Philadelphia Public Art @philart.net
Tour: Convention District
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The Convention District tour will take you past or through a number of landmarks around the Pennsylvania Convention Center: the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Chinatown, the African American Museum, Fashion District Philadelphia, Market East Station, Reading Terminal Market, SEPTA headquarters and St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. The tour starts on the East side of Broad, North of Arch, at the main entrance of the Pennsylvania Convention Center, then runs
- North on Broad across Vine
- slightly East on Vine
- back West across Broad
- South on Broad to Arch
- East on Arch to 13th
- South on 13th to Cuthbert
- East on Cuthbert to 12th
- North on 12th to Arch
- East on Arch to 10th
- North on 10th to Vine
- East on Vine to 8th
- South on the West side of 8th past Race
- back North to Race
- across 8th and Race to the Northeast corner
- back across Race to the Southeast corner
- East on the South side of Race across 7th
- South on the East side of 7th to Cherry
- across 7th at Cherry
- South on the West side of 7th across Arch
- across 7th
- half a block South on the East side of 7th
- back to and across Arch
- West on Arch across 9th
- South on the West side of 9th to Market
- into and West through Fashion District Philadelphia if it's open or
- West on the North side of Market and down into Market East station
- Up to the Headhouse entrance
- out to the curb on Market and than back inside again
- up in to the Headhouse on the escalators to the second floor to see cirque, CIRQUE
- back down to the first floor
- North through the hallway on the first floor to Reading Terminal Market (you may need to go back down through Market East Station)
- across Filbert in to Reading Terminal Market to see Philbert
- out the West side of the Market to 12th
- South on 12th across Filbert
- West across 12th to the Southwest corner
- South on 12th to Market
- down in to the 13th Street El stop to see the North side of Riders
- Back up and across Market
- Down in to the concourse again to see the South side of Riders
- In to 1234 Market and up the escalator to the ground floor
- West on the South side of Market to 13th
- South on the East side of 13th half a block on Ludlow
- East on Ludlow half a block and back
- South on 13th across Clover
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]
* See also:
+artist's page for this piece
+thelightingpractice.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]
* See also:
+brownsprague.com
Our Lady of Grace
George M. Kelly
* Statue of Mary
* standing person,
halo,
head covering
* Accessible when the school is open. Clearly visible when the gate is closed.
* inscription:
by George M. Kelly S.C. / Class of 1970
* South entrance.
Roman Catholic High School.
North side of Vine, East of Broad.
* 39.958110,-75.161770 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Religious
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Mary, mother of Jesus page
Dr. Beukenkamp
T.J. Dixon,
James Nelson,
1998
* statue of Cornelius F.J. Beukenkamp Jr.
* small
sitting person,
bench
* visible through the fence
* Broad and Vine, Northwest corner.
* 39.958225,-75.162600 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+NY State Department of Health 1994 License Surrender Record for Cornelius Beukenkamp
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]
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Claes Oldenburg page
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts Stonework
Frank Furness (Architect),
1876
* plants
* Front and side walls.
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.
West side of Broad, North of Arch.
* 39.955300,-75.163175 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Favorites
* See also:
+philadelphiabuilding.org entry for the building
+wikipedia.org's Frank Furness page
Hemicycle Decorative Plaque
Alexander Kemp,
1877
* Representations of Fra Angelico,
Antonello da Messina,
Arnolfo di Cambio,
Baccio Bandinelli,
Fra Bartolommeo,
Giovanni Bellini,
Pierre Bontemps,
Donato Bramante,
Filippo Brunelleschi,
Correggio,
Benedetto da Maiano,
Luca della Robbia,
Domenichino,
Donatello,
Albrecht Durer,
Lorenzo Ghiberti,
Giorgione,
Giotto,
Jean Goujon,
Holbein,
Eustache Le Sueur,
Leonardo da Vinci,
Pierre Lescot,
Masaccio,
Michelangelo,
Bartolome Esteban Murillo,
Orcagna,
Bernard Palissy,
Andrea Palladio,
Giovanni Pisano,
Nicolas Poussin,
Raphael,
Rembrandt,
Robert of Luzarches,
Peter Paul Rubens,
Titian,
Anthony van Dyck,
Jan van Eyck,
Velasquez,
Paolo Veronese
and
Peter Vischer
* groups of people,
some standing,
some sitting,
hats,
dogs
* Attribution and list of portrayed people are based on the Smithsonian catalog with corrected spellings and attempted disambiguations where reasonably obvious.
