Philadelphia Public Art @philart.net

Tour: Art Museum Grounds

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The Art Museum Grounds tour covers the works on all sides of the Museum, including the Rocky steps, the Waterworks, the William M. Reilly Memorial, the back entrance, the Anne d'Harnoncourt Sculpture Garden, the Azalea Garden, and the lower West side of Kelly Drive. While short, this tour involves a fair amount of vertical travel, as the museum is at the top of a hill. The tour is a loop, and you can start anywhere, but officially we begin on the path on the West side of Kelly at the Fairmount crosswalk and go:

stikman (Kelly Drive and Fairmount)
stikman
* small abstract standing person
* Crosswalk. South corner, Kelly Drive and Fairmount.
* 39.967210,-75.180510 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: New
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's stikman page



Meher
Khoren Der Harootian, 1976
* Statue of Meher
* standing, sitting, and lying people, cross, human bones, helmets, weapons, buildings, mountains, plants, horses, vulture, water, sun
* inscription:
On this day, April 24, 1976, commemorating the 61st anniversary of the martyrdom of the Armenian nation and celebrating the bicentennial year of American independence, we Americans of Armenian heritage in eternal gratitude to God dedicate this monument to our adopted land of the United States.
Meher - A legendary figure of inspiring power symbolizing the invincible faith of the Armenian people, the first nation to embrace Christianity (301 AD).
Keeping Watch over the cultural heritage of Armenia.
Day of Infamy, April 24, 1915 the genocide and martyrdom of the Armenian Nation.
St. Vartan at the battle of Avarayr (451 AD). History's first defense of the Christian faith.
Mid the ashes of the martyrs, mother and child look to freedom for Armenia and all nations.
 * South side of Kelly Drive, West of 25th.
* 39.966500,-75.179800 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Religious, War
* See also:
+derharootian.com



stikmen (25th and Kelly Drive)
stikman
* small abstract standing people
* Crosswalk. West corner, 25th and Kelly Drive.
* 39.966450,-75.179535 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's stikman page



Art Museum North Faces
1928
* faces, crowns
* There are two faces on the North side of the Museum. The first is over a large empty niche where Anne d'Haroncourt Drive meets 25th and Kelly. The next is over the North entrance just up the hill.
* Walls. North side of the Art Museum. Anne d'Harnocourt Drive (25th and Kelly Drive to the Spring Garden Bridge).
* 39.966200,-75.180150 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Unidentified



Charioteer of Delphi
1976 (given to the city)
* small standing person
* Copy of 5th Century BC original
* inscription:
From the cradle of democracy in the ancient world to the cradle of democracy in the new world. From the people of Greece to the people of America.
* East side of the Art Museum. 25th and the Parkway.
* 39.965400,-75.179275 [map] [nearby]



Rocky
A. Thomas Schomberg, 1980
* Statue of Rocky Balboa
* standing person, boxing gear
* This statue has had several homes, including the top of the Art Museum steps and the Spectrum steps. It was moved to the current location September, 2006. The first picture is from the current location. The second picture is from the Spectrum.
* East side of the Art Museum. 25th and the Parkway.
* 39.965125,-75.179300 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Athletic, Favorites, Moved
* See also:
+Max Buten's picture of this piece
+schombergstudios.com
+wikipedia.org's Rocky Balboa page



Amazon
August Kiss, 1837
* seated person, horse, cat, spear
* At the foot of the steps of the Art Museum. 25th and the Parkway.
* 39.964950,-75.179650 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's August Kiss page



Art Museum Steps Fountain
1928
* fountain, fish
* Along the front steps. Art Museum. 25th and the Parkway.
* 39.964950,-75.180100 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Favorites, Unidentified



Rocky Footprints
1993 (approximate)
* In honor of Rocky Balboa
* small symbolic footprints
* Top of the steps. Art Museum. 25th and the Parkway.
* 39.965115,-75.180320 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Rocky Balboa page



Courtship
Henry Mitchell, 1958
* Memorial to Henry M. Phillips
* horses, fountain
* Plaza. Art Museum. 25th and the Parkway.
* 39.965325,-75.180600 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+phillyhistory.org picture of this piece
+cantonartcollection.com's Henry Mitchell bio
+wikipedia.org's Henry Myer Phillips page



Art Museum North Pediment
Carl Paul Jennewein, 1932 (Museum website says 1933)
* group of people, some standing, some sitting or lying, winged person, headgear, staff, sun, sword, furniture, musical instrument, owl, snake, lion
* North Pediment. Front of the Art Museum. 25th and the Parkway.
* 39.965625,-75.180275 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Carl Paul Jennewein page



