
We the People
Ian Bader,
Henry N. Cobb,
2003 (year of building)
* big
preamble to the Constitution,
sign
* inscription:
We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union,
establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence,
promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty
for the United States of America.
to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution
* Wall.
Constitution Center.
West side of 5th, North of Arch.
* 39.953275,-75.148700 [map] [nearby]
* On the Independence Mall tour
* See also:
+pfc-p.com's page for the building
+pfc-p.com's Ian Bader page
+pfc-p.com's Henry N. Cobb page
+constitutioncenter.org
History In Motion
Eric Okdeh,
2004
* big
musical instruments,
buildings,
partial people,
plants,
groups of people,
standing people,
sitting people
wearing hats,
balloon,
turtle,
tiger,
El cars and trolleys
* The extreme horizontal proportion and the level of detail
on this piece combined with the slanted sidewalk and
number of people hanging around outside
make it difficult to capture accurately on camera.
The pictures are in order left to right with some overlap
on the wider panels. The last picture is a detail to
show the level of pixelization provided by the tiles.
* Wall.
District Health Center Six.
North side of Girard between 3rd and 4th.
* 39.969975,-75.141900 [map] [nearby]
* On the Northern Liberties tour
* Exhibits: Mosaic,
Mass Transit
* See also:
+ericokdeh.com
Pretzel
Warren C. Holzman,
2004
* big
pretzel
sign
* South side of Pretzel Park.
Silverwood and Cotton.
* 40.025650,-75.221325 [map] [nearby]
* On the Manayunk tour
* See also:
+ironstudioltd.com
+friendsofpretzelpark.org
The Men Can Pledge
2004 (approximate)
* big
pledge
* inscription:
As a man I know the realities of violence
against women & children.
I have taken a hard
look at the facts. Millions of women &
children are beaten, raped, sexually harassed
& stalked every year. These women & children
live in fear of what tomorrow might bring.
Today I take a stand to stop the violence
because I am the friend, family, & companion of
those who have suffered. I have made a
commitment to turn my private concern into
public action. I promise to treat all women &
children with dignity & respect. I will
intervene when I see destructive behaviors
that can dehumanize & humiliate others. I
will defend those who cannot defend
themselves by taking action.
I will promote a new kind of society where
decency & respect require no special day on
the calendar, where boys are taught that
violence does not equal strength & where
men stand with courage, lead with conviction
& speak with one voice that says "no more".
* Wall.
Southeast corner, 20th and Berks.
* 39.982775,-75.166400 [map] [nearby]
* On the Temple Southwest tour
* Exhibits: Unidentified,
Mosaic
Continental Olive
2005
* big
olive
sign
* Wall.
Northwest corner, 18th and Chestnut.
* 39.951750,-75.170450 [map] [nearby]
* On the Rittenhouse Square tour
Gloriously Freemasons
Isaiah Zagar,
2005
* big
standing
people,
reclining person,
arms and legs,
text
* There is a historical marker on the sidewalk near this piece identifying it as the site of the Standard Theatre which says "Owned by Black Entrepeneur John T. Gibson, this theater featured noted Black Amarican entertainers of the 1920s
including Duke Ellington and Ethel Waters. The theater attracted multi-racial audiences until it closed in 1931." According to one reference found in Google books, but not his Wikipedia page, Gibson was a Mason.
* East facing wall.
South side of South between 11th and 12th.
* 39.942945,-75.161175 [map] [nearby]
* On the Lombard-South tour
* Exhibits: Black Lives,
Mosaic
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Standard Theatre page
+Harlem Renaissance Lives from the African American National Biography
+phillymagicgardens.org
Butterfly Fence
2006
* big
butterflies,
misquoted poetry
* Echoes the butterflies from the adjoining Alex's Lemonade Stand Mural shown in the last picture.
The actual inscription on the fence is a misquote of a poem attributed elsewhere to Marjorie Wright Miller,
with "Grabs" instead of "Garbs" and an extraneous apostrophe in "its".
* inscription:
(along Lancaster Ave.)
The smallest flower that breathes but a day
Distills its fragrance into sweet perfume
Garbs itself with grace in bright array.
Exquisite,
brief intensity in bloom.
Whether the notes of life are short or long,
From end to end what matters is the song.
* Fence.
Parrish and Lancaster.