* Front wall.
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.
West side of Broad, North of Arch.
* 39.955150,-75.163225 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Fra Angelico page
+wikipedia.org's Antonello da Messina page
+wikipedia.org's Arnolfo di Cambio page
+wikipedia.org's Baccio Bandinelli page
+wikipedia.org's Fra Bartolomeo page
+wikipedia.org's Giovanni Bellini page
+wikipedia.org's Pierre Bontemps page
+wikipedia.org's Donato Bramante page
+wikipedia.org's Filippo Brunelleschi page
+wikipedia.org's Correggio page
+wikipedia.org's Benedetto da Maiano page
+wikipedia.org's Luca della Robbia page
+wikipedia.org's Domenichino page
+wikipedia.org's Donatello page
+wikipedia.org's Albrecht Durer page
+wikipedia.org's Lorenzo Ghiberti page
+wikipedia.org's Giorgione page
+wikipedia.org's Giotto page
+wikipedia.org's Jean Goujon page
+wikipedia.org's Hans Holbein the Elder page
+wikipedia.org's Hans Holbein the Younger page
+wikipedia.org's Eustache Le Sueur page
+wikipedia.org's Leonardo da Vinci page
+wikipedia.org's Pierre Lescot page
+wikipedia.org's Masaccio page
+wikipedia.org's Michelangelo page
+wikipedia.org's Bartolome Esteban Murillo page
+wikipedia.org's Orcagna page
+wikipedia.org's Bernard Palissy page
+wikipedia.org's Andrea Palladio page
+wikipedia.org's Giovanni Pisano page
+wikipedia.org's Nicolas Poussin page
+wikipedia.org's Raphael page
+wikipedia.org's Rembrandt page
+wikipedia.org's Robert of Luzarches page
+wikipedia.org's Peter Paul Rubens page
+wikipedia.org's Titian page
+wikipedia.org's Anthony van Dyck page
+wikipedia.org's Jan van Eyck page
+wikipedia.org's Velasquez page
+wikipedia.org's Paolo Veronese page
+wikipedia.org's Peter Vischer page
+The Project Gutenberg eBook, Peter Vischer
Liberty Title Building Dragons
1929
* small
dragons
* Entrance.
South side of the Aloft Hotel.
North side of Arch, East of Broad.
* 39.954465,-75.162790 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+philadelphiabuildings.org's entry for the building
Elk Head
1904
* elk head
* Wall.
South side of Arch, between 13th and Juniper.
* 39.954120,-75.161625 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+philadelphiabuildings.org entry for the building
Contrafuerte
Miguel Horn,
2021
* big
people,
hunched and sitting
* Bridge across the alley.
Cuthbert, West of 12th.
* 39.953440,-75.160185 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+artist's page for this piece
+miguelhorn.art
Lions (Reading Terminal)
* lion heads
* North Wall.
Reading Terminal Market.
South side of Arch between 11th and 12th.
* 39.953850,-75.159375 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Unidentified
Reading Terminal Market Signs
2012 (approximate)
* small
signs:
flowers,
food,
flatware on a plate,
fish,
cow,
chicken
* West and North walls.
Reading Terminal Market.
South side of Arch East of 12th and East side of 12th between Arch and Filbert.
* 39.953600,-75.159450 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Unidentified
China Gate
Sabrina Soong,
1984
* big
arch
* Spanning 10th Street, North of Arch.
* 39.953700,-75.156250 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+legacy.com's Sabrina Soong obituary
Chinatown YMCA Dragons
1971
* small
dragons,
plants,
water
* Wall.
