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 across Market
West on the South side of Market to 1234
In to 1234 Market and down the escalator to the museum on the concourse level
Out into the concourse and then back in to the exit stairs and up to 13th
South on the East side of 13th half a block to 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:
+lagunahillsca.gov T.J. Dixon and James Nelson page
+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

Liberty Title Building Dragons
Savery and Scheetz (Architects), 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
+philadelphiabuildings.org's Savery and Scheetz page

Elk Head
Francis G. Caldwell (Architect), Edward Paul Simon (Architect), 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
+philadelphiabuildings.org's Francis G. Caldwell page
+philadelphiabuildings.org's Edward Paul Simon page

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

Chinese Cultural and Community Center Dragons
Yang Cho-cheng (Architect), 1971
* small dragons, plants, water
* philadelphiabuildings.org lists C.C. Yang as the supervising architect. A preservationalliance.com document lists Yang Cho-cheng (also Yang Chou-cheng) as C.C. Yang.
* Wall. East side of 10th, South of Cherry.
* 39.954235,-75.156075 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+philadelphiabuildings.org entry for the building
+preservationalliance.com document listing Yang Cho-cheng
+wikipedia.org's Yang Cho-cheng page

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, 1976
* sitting person, flute
* There are a couple of online references to this statue having been installed at the entrance of the Living History Center in 1976. The Smithsonian only lists a 1988 copy at King's College in Wilkes-Barre. This seems more likely to be the 1976 copy, as it is in a parking lot behind WHYY, which is where the Living History Center used to be.
* Parking lot, East side of 7th between Arch and Race.
* 39.954160,-75.150810 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+elvisnews.com article about Eric Parks

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

The Dragons
Ward Tomlinson Elicker, 2009
* big dragons
* On top of the parking lot wall. North side of Arch, East of 9th.
* 39.953375,-75.154100 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+elickersculpture.com

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 (Architect), 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
+whyy.org article about Shirt Corner Plus mentioning David Beck
+nytimes.com article about Philadelphia alleys quoting David Beck

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 the Pig
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:
+bergbronze.com'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]

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

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

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:
+publicartarchive.org's page for this piece
+publicartarchive.org's Kathryn Pannepacker page
+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
Frank Rushmore Watson (Architect), 1902
* 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. As the original building burned down in 1899, I am assuming the art dates from the 1902 building.
* 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
+philadelphiabuildings.org Frank Rushmore Watson page
+wikipedia.org's John the Evangelist page
+wikipedia.org's Luke the Evangelist page
+wikipedia.org's Mark the Evangelist page
+wikipedia.org's Matthew the Apostle page

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)

Tour: Convention District

See Also