* 39.968040,-75.210450 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Unidentified
Cohocksink: Stand in the place where you live
Dennis Haugh,
2006
* big
bird houses,
head,
bees
* Mural included because of the constructed birdhouses, and the cutout face and bees. Two detail pictures of purely mural elements are also shown.
* Wall.
South side of Liberty Lands Park.
East side of 3rd, North of Poplar.
* 39.965260,-75.142100 [map] [nearby]
* On the Northern Liberties tour
* See also:
+pps.org's Liberty Lands page
Dewey's World
Paul Santoleri,
Jennie Shanker,
2006
* big
abstract
idea,
books,
hands,
machines and tools,
plants
* Created with the Mural Arts Program and students from the James R. Ludlow School.
* Walls.
Ramonita G. de Rodriguez Library.
Southwest corner 6th and Girard.
* 39.970200,-75.146675 [map] [nearby]
* On the Northern Liberties tour
* Exhibits: Mosaic
* See also:
+paulsantoleri.com
+muralarts.org pdf about Jennie Shanker's experience at Norris Homes
+freelibrary.org's Ramonita G. de Rodriguez Library page
Lifelines
Barbara Grygutis,
2006
* big
abstract
plant forms
* lights up at night
* Underground courtyard.
Southeast corner, 16th and JFK.
* 39.953500,-75.166450 [map] [nearby]
* On the JFK North tour
* See also:
+barbaragrygutis.com
Metamorphosis
Cheryl Levin,
Robert Phillips,
2006
* big and small
insects,
building (Girard College),
elephant,
food (including a mug of beer),
giraffe,
gorilla,
partial
standing person,
musical instrument,
plants,
ship,
sun and moon,
tiger,
tools,
train and trolley,
water
* The insects are by Phillips, the mosaics are by Levin and Mural Corps youth.
* inscription:
a sculptural and mosaic
public art project
dedicated to the community
and its cycles of change
* Railroad crossing bridge.
Girard between 31st and Poplar Drive.
* 39.975050,-75.187225 [map] [nearby]
* On the Fairmount tour
* Exhibits: Mosaic,
Mass Transit
* See also:
+cheryllevin.org
Smashing Barriers
Steve Tobin,
2006 (approximate)
* Unlabeled tribute to Arthur Ashe
* big
abstract
partial tennis ball and racquet
* This complex was originally named the Arthur Ashe Tennis Center.
* Courtyard.
Legacy Youth Tennis.
South of Ridge at Schoolhouse.
* 40.012660,-75.202720 [map] [nearby]
* On the Manayunk tour
* Exhibits: Athletic,
Black Lives
* See also:
+stevetobin.com
+wikipedia.org's Arthur Ashe page
+legacyyte.org
The Class of 1956 Trolley
Gomaco Trolley Company,
2006
* big
trolley
* inscription:
The Class of 1956 Trolley is a replica of Peter Witt trolleys that carried generations
of commuting students to Penn from all parts of the region and also provided
convenient access from campus to cultural and other attractions in Center City, Philadelphia.
With noisy steel wheels and clanging bells, these trolleys created a constant interruption
to campus life and were an unforgettable part of the Penn experience. Operated by
The Philadelphia Transportation Company (a precursor to SEPTA), Routes 11, 34, and 37
ran through the Penn campus on Woodland Avenue and Locust Street for nearly 65 years.
In 1956 they were relocated underground, enabling the University to begin conversion
of the campus to a unified and attractive landscape environment. Woodland Avenue and
Locust Street became the first pedestrian walkways through the campus.
The Class of 1956 Trolley was fabricated by the Gomaco Trolley Company in October, 2006.
The original Peter Witt Trolleys were manufactured by J.G. Brill from 1923-26.
* Entrance.
37th Street T Station.
North side of Spruce, East of 37th. .
* 39.951125,-75.196900 [map] [nearby]
* On the Penn Campus tour
* Exhibits: Mass Transit
* See also:
+gomacotrolley.com
+wikipedia.org's 37th Street Station page
The Value of Family
Eric Okdeh,
2006
* big
plants
* Mural of people with tile and sculptural glass plants
* Wall.
South side of Spring Garden, East of 5th.
* 39.961025,-75.146500 [map] [nearby]
* On the Northern Liberties tour
* See also:
+ericokdeh.com
Acorns and Pinecones
Eric de Jesus,
Elizabeth Duby,
2007
* big
acorns and pinecones
* Gateposts.