East side of 10th, South of Cherry.
* 39.954235,-75.156075 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+philadelphiabuildings.org entry for the building
Gate
* symbol
* Gate.
Southeast corner, 10th and Spring.
* 39.955925,-75.155650 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Unidentified
Chinatown Sound Barrier
1991
* symbol and text
* Wall.
South side of Vine at 10th.
* 39.956725,-75.155750 [map] [nearby]
Foo Dogs
2011
* lions
* Bridge over I-676.
West side of 10th at Vine.
* 39.957000,-75.155700 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+wikipedia.org Chinese Guardian Lions page
Lin Zexu Memorial Statue
2012 (installed)
* Statue of Lin Zexu
* standing person,
hat,
telescope,
sword
* inscription:
Summary
Lin Zexu (1785-1850) was a Chinese scholar and
official during the late Qing dynasty. He is
most famous for his fight against opium smuggling
in Guangzhou, China. In 1838, Lin was sent to
Guanadong to halt the importation of opium by
the British. He confiscated more than 20,000
chests of opium and supervised its destruction
during a 23-day campaign beginning on June 3,
1839 in Humen China. This action is usually
considered to be the primary catalyst for the
first Opium War (1839-1842) between Britain and
China. In recognition of his valiant fight against
narcotics and British invasion, Lin is highly
respected in the history of China as national hero.
* Bridge over I-676.
West side of 10th at Vine.
* 39.956900,-75.155750 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: War
* See also:
+wikipedia.org Lin Zexu page
Saint Francis of Assisi
* Statue of Saint Francis of Assisi
* small
standing person,
bird
* In front of Holy Redeemer Chinese Catholic Church.
Northeast corner, 10th and Vine.
* 39.957310,-75.155325 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Religious,
Unidentified
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Francis of Assisi page
Jesus
2014 (installed, based on June 2014 Street View)
* Statue of Jesus
* standing person
* inscription:
In loving memory of
Joseph James Moy
1924-1963
* On top of the South wall.
Holy Redeemer Chinese Catholic Church.
North side of Vine, West of 9th.
* 39.957215,-75.154300 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Religious,
Unidentified
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Jesus page
Chinatown Zodiac Medallions
Andrews Lefevre Studios,
2012
* symbols,
rat,
ox,
tiger,
rabbit,
dragon,
snake,
horse,
sheep (ram),
monkey,
rooster,
dog,
pig
* Sidewalks.
North side of Vine, East of 9th. The small medallions are arranged along Vine between 9th and 10th and along 10th North and South of Vine.
* 39.957170,-75.153823 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+artist's article about this piece
+andrewslefevre.wordpress.com
Tree of Life
Gerd Utescher,
1977
* abstract
tree
* Entrance.
West side of 8th Street, South of Race.
* 39.954700,-75.153040 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+askart.com's Gerd Utescher page
Odyssey
Tony Rosenthal,
1983
* disks
* Northeast corner, 8th and Race.
* 39.955225,-75.152375 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Tony Rosenthal page
American Song
Eric Parks,
1988
* sitting person,
flute
* Parking lot, East side of 7th between Arch and Race.
* 39.954160,-75.150810 [map] [nearby]
Balance
Jill Sablosky,
2009
* abstract
furniture forms,
steles,
ideas
* inscription:
E Pluribus Unum
Out of Many One
* Northwest corner, 7th and Appletree.
* 39.953550,-75.151600 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+jillsablosky.com
Nesaika
John Rhoden,
1976
* abstract
standing person
* Outside the African American Museum.
Northwest corner, 7th and Arch.
* 39.953250,-75.151600 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Black Lives
* See also:
+nytimes.com John Rhoden obituary
The Whispering Bells of Freedom
Reginald Beauchamp,
1976
* Memorial to Crispus Attucks
* bells,
buildings,
people
standing,
prone,
weapons,
hats,
dog
* inscription:
The whispering bells of freedom in honor of Crispus Attucks
Who on March 5, 1770 was killed by British troops in Boston while protesting conditions under the crown.