Prometheus Strangling the Vulture
Jacques Lipchitz, 1943
* standing person, vulture
* Front steps. Art Museum. 25th and the Parkway.
* 39.965585,-75.180960 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+Max Buten's picture of this piece
+wikipedia.org's Jacque Lipchitz page



Art Museum Roof Ornaments
1928 (year of building)
* griffins (museum logo), gazelles, plants
* Best seen on top of the South pediment.
* Around the roof. Art Museum. 25th and the Parkway.
* 39.965000,-75.181015 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Favorites



General Anthony Wayne
John Gregory, 1937
* Statue of Anthony Wayne
* seated person, horse, sword, hat
* In front of the Art Museum. 25th and the Parkway.
* 39.964750,-75.180950 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: War
* See also:
+Max Buten's picture of this piece
+wikipedia.org's John Gregory page
+ushistory.org's Anthony Wayne page



The Lion Fighter
Albert Wolff, 1858 (cast 1892, installed 1929)
* seated person, spear, horse, lion
* At the foot of the steps of the Art Museum. 25th and the Parkway.
* 39.964575,-75.180100 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+associationforpublicart.org's page for this piece
+wikipedia.org's Albert Wolff page



Spring Garden Street - West River Drive Bridges
1965 (year of current bridge)
* small bridges and other buildings, trees, water
* inscription:
- The Collossus -
Wooden covered bridge - span 540 feet
Longest arch bridge in the world
Opened to traffic - April 28, 1813
Destroyed by fire - September 1, 1838
Replaced by wire bridge in 1842
- Wire Bridge -
Wire cable suspension bridge - span 357 feet
First cable suspension bridge for vehicles in America
Opened to traffic - January 2, 1842
Replaced by Spring Garden Bridge in 1875
- Spring Garden Bridge -
Double deck truss bridge - span 355 feet
Spring Garden Street - upper deck
Callowhill Street - lower deck
Opened to traffic - July 10, 1875
Replaced by the present structures
 * Bridge wall. Center City end, Art Museum side of the Spring Garden Bridge.
* 39.964550,-75.182500 [map] [nearby]



Art Museum Student Entrance Face
1928
* face, crown
* Above the student entrance. Art Museum. Anne d'Harnocourt Drive at the Spring Garden Bridge.
* 39.965150,-75.182050 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Unidentified



Mercury
William Rush, 1828 (approximate, restored and installed 2018)
* Statue of Mercury
* small standing person, winged helmet
* Unfortunately there's no good way to see this piece from the front.
* Pavilion roof. Anne d'Harnocourt Drive between the Spring Garden Bridge and the back steps of the Museum.
* 39.966085,-75.182900 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Religious
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's William Rush page
+wikipedia.org's Mercury page



Rustic Pavilion
2007
* In honor of Fitz Eugene Dixon, Jr.
* pavilion with birdhouse motif
* inscription:
Dedicated in honor of
Fitz Eugene Dixon, Jr.
by
Edith R. Dixon
for his committed service to
Fairmount Park
1977-2002
 * Anne d'Harnocourt Drive near the Spring Garden Bridge.
* 39.965550,-75.182975 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Fitz Eugene Dixon, Jr. page



Station no. 6 - Celebration of Water
Ellen Fletcher, 1989
* small seated person wearing a hat, tackle box, fish
* The fisherman was lost in 1999 in the flooding caused by hurricane Floyd and recovered or replaced in late 2005 or early 2006. Lost again in September 2021 to the flooding from Hurricane Ida. Reappeared some time before May 2023.
* Schuylkill Banks between the Waterworks and the Spring Garden Bridge at the foot of the spiral staircase.
* 39.964950,-75.183300 [map] [nearby]



Philadelphia and the Schuylkill
* quotes from Charles Dickens, John P. Shelden, Frances Trollope and Mark Twain
* signs, sheep, locomotive, machines and tools, basket and barrel, buildings, maps, plants, food, benches with quotes
* an outdoor history exhibit with artistic elements
* inscription:
benches:
"The Water Works...are no less Ornamental than Useful, being Tastefully Laid Out as a Public Garden..."
-Charles Dickens
"I Passed Along the Pavement by the Pump-House... I went in. I saw Immense Water-Wheels.."
-Mark Twain (1853) Missouri
"The Celebrated Works on the Schuylkill, by which the Water of the River is Raised ...are Beyond Praise"
-John P. Shelden (1825) Michigan
"But interesting[?] and Curious as this Machinery is, it is, In Truth, One of the Prettiest Spots the Eye can look upon."
-Frances Trollope (1830) England
 * Schuylkill Banks between the Waterworks and the Spring Garden Bridge.
* 39.965325,-75.183450 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Mass Transit
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Charles Dickens page
+wikipedia.org's Frances Milton Trollope page
+wikipedia.org's Mark Twain page