The eight entrances of Stephen Girard Park.
21st and Shunk.
* 39.919700,-75.182625 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Stephen Girard Park page
Keys to Community
James Peniston,
2007
* bust incorporating symbol of Benjamin Franklin
* big
head and torso,
keys
* On top of a wall.
North side of Arch, East of 4th.
* 39.952415,-75.146300 [map] [nearby]
* On the Old City tour
* Exhibits: Favorites
* See also:
+artist's page for this piece
+jepsculpture.com
+ushistory.org's The Electric Ben Franklin
Suzanne Roberts Theatre Sign
Zahner,
2007
* Named for Suzanne Roberts
* big
logo
sign
* Entrance.
Suzanne Roberts Theatre.
Northwest Corner, Broad and Lombard.
* 39.944850,-75.165450 [map] [nearby]
* On the Avenue of the Arts tour
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Zahner page
+whyy.org's Suzanne Roberts obituary
+wikipedia.org's Suzanne Roberts Theatre page
Wave Forms
Dennis Oppenheim,
2007
* big
bells,
arch
* Housing complex entrance.
Northwest corner, 34th and Chestnut.
* 39.954600,-75.192200 [map] [nearby]
* On the Chestnut 29th to 40th tour
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Dennis Oppenheim page
Pyramid Lights
2008
* big
abstract
lights
* Was on the 32nd Street Walkway between Market and Chestnut. Missing since late April, 2013. Was programmable and changed colors at night
* 39.955000,-75.187100 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Missing
* See also:
+drexel.edu
Dragons
Ward Elicker,
2009
* big
dragons
* On top of the parking lot wall.
North side of Arch, East of 9th.
* 39.953375,-75.154100 [map] [nearby]
* On the Convention District tour
JFK Boulevard Bridge Sidewalk
2009
* big
abstract sidewalk design
* Sidewalk.
JFK Boulevard Bridge.
JFK Boulevard, East of 29th.
* 39.955450,-75.180700 [map] [nearby]
* On the Avenue of Technology tour
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's John F. Kennedy Boulevard Bridge page
Lace Fence
Demakersvan,
2009
* big
flowers
* Fence.
West side of Henry, North of School House Lane.
* 40.022400,-75.194700 [map] [nearby]
* On the Jefferson East Falls Campus tour
* See also:
+demakersvan.com
The Tuskegee Airmen: They Met the Challenge
Marcus Akinlana,
2009
* big
goggles,
parts of people,
hats,
tools,
2D (painted) airplanes
* Wall.
West side of 39th, North of Chestnut.
* 39.955950,-75.200025 [map] [nearby]
* On the Chestnut 29th to 40th tour
* Exhibits: War,
Black Lives
* See also:
+artist's page for this piece
+akinlana.com
+Marcus Akinlana's facebook.com page
Buddha and Dragons
2010 (installed)
* Statue of Buddha
* big
standing person,
headgear,
flask,
small dragons
* Was at the former Phat Quang Buddhist Temple on 4th, North of Washington. The temple disappeared in 2019.
* 39.935210,-75.150400 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Missing,
Religious
* See also:
+whyy.org article about the sale of the temple
+wikipedia.org's Guatama Buddha page
Finding Home
Kathryn Pannepacker,
Josh Sarantitis,
2011
* big
idea,
hands and partial
standing people,
loom,
headgear
* inscription:
in visible dignity
* Wall.
North side of Ludlow across from St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.
East side of 13th between Chestnut and Market.
* 39.951450,-75.161275 [map] [nearby]
* On the Convention District tour
* See also:
+joshsarantitis.com
+stjohnsphilly.org
Grumman Greenhouse
Jordan Griska,
2011
* big
real airplane,
recycled containers,
real plants
* Originally intended as a temporary installation, it remained for 11 years until it was removed in August, 2022.
* inscription:
Grumman S2F Tracker, Polycarbonate, Soil,
Recycled Containers, Plants
Plants courtesy of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
* Was on Lenfest Plaza.
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.
* 39.955400,-75.163725 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Missing,
Peace and Love
* See also:
+jordangriska.com
+pafa.org
Napoli Pizza
Isaiah Zagar,
2011
* big
abstract
partial
people,
hats
* Walls.
East side of 7th, North of Carpenter.