These whispers of freedom grew into the crescendo of the Declaration of Independence and the first ringing of the Liberty Bell in Independence Hall.
* Outside the African American Museum.
Northwest corner, 7th and Arch.
* 39.953125,-75.151650 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: War,
Black Lives
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Reginald Beauchamp page
+wikipedia.org's Crispus Attucks page
United States Mint Historical Plaque
1992
* small
buildings,
standing people,
sitting people,
cart,
horses,
plants,
flags,
clouds
* inscription:
On this site stood The First United States Mint
First Public Building Authorized by the
United States Government
This plaque dedicated for the bicentennial
of the U.S. Mint 1792-1992
First Mint 1792-1833 7th Street between Market and Arch
Second Mint 1833-1901 Juniper and Chestnut Sts.
Third Mint 1901-1969 16th and Spring Garden Sts.
Fourth Mint 1969 - 5th and Arch Sts.
* Wall.
East side of 7th between Market and Arch.
* 39.952240,-75.151550 [map] [nearby]
Parkade on 8th
WRT,
2015
* big
abstract colored forms,
lights
* Parking garage.
South side of Arch, spanning 8th.
* 39.953065,-75.153100 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+wrtdesign.com page for this piece
+wrtdesign.com
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]
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]
* See also:
+soft-lab.com
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]
* Exhibits: Mosaic,
Mass Transit
* See also:
+picture from flickr.com
Bike Terminal
Nathaniel Ross,
2014
* small
abstract
representation of the Reading Terminal train shed
* Bike rack.
In front of the Reading Terminal Headhouse. Convention Center.
North side of Market, East of 12th.
* 39.951910,-75.159190 [map] [nearby]
Convention Center Logo
1993
* abstract
logo
* Based on the original logo of the Convention Center, which was supposed to evoke the train shed.
* Sidewalk.
In front of the Reading Terminal Headhouse. Convention Center.
North side of Market, East of 12th.
* 39.951965,-75.159311 [map] [nearby]
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]
* See also:
+judypfaffstudio.com
Philbert
Eric Berg,
Victoria Davila,
1995
* pig,
food (painted tiles)
* The market is not always open. Check hours before visiting.
* inscription:
By feeding Philbert you will help improve the health of people in needy communities by providing fresh, nutritious food and nutrition education. Philbert is sponsored by CoreStates Bank for the benefit of the Reading Terminal Market Trust
* Inside.
Reading Terminal Market.
Southeast corner, 12th and Arch.
* 39.953400,-75.159025 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Mosaic
* See also:
+artist's page for this piece
+bergbronze.com
+victoriadavila.com
World Park
Ned Smyth,
1995
* abstract
architectural elements,
globe
* This piece is listed elsewhere as "World Park: Orders and Perspectives". The shorter title is from the artist's web site.
* Plaza.
Southwest corner, 12th and Filbert.
* 39.952800,-75.159875 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+nedsmyth.com
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]
Riders
William Daniel Travis,
2012
* small
people
standing
* visible through the concourse walls
* Both platforms.
13th Street L Station.
Underneath Market between 12th and 13th.
* 39.951950,-75.160700 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Mass Transit
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]
* 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
PTC Bus No. 1312
ACF-Brill Motors Co.,
1949
* front of an actual bus
* The original was a 1948 model C-44.
This is a reconstruction from a donated 1949 model C-36.
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.
* 39.951800,-75.160825 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Mass Transit
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's J.G. Brill Company 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]
* See also:
+robinfredenthal.com
Ice
Robinson Fredenthal,
1973
* abstract
frozen water
* Usually open, visible through the window when not
* In the concourse stairwell.
1234 Market.
Southeast corner 13th and Market.
* 39.951900,-75.161300 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+robinfredenthal.com
Fire
Robinson Fredenthal,
1973
* abstract
fire
* Plaza.
Behind 1234 Market.
North side of Ludlow, East of 13th.