Water Nymph and Bittern
William Rush, 1809 (restored and reinstalled 2018)
* standing persoh, bird, fountain, actual rocks
* Incorporated into and replaced the Water Works Fountain
* In the garden of the Water Works. Schuylkill Banks near the Spring Garden Bridge.
* 39.965415,-75.183220 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's William Rush page



Peace Fountain
1865 (based on the inscription)
* house-like structure, water fountain
* inscription:
Peace
June 1865
 * In the garden of the Water Works. Schuylkill Banks near the Spring Garden Bridge.
* 39.965380,-75.183075 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Peace and Love
* See also:
+phillyhistory.org 1954 picture of this piece



Graff Memorial
1848 (restored 2006)
* In memory of Frederick Graff
* small gazebo, bust
* The bust in the second picture was added after the first picture was taken.
* inscription: To the memory of Frederick Graff, who designed and executed the Fairmount Water Works. Erected by the City Councils of Philadelphia, June 1, 1848
 * In the garden of the Water Works. Along the Schuylkill Banks, near the Spring Garden Bridge.
* 39.965625,-75.183250 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+phillyhistory.org 1933 picture of this piece
+wikipedia.org's Frederick Graff page



Ernesta Drinker Ballard Memorial
2006
* In honor of Ernesta Drinker Ballard
* small urn/planter
* inscription:
In honor of
Ernesta Drinker Ballard
1920-2005
Ernesta was the moving force behind the restoration of the Fairmount Water Works and these gardens. Fairmount Park Commissioner from 1981 to 2002 and a founding member of the Fairmount Park Conservancy, she was a civic leader, a feminist, a beloved friend.
"The world is a better place if everyone is included" - EDB 2001
Erected September 10, 2006
 * In the gardens of the Water Works. Schuylkill Banks near the Spring Garden Bridge..
* 39.965740,-75.183035 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Ernesta Drinker Ballard page



The Schuylkill Chained, The Schuylkill Freed
William Rush, 1825 (1980 fiberglass casts)
* reclining people, eagle, waterworks machinery
* Roofs. Two of the smaller buildings of the Water Works. Along the river, near the Spring Garden bridge, off Kelly Drive around 26th.
* 39.966350,-75.183600 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+Max Buten's picture of this piece
+phillyhistory.org 1930 picture of the original piece
+phillyhistory.org another 1930 picture of the original piece
+wikipedia.org's William Rush page



Eagle
1835 (alleged construction date of the gazebo)
* eagle
* Gazebo roof. On the grounds of the Water Works. Overlooking the Schuylkill. Off Kelly Drive around 26th..
* 39.966970,-75.184625 [map] [nearby]



Marquis de Lafayette
Raoul Josset, 1947
* Statue of the Marquis de Lafayette
* standing person, sword
* inscription:
1757-1834
Native of France
Devoted and faithful to the cause of American Independence
General of the Continental Army
An indispensable ally of freedom
 * Part of the William M. Reilly Memorial. On the hill, South side of Kelly Drive, West of 26th.
* 39.967025,-75.183200 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: War
* See also:
+phillyhistory.org 1959 picture of this piece
+Max Buten's picture of this piece
+Another Max Buten picture of this piece
+texasescapes.com's Raoul Josset page
+wikipedia.org's Marquis de Lafayette page



General Nathanael Greene
Lewis Iselin, 1960
* Statue of Nathanael Greene
* standing person
* inscription:
front:
1742-1786
We fight, get beat, rise, and fight again.
left:
A Rhode Islander
Businessman turned soldier
Served with great distinction as Quartermaster General and Army Commander
A trusted friend of General Washington
right:
His qualifications for statesmanship were not less remarkable than his military ability.
-Alexander Hamilton.
Second to no one in enterprise, in resource, in sound judgement, promptitude of decision, and every other military talent.
-Thomas Jefferson
 * Part of the William M. Reilly Memorial. On the hill, South side of Kelly Drive, West of 26th.
* 39.966835,-75.182925 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: War
* See also:
+lewisiselin.com
+wikipedia.org's Nathanael Greene page