* 39.937140,-75.154880 [map] [nearby]
* On the South Philly tour
* Exhibits: Mosaic
* See also:
+phillymagicgardens.org
Paint Torch
Claes Oldenburg,
2011
* big
paintbrush,
torch
* lights up at night
* Plaza.
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.
West side of Broad, North of Arch.
* 39.955350,-75.163200 [map] [nearby]
* On the Convention District tour
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Claes Oldenburg page
+pafa.org
Pennsylvania Convention Center Lights
The Lighting Practice,
2011
* big
abstract
lights
* Only visible after dark. The color and pattern are programmable
* Main entrance.
Convention Center.
East side of Broad between Arch and Race.
* 39.955325,-75.162740 [map] [nearby]
* On the Convention District tour
* See also:
+artist's page for this piece
+thelightingpractice.com
+paconvention.com
Race Street Connector
Field Operations,
2011
* big
idea
sign,
measurements of water
* "CITY" is on the East side, pointing West and "RIVER" is on the West
side, pointing East.
* inscription:
This dramatic light screen, made of expanded metal with bold
signage and color-shifting night lighting, unifies the corridor
underneath the expressways and draws people to the waterfront.
The smaller characters graphically register the historic flooding
events of the Delaware River by month, year and peak height as
recorded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
at the Race Street Pier (Pier 11). The resulting timeline visually
reinforces the dynamic conntection between the city and the river.
* Under the 1-95 overpass.
South side of Race, East of 2nd.
* 39.953670,-75.140950 [map] [nearby]
* On the Penn's Landing tour
* See also:
+fieldoperations.net
Symbiosis
Roxy Paine,
2011
* big
trees
* Between the Parkway and Pennsylvania at 24th.
* 39.965400,-75.178100 [map] [nearby]
* On the Parkway and Pennsylvania tour
* See also:
+roxypaine.com
The Assist
Michael Grothusen,
2011
* big
abstract
working funnel,
actual locust tree
* Commissioned by the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia.
The funnel will provide extra water to the tree assisting its growth over time.
Stainless Steel and Locust Tree.
18 x 24 x 10
Picture provided by and Copyright Michael Grothusen
* Northwest corner, American and Diamond.
* 39.982450,-75.138368 [map] [nearby]
* On the Kensington tour
* See also:
+michaelgrothusen.com
Barnes Foundation Tabletop Fountain
Laurie Olin,
2012
* big
abstract
fountain
* Southeast of the Barnes Foundation.
North side of the Parkway, West of 20th.
* 39.959950,-75.172250 [map] [nearby]
* On the Parkway and Pennsylvania tour
* See also:
+theolinstudio.com
+barnesfoundation.org
Barnes Totem
Ellsworth Kelly,
2012
* big
abstract shape,
reflecting pool
* accessible when the museum is open, otherwise barely visible through the fence
* Northeast corner of the Barnes Foundation.
North of the Parkway, West of 20th.
* 39.960400,-75.172050 [map] [nearby]
* On the Parkway and Pennsylvania tour
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Ellsworth Kelly page
+barnesfoundation.org
Commerce Square Pylons
Stantec ViBE,
2012
* big
abstract
light-emitting
pylon
signs
* Entrance.
Commerce Square.
South side of Market between 20th and 21st.
* 39.953825,-75.174150 [map] [nearby]
* On the Rittenhouse Square tour
* See also:
+stantecvibe.com
Giotto on Steroids
Isaiah Zagar,
2012
* Reference to the work of Giotto
* big
abstract
partial people
* visible through a locked gate
* Alley walls.
South side of South, East of 10th.
* 39.942675,-75.158250 [map] [nearby]
* On the Lombard-South tour
* Exhibits: Mosaic
* See also:
+phillymagicgardens.org
+wikipedia.org's Giotto page
Lines in Four Directions in Flowers
Sol LeWitt,
2012 (realized)
* big
beds of actual flowers
* Was on the hill behind the Art Museum, South side of Kelly Drive, West of 26th. It was not clear from the sign at the time of installation whether the piece was intended to be permanent, but it was not consistently maintained.
* 39.967325,-75.183300 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Missing
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Sol LeWitt page
Lips
Franz West,
2012
* big
abstract
standing
people
* Was in the Anne d'Harnoncourt Sculpture Garden on Art Museum Drive. Removed November 2015 and returned to the West Foundation in Vienna. The Museum now says it was a temporary loan, but the original article on the Museum's site said "Created specifically for the Garden's Lower Terrace, Lips (2012) is the last commission West realized prior to his untimely death in July of 2012 and will serve as a testament to the powerful legacy of the artist's influential work."