* 39.951385,-75.160700 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+robinfredenthal.com
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]
* See also:
+joshsarantitis.com
The Tableau
1986
* Representations of Adam,
David,
Eve,
Isaiah
and
The Magi
* groups of people,
standing people,
furniture,
sitting people,
headgear,
staffs, crutch,
tools,
Earth,
sun, moon, planets, stars,
water,
buildings,
plants,
lion,
lamb,
food,
serpent,
symbols
* Includes a representation of the City Hall William Penn
* inscription:
A series of 8 Sculptured Murals commissioned by
Monsigner Charles V. Devlin, PA, in 1986.
The first half of the tableau tells a story via
excerpts from biblical history from the
creation of the world to the birth of Jesus Christ:
I. Creation
II. Expulsion from the Garden of Eden
III. The Prophet Isaiah prophesying the Messiah
IV. King David
V. The Three Wisemen of the Epiphnany
The second half depicts the mission of St. John
the Evangelist Church and how we can all continue
the mystery of God's love by caring for the needs of:
VI. The sick
VII. The homeless and needy
VIII. The imprisoned
"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was
thirsty and you gave me drink, I was naked and
you clothed me, ...I was ill and you comforted me,
in prison and you came to visit me."
* North side of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.
East side of 13th between Chestnut and Market.
* 39.951300,-75.161300 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Religious
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Adam page
+wikipedia.org's David page
+wikipedia.org's Eve page
+wikipedia.org's Isaiah page
+wikipedia.org's Magi page
Mary
* statue of Mary
* small
standing person,
head covered,
rosary
* North side of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.
East side of 13th between Chestnut and Market.
* 39.951300,-75.161275 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Religious
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Mary, mother of Jesus page
St. John's Fire Memorial
2011
* In memory of William Chance,
Hugh Duffy,
James Shea
and
George Steinle
* Philadelphia Fire Department insignia
* inscription:
Hoseman George Steinle
Died in the line of duty protecting the
citizens of Philadelphia on February 17, 1899
Hoseman William Chance
Died in the line of duty protecting the
citizens of Philadelphia on February 17, 1899
Hoseman Hugh Duffy
Died in the line of duty protecting the
citizens of Philadelphia on February 17, 1899
Hoseman James Shea
Died in the line of duty protecting the
citizens of Philadelphia on March 2, 1899
* Sidewalk.
In front of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.
East side of 13th between Chestnut and Market.
* 39.951375,-75.161500 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Police and Fire Fighters
St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church
1830
* Statues of Saint John,
Saint Luke,
Saint Mark
and
Saint Matthew
* small
standing people,
books and scrolls
* The four evangelists are displayed here top to bottom (left to right facing the church) in canonical (reverse alphabetical) order.
* Entrance pillars.
St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.
East side of 13th between Chestnut and Market.
* 39.951275,-75.161510 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Religious
* See also:
+philadelphiabuildings.org entry for the building
+wikipedia.org's John the Evangelist page
+wikipedia.org's Luke the Evangelist page
+wikipedia.org's Mark the Evangelist page
+wikipedia.org's Matthew the Apostle page
Hairdressing Sign
1887
* sign
* inscription:
Ladies' and Children's Hair Dressing
* Second floor bay.
East side of 13th, North of Chestnut.
* 39.950945,-75.161585 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+hiddencityphila.org article about this sign
Possible trip extension:City Hall (back to Market, West 1 block to Juniper, South and West around the outside of Penn Square across Broad)
Possible trip extension:Gayborhood (in reverse: South to Chestnut, West to Juniper)
See Also
+Center City District
+wikipedia.org's 13th Street Station page
+aampmuseum.org
+paconvention.com
+fashiondistrictphiladelphia.com
+wikipedia.org's page for Fashion District Philadelphia
+hardrock.com's Philadelphia page
+holyredeemerccc.org
+wikipedia.org's Jefferson Station page
+pafa.org
+Reading Terminal Market
+romancatholichs.com
+stjohnsphilly.org