General Richard Montgomery
J. Wallace Kelly, 1946
* Statue of Richard Montgomery
* standing person, sword
* inscription:
1738-1775
Native of County Dublin, Ireland
General of the Continental Army
Firm believer in the cause of freedom
He lost his life in the American assault on Quebec in mid-Winter of 1775
 * Part of the William M. Reilly Memorial. On the hill, South side of Kelly Drive, West of 26th.
* 39.966650,-75.182675 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: War
* See also:
+Max Buten's picture of this piece
+michenermuseum.org's J. Wallace Kelly Page
+wikipedia.org's Richard Montgomery page



Stephen Girard
John Massey Rhind, 1897
* Statue of Stephen Girard
* standing person, groups of people, hats, buildings, ship, anchor, plants, barrels, rope, parasol
* inscription:
front:
1750-1831
Mariner and Merchant
back:
Philadelphia's greatest philanthropist
Erected by the alumni of Girard College and the people of this city and commonwealth, 1897
 * Behind the Art Museum. Anne d'Harnocourt Drive (25th and Kelly Drive to the Spring Garden Bridge).
* 39.966350,-75.182350 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Moved
* See also:
+Max Buten's picture of this piece
+phillyhistory.org 1912 picture of this piece outside City Hall
+wikipedia.org's John Massey Rhind page
+ushistory.org's Stephen Girard page



John Marshall
William Wetmore Story, 1883
* Statue of John Marshall
* seated person, chair
* inscription: Chief Justice of the United States 1801-1835. As soldier he fought that the nation might come into being. As expounder of the Constitution he gave it length of days.
 * On a traffic island behind the Art Museum. Anne d'Harnocourt Drive (25th and Kelly Drive to the Spring Garden Bridge).
* 39.966200,-75.181800 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+Max Buten's picture of this piece
+wikipedia.org's William Wetmore Story page
+wikipedia.org's John Marshall page



Art Museum Cherub
1928
* small upright winged person
* Over the back door. Art Museum. Anne d'Harnocourt Drive (25th and Kelly Drive to the Spring Garden Bridge).
* 39.966075,-75.181700 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Religious, Unidentified



Major General Peter Muhlenberg
J. Otto Schweizer, 1910
* Statue of John Peter Gabriel Muhlenberg
* standing person, group of people, church interior, pulpit and pews, book, hat
* inscription:
front:
"There is a time for all things - a time to preach and a time to fight, and now is the to fight"
Farewell sermon in the church at Woodstock, VA, 1776
right:
1776, Charleston, Sullivans Island, Brandywine, Germantown, Monmouth, Stony Point, Petersburg, Yorktown, 1781
left:
Member of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania, 1784
Vice President of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, 1785
Member of the first, third, and sixth Congress of the U.S.
U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania, 1801
President of the German Society of Pennsylvania, 1788 and 1802-1807
 * Behind the Art Museum. Anne d'Harnocourt Drive (25th and Kelly Drive to the Spring Garden Bridge).
* 39.966600,-75.181950 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Religious, Moved, War
* See also:
+Max Buten's picture of this piece
+phillyhistory.org 1913 picture of this piece outside City Hall
+wikipedia.org's J. Otto Schweizer page
+wikipedia.org's John Peter Gabriel Muhlenberg page



Gift
William G. Tucker, 2005 (edition 2/3)
* abstract partial people
* In the Anne d'Harnoncourt Sculpture Garden. Anne d'Harnocourt Drive (25th and Kelly Drive to the Spring Garden Bridge).
* 39.966950,-75.182275 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's William G. Tucker page



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]
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Claes Oldenburg page



Bell
Toshiko Takaezu, 1986
* bell
* On the street side of the Anne d'Harnoncourt Sculpture Garden. Anne d'Harnocourt Drive (25th and Kelly Drive to the Spring Garden Bridge).
* 39.966835,-75.181775 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Toshiko Takaezu page



Curve I
Ellsworth Kelly, 1973
* geometric steel plate
* On the street side of the Anne d'Harnoncourt Sculpture Garden. Anne d'Harnocourt Drive (25th and Kelly Drive to the Spring Garden Bridge).
* 39.966825,-75.181625 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Ellsworth Kelly page



Bench and Table (Enlarged Version/Concentric)
Scott Burton, 2001 (fabricated)
* furniture
* In the Anne d'Harnoncourt Sculpture Garden. Art Museum Drive (25th and Kelly Drive to the Spring Garden Bridge).
* 39.967100,-75.181450 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Scott Burton page



Two-Part Chair
Scott Burton, 1986 (fabricated 2002)
* small chair
* In the Anne d'Harnoncourt Sculpture Garden. Anne d'Harnocourt Drive (25th and Kelly Drive to the Spring Garden Bridge).
* 39.967190,-75.181410 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Scott Burton page