* 39.967275,-75.181900 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Missing
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Franz West page
threshold object
Kennedy and Violich Architecture,
2012
* big
abstact
books
* the title is from a quote from the architect in an article about this piece
* Sunshade wall.
Golkin Hall.
North side of Sansom, West of 34th.
* 39.953785,-75.192870 [map] [nearby]
* On the Chestnut 29th to 40th tour
* Exhibits: New
* See also:
+architecturalrecord.com article about this piece
+kvarch.net
Bilal From Pakistan
Isaiah Zagar,
2013
* big
head and partial people,
rats,
dogs,
cat,
bird,
abstract
plant forms
* Wall.
West side of Clifton, South of South.
* 39.942810,-75.159865 [map] [nearby]
* On the Lombard-South tour
* Exhibits: Mosaic
* See also:
+phillymagicgardens.org
Shimmer Wall
Ned Kahn,
2013
* big
abstract reflective surface
* inscription:
The Shimmer Wall continuosly
changes its appearance a it responds to the environment.
As breezes blow and wind gusts the wall
dynamically adapts and provides a vivid and captivating
portrait of nature at play powered only by the moving air.
The installation is a network of 10,824 five-inch
aluminum squares individually hinged to move freely.
The metal also dramatically mirrors the sky, using sunlight
and moonlight to brighten the changing canvas.
* South Wall.
Franklin Institute.
North side of Race between 20th and 21st.
* 39.957660,-75.173060 [map] [nearby]
* On the JFK North tour
* See also:
+nedkahn.com
+fi.edu
The Sculptural Installation for the 40th Street Corridor
Sandra Webberking,
2013
* big
abstract
standing person
* yellow paint on the base has been removed with Photoshop
* Southeast corner, 40th and Powelton.
* 39.959075,-75.201855 [map] [nearby]
* On the Powelton tour
* See also:
+whyy.org article about this piece
+sandrawebberking.com
Waters of Change
Paul Santoleri,
2013
* big
abstract helix pattern,
fish,
plants,
water
* Pictures are from West to East
* Walls.
Under and around the Green Lane Bridge.
South of Main Street at Green Lane.
* 40.026850,-75.227400 [map] [nearby]
* On the Manayunk tour
* Exhibits: Mosaic
* See also:
+paulsantoleri.com
+wikipedia.org's Green Lane Bridge page
Birds
Kathleen Fruge-Brown,
2014
* big
birds
* Bike racks.
West side of 15th, North of Market.
* 39.953140,-75.165500 [map] [nearby]
* On the City Hall tour
* See also:
+kathleenfrugebrown.com
Dilworth Park Fountain
KieranTimberlake,
Laurie Olin,
2014
* big
fountain
* converted to an ice-skating rink in the winter
* North end of Dilworth Park.
East side of 15th at Market.
* 39.952800,-75.164700 [map] [nearby]
* On the City Hall tour
* See also:
+kierantimberlake.com
+theolinstudio.com
+ccdparks.org's Dilworth Park page
Land Buoy
Jody Pinto,
2014
* big
pole,
stairs
* Washington Avenue Pier.
East of Columbus and Washington.
* 39.932300,-75.140400 [map] [nearby]
* On the South Philly tour
* See also:
+jodypinto.com
+visitphilly.com's Washington Avenue Pier page
Orders of Nature
Soo Sunny Park,
2014
* big
abstract form
* visible through the highly reflective glass
* Interior.
Northeast corner, 38th and Market.
* 39.956790,-75.197675 [map] [nearby]
* On the Avenue of Technology tour
* See also:
+soosunnypark.com
Pretzel
BrownSprague, LLC,
2014
* big
abstract
pretzel
* Bike rack.
West side of the Convention Center.
East side of Broad between Arch and Race.
* 39.955175,-75.162850 [map] [nearby]
* On the Convention District tour
* See also:
+brownsprague.com
+paconvention.com
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
Big Daddylonglegs
John W. Parker,
2015
* big
abstract
insect
* North corner of the driveway, Park Towne Place.
South side of the Parkway, West of 22nd.
* 39.961340,-75.177140 [map] [nearby]
* On the Parkway and Pennsylvania tour
* See also:
+parktowneapthomes.com
Parkade on 8th
WRT,
2015
* big
abstract colored forms,
lights
* Parking garage.
South side of Arch, spanning 8th.
* 39.953065,-75.153100 [map] [nearby]
* On the Convention District tour
* See also:
+wrtdesign.com page for this piece
+wrtdesign.com
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
Water Under the Bridge
Beth Clevenstine,
Paul Santoleri,
2015
* big
water,
fish,
plants,
turtles,
butterfly
* The deer was just hanging out next to the walkway as I was taking pictures.
* Walkway stairs and walls.
Fountain Street Steps.
Between the South side of Umbria at Fountain Street and the Manayunk Canal.
* 40.032100,-75.233100 [map] [nearby]
* On the Manayunk tour
* Exhibits: New,
Mosaic
* See also:
+muralarts.org page for this piece
+bethclevenstine.com
+paulsantoleri.com
William H. Gray III 30th Street Station Sign
Calori and Vanden-Eynden Design,
2015
* station renamed for William H. Gray III
* big
name,
sign
* There is another, less dramatic version on the 29th Street side. The station was renamed in 2019 and the back panel was added to both signs. The first picture is the original.
* Southwest corner, 30th Street Station.
Northeast corner, 30th and Market.
* 39.955070,-75.18297 [map] [nearby]
* On the Avenue of Technology tour
* Exhibits: Mass Transit
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's William H. Gray III page
+wikipedia.org's 30th Street Station page
Concrete Tree
Paul Santoleri,
2016
* big
plants,
bird
* Wall.
Schuylkill Trail, Northwest of Fountain between Umbria and Flat Rock.
* 40.032225,-75.234565 [map] [nearby]
* On the Manayunk tour
* See also:
+paulsantoleri.com
Spring & Triangle
Dina Wind,
2016
* big
abstract forms
* On the grounds of Woodmere Art Museum.
Corner of Germantown Avenue and Bells Mill Road.
* 40.082700,-75.220150 [map] [nearby]
* On the Germantown Avenue tour
* See also:
+dinawindfoundation.art
+woodmereartmuseum.org
The Study at University City
Shelly Bradbury,
2016
* big
glasses,
logo
sign
* West side of 33rd, North of Chestnut.
* 39.954510,-75.189820 [map] [nearby]
* On the Chestnut 29th to 40th tour
* See also:
+thestudyatuniversitycity.com
+shellybradburystudio.com
A Quest for Parity: The Octavius V. Catto Memorial
Branly Cadet,
2017
* Memorial to and statue of Octavius Catto
* big and small
standing person,
ideas,
cube and mirrored orb,
steles
representing a streetcar and a representational streetcar,
buildings,
plants,
horse,
clouds,
groups of people,
some sitting,
hats,
guns,
baseball equipment
* inscription:
South side of steles, North side of cube:
There must come a change
which will force upon this nation
that course which providence
seems wisely to be directing
for the mutual benefit of all peoples.
West side of steles, West side of cube:
Educator Leader Major Athlete Activist
South side of cube: October 10, 1871
East side of cube:
XV
Amendment to the United States Constitution
The right of citizens of the United States to vote
shall not be denied or abridged by the United States
or by any State on account of race, color,
or previous condition of servitude.
North side of steles:
1839 Born February 22 in Charleston, South Carolina
1854 Becomes a student at the Philadelphia Institute for Colored Youth
1858 Graduates from the Institute for Colored Youth
1859 Chosen as a member and recording secretary of the Banneker Institute,
an all black literary society led by Jacob White, Jr.
Hired as an English and mathematics teacher at his alma mater.
Campaign to desegregate the horse-drawn streetcars in Philadelphia begins.
1863 becomes a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard.
Helps lead a civil war recruitment committee with Frederick Douglas,
members of the Union League, and others, which raises eleven regiments of
black troops who trained at Camp William Penn in Cheltenham.
1864 Named corresponding secretary of the Pennsylvania Equal Rights League,
an affiliate of the National Equal Rights League.
Appointed Vice President of the State Convention of Colored People held in Harrisburg.
Led civil disobedience protests and lobbied white legislators in Harrisburg to desegregate streetcars.
1865 Co-authored the state Equal Rights League call for voting rights, streetcar desegregation,
and the hiring of black teachers for black students in public schools.