Rock Chair
Scott Burton, 1981
* small chair
* In the Anne d'Harnoncourt Sculpture Garden. Anne d'Harnocourt Drive (25th and Kelly Drive to the Spring Garden Bridge).
* 39.967175,-75.181450 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Scott Burton page



Sculpture Garden Wall Fountain
2010 (approximate)
* fountain
* Wall. Northwest corner of the Anne d'Harnoncourt Sculpture Garden. Anne d'Harnocourt Drive (25th and Kelly Drive to the Spring Garden Bridge).
* 39.967375,-75.182650 [map] [nearby]



Pyramid (Philadelphia)
Sol LeWitt, 2010 (realized)
* abstract pyramid
* West end of the Anne d'Harnoncourt Sculpture Garden. Anne d'Harnocourt Drive (25th and Kelly Drive to the Spring Garden Bridge).
* 39.967150,-75.182350 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Sol LeWitt page



Steps (Philadelphia)
Sol LeWitt, 2010 (realized)
* abstract steps
* West end of the Anne d'Harnoncourt Sculpture Garden. Anne d'Harnocourt Drive (25th and Kelly Drive to the Spring Garden Bridge).
* 39.967100,-75.182300 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Sol LeWitt page



Flukes
Gordon Gund, 2007
* abstract whale flukes
* In the Anne d'Harnoncourt Sculpture Garden. Anne d'Harnocourt Drive (25th and Kelly Drive to the Spring Garden Bridge).
* 39.967150,-75.182500 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+gordongund.com



General Casimir Pulaski
Sidney Waugh, 1947
* Statue of Casimir Pulaski
* standing person, sword, plant
* inscription:
1748-1779
Native of Poland
General of the Continental Army
Despairing of liberty in his native land he volunteered his services to the American Patriots.
Gave his life at the siege of Savannah.
 * Part of the William M. Reilly Memorial. On the hill, South side of Kelly Drive, West of 26th.
* 39.966850,-75.182400 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: War
* See also:
+Max Buten's picture of this piece
+phillyhistory.org 1959 picture of this piece
+wikipedia.org's Sidney Waugh page
+wikipedia.org's Casimir Pulaski page



John Paul Jones
Walker Hancock, 1957
* Statue of John Paul Jones
* standing person, hat, telescope, sword
* inscription:
1747-1792.
Sailor and diplomat, commander of squadrons.
Against desperate odds, his own ship afire and sinking, he defeated the British man-of-war Serapis and established our power upon the seas.
He gave our Navy its first traditions of heroism and victory.
 * Part of the William M. Reilly Memorial. On the hill, South side of Kelly Drive, West of 26th.
* 39.967050,-75.182625 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: War
* See also:
+phillyhistory.org 1959 picture of this piece
+wikipedia.org's Walker Hancock page
+wikipedia.org's John Paul Jones page



General Friedrich von Steuben
Warren Wheelock, 1947
* Statue of Friedrich von Steuben
* standing person, hat, sword
* inscription:
1730-1794
Native of Prussia
Professional Soldier
He served the cause of American Independence as Major General and Inspector General. He perfected the training and organization of the Continental Army
 * Part of the William M. Reilly Memorial. On the hill, South side of Kelly Drive, West of 26th.
* 39.967250,-75.182900 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: War
* See also:
+askart.com's Warren Wheelock page
+wikipedia.org's Friedrich Von Steuben page



Fountain of the Sea Horses
1740 (1926 replica)
* fountain, horses
* River side of Kelly Drive, at the bottom of the ramp at the back of the museum.
* 39.967555,-75.183650 [map] [nearby]



Bath
1500 - 1600 (approximate)
* small standing people, plants, musical instruments, goblet
* West end of the Azalea Garden. Kelly Drive, West of 26th.
* 39.968950,-75.184300 [map] [nearby]



Puma
William Zorach, 1954
* puma
* South end of the Azalea Garden. 26th and Kelly Drive.
* 39.967750,-75.182950 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Favorites
* See also:
+wikipedia.org William Zorach page


Possible trip extension:Kelly Drive (across Kelly Drive at Fairmount)
Possible trip extension:Parkway and Pennsylvania (in reverse: across Kelly and Pennsylvania at 26th)

See Also

+theolinstudio.com's Anne d'Harnoncourt Sculpture Garden page
+philamuseum.org
+tclf.org's Azalea Garden page
+fairmountwaterworks.org
+associationforpublicart.org's William M. Reilly Memorial page