1867 Governor signs statewide "Bill of Rights" law desegregating streetcars.
Led the Pythians Base Ball Club of Philadelphia to an undefeated season.
1869 Named principal of male students at the Institute for Colored Youth
Pythians play the Olympic Ball Club in Philadelphia in the first match between black and white teams.
A leader of the unsuccessful effort to integrate the private City Wide Congress of Literary Societies.
Helps lead successful Pennsylvania campaign to pass the 15th Amendment which led to thousands of black men
registering to vote.
1870 The Union League presents Octavius Catto, Frederick Douglas, and Robert Purvis with a banner
celebrating Pennsylvania's adoption of the 15th Amendment at a ceremony on Broad Street.
Writes curriculum for new schools for freed former slaves in the District of Columbia.
Becomes a member of the original Franklin Institute breaking the color line at the prestigious
national forum for advancing American science and technology.
1871 Named an Inspector General with the rank of Major in the Pennsylvania National Guard.
Shot to death on October 10, on South Street in the midst of election day riots. He was 32,
and one of many black men shot or attacked that day by opponents of the 15th Amendment. As one
of Philadelphia's most influential leaders, more than 5,000 mourners attended his funeral and
procession down Broad Street.
* South side of City Hall.
North side of S. Penn Square at Broad.
* 39.951775,-75.164100 [map] [nearby]
* On the City Hall tour
* Exhibits: Athletic,
War,
Black Lives,
Mass Transit
* See also:
+branlycadet.com
+wikipedia.org's Octavius Catto page
+philadelphiabuildings.org's City Hall page
+wikipedia.org's City Hall page
Temple Owl
Corolfi Studios,
2017
* In honor of Marie O'Connor
and
Patrick O'Connor
* big
owl,
Temple T
* Replaced Red Owl
* inscription:
Temple University proudly dedicates this plaza in the heart of the campus in honor of
Patrick and Marie O'Connor. Their inspired generosity and distinguished leadership create life-changing
opportunities for our students and others. Patrick J. O'Connor joined the Temple University Board of Trustees
in 1971 as the youngest trustee in the university's history and served until 1984. He returned to the board
in 2001 and was elected chairman in 2009. In 2013 he received an honorary degree from Temple University.
* O'Connor Plaza.
Upper Northwest corner of Founder's Garden.
Liacouras and Polett Walks.
* 39.981455,-75.155755 [map] [nearby]
* On the Temple Campus tour
* See also:
+cozen.com's Patrick O'Connor page
+sikora-wa.com page for their Founder's Garden reimagining
Exploded Paradigm
Conrad Shawcross,
2018
* big
abstract
tower,
idea
* Clearly visible from the sidewalk when the building is closed.
* Interacts with For Philadelphia
* Lobby.
Comcast Technology Center.
Southwest corner, 18th and Arch.
* 39.954900,-75.169850 [map] [nearby]
* On the JFK North tour
* See also:
+conradshawcross.com
+wikipedia.org's Comcast Technology Center page
For Philadelphia
Jenny Holzer,
2018
* big
lighted
scrolling words
* Clearly visible from the sidewalk when the building is closed.
* Interacts with Exploded Paradigm
* On the lobby ceiling.
Comcast Technology Center.
Southwest corner, 18th and Arch.
* 39.954900,-75.169775 [map] [nearby]
* On the JFK North tour
* See also:
+dandelion-burdock.com article about the technology used to make this piece
+jennyholzer.com
+wikipedia.org's Comcast Technology Center 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
Brick House
Simone Leigh,
2019
* big
head
* Replaced Black Forest
* Southwest corner, 34th and Walnut.
* 39.952500,-75.192550 [map] [nearby]
* On the Penn Campus tour
* Exhibits: Black Lives
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Simone Leigh page
Goniochome
Softlab,
2019
* big
collection of abstract colored aluminum fins
* inscription:
Based on the concept of iridescence, this piece was
uniquely designed for the main entrance of Fashion
District. One of the most well-known examples of this
magical light effect is Antoni Gaudi's Casa Batllo tiled
roof. "Just as the scales of a fish absorb different
wavelengths of light to produce a shimmering effect,
our piece uses a series of aluminum fins at varying
color and reflectivity to produce a large lenticular
surface that changes depending on the angle of view.
* Lobby.
Fashion District Philadelphia.
Northwest corner, 9th and Market.
* 39.951600,-75.155300 [map] [nearby]
* On the Convention District tour
* See also:
+soft-lab.com
+fashiondistrictphiladelphia.com
+wikipedia.org's page for Fashion District Philadelphia
Miller Tower Birds
EwingCole (Architects),
2019
* big
birds
* Wall.
Southeast corner of the Ronald McDonald House.
North side of Chestnut between 39th and 40th.
* 39.955700,-75.200835 [map] [nearby]
* On the Chestnut 29th to 40th tour
* See also:
+ewingcole.com
+rmhcphilly.org
Veterans Stadium Liberty Bell
Cima Network,
Cutler Sign Advertising,
Paul Hlywiak,
Peter Hlywiak,
2019 (refurbished, repainted, and installed, originally built 1983)
* big
bell
* artist attributions are based on a 4/12/2019 article in The Athletic by Matt Gelb
* inscription:
Recognizing the historical significance of the Liberty Bell
to Philadelphia and to the nation, the Phillies have often
incorporated the iconic symbol into their team logo and
ballparks throughout the years. The replica Liberty Bell
that stands here is the second and final bell that was
displayed at Veterans Stadium, the Phillies home from
1971 to 2003. Installed on the Vet's catwalk prior to the
1983 season, the steel and aluminum bell weighs more than
5,000 pounds, covers roughly 270 square feet and features
over 300 light bulbs. It remained, high above center field,
for 21 seasons until its removal in preparation for the
stadium's implosion after the 2003 baseball season. The
bell was refurbished and placed here in March of 2019 just
outside Pass and Stow, a name that derives from the two
Philadelphia foundry workers, John Pass and John Stow,
wo re-cast the original Liberty Bell in 1753 and whose
names are inscribed on this important part of history.
* Southwest entrance Citizens Bank Park.
North side of Pattison East of Broad..
* 39.904910,-75.167950 [map] [nearby]
* On the South Broad tour
* Exhibits: New
* See also:
+article in The Athletic
+cimanetwork.com
+wikipedia.org's Citizens Bank Park Page
Tulpehanink nta
Paul Santoleri,
2020
* big
turtle,
flowers,
water,
fish
* Bridge.
Cotton Street South of Main.
* 40.024650,-75.223065 [map] [nearby]
* On the Manayunk tour
* Exhibits: New,
Mosaic
* See also:
+paulsantoleri.com
1600
Collective Architecture,
2021
* big
sign
* Wall.
South side of Market, West of 16th.
* 39.952710,-75.167325 [map] [nearby]
* On the City Hall tour
* See also:
+collectivearchitecture.co
Beacon
FKB,
Local Projects,
2021
* big
abstract
ideas
* inscription:
FAITH LIBERTY JUSTICE
* Rising through the roof.
The former Faith and Liberty Discovery Center. East side of 5th, North of Market.
* 39.951085,-75.148575 [map] [nearby]
* On the Independence Mall tour
* Exhibits: Religious
* See also:
+localprojects.com page for this piece
+amaricanbible.org article about this piece
+fkb.studio
+localprojects.com
Contrafuerte
Miguel Horn,
2021
* big
people,
hunched and sitting
* Bridge across the alley.
Cuthbert, West of 12th.
* 39.953440,-75.160185 [map] [nearby]
* On the Convention District tour
* See also:
+artist's page for this piece
+miguelhorn.art
Pinky
Frederick Prescott,
2021
* big
flamingo
* Chloe's Corner.
West corner, Main and Lock.
* 40.023380,-75.219995 [map] [nearby]
* On the Manayunk tour
* Exhibits: New
* See also:
+phillyvoice.com article about this piece
+prescottstudio.com
+instagram.com/chloescornermyk
Weaver's Knot: Sheet Bend
Ball-Nogues Studio,
2022
* big
abstract
knot
* East side of Columbus, South of Race.
* 39.953050,-75.139750 [map] [nearby]
* On the Penn's Landing tour
* See also:
+streetsdept.com article about this piece
+ball-nogues.com
CRADLE
Diogo Machado (ADD FUEL),
2023
* big
abstract quilt designs
* East side of the East wall.
Jefferson Plaza.
North side of Chestnut, East of 12th.
* 39.950600,-75.159670 [map] [nearby]
* On the Jefferson Center City Campus tour
* Exhibits: New,
Mosaic
* See also:
+addfuel.com