Philadelphia Public Art @philart.net

Tour: Old City

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The Old City Tour includes most of Old City minus the parts on the Penn's Landing, Independence Mall, and Washington Square tours. It starts on the North side of Walnut, East of 3rd, and goes

West across 3rd
North on the West side of 3rd to Chestnut
slightly East on the South side of Chestnut
back across Chestnut and 3rd
West on the North side of Chestnut to the Franklin Court walkway
North through Franklin Court to Market
West on Market to 4th
North on 4th Across Arch
East on Arch across 2nd
North on 2nd across Quarry
West on Quarry to 3rd
slightly South on 3rd
North on 3rd to Race
West on Race to 4th
North on 4th to Wood

Lions
John D. Battin, Jr., Henry Fiorelli, 1838 (reported year of installation)
* lions
* At the top of the two staircases. East side of the Philadelphia Exchange. North side of Walnut, East of 3rd.
* 39.947125,-75.145775 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+phillyhistory.org 1915 picture with this piece visible

Bicentennial Bell
Holzman Iron Studio, Studio Bryan Hanes, Whitechapel Bell Foundry, 2024 (the bell itself is 1976)
* quote from and relief bust of Elizabeth II
* actual bell, ideas, head, crown, fish head fountain
* The bell was originally installed in the tower of the old Visitor Center at 3rd and Chestnut. The bell itself is now in the center of the garden. The names of the 13 colonies are carved into the walk around the bell. The fountain, bust of the queen, and text of her speech are on the North wall.
* inscription:
Bell:
FOR THE
PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
FROM THE
PEOPLE OF BRITAIN
4 JULY, 1976
LET FREEDOM RING

Wall:
HERE, ON JULY 6, 1976, HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II
OF GREAT BRITAIN PRESENTED THE BICENTENNIAL BELL
TO THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES, IN THESE WORDS:

I speak to you as the direct descendant of King George III.
He was the last Crowned Sovereign to rule in this country, and it
is therefore with a particular personal interest that I view those
events which took place 200 years ago.

It seems to me that Independence Day, the Fourth of July, should
be celebrated as much in Britain as IN America. Not in recjoicing
at the separation of the American Colonies from the British
Crown but in sincere gratitude to the Founding Fathers of this
great Republic for having taught Britain a very valuable lesson.

We lost the American Colonies because we lacked that
statesmanship "to know the right time, and the manner of yielding,
what is impossible to keep".

But the lesson was learnt. In the next century and a half we kept
more closely to the principles of Magna Carta which have been
the common heritage of both our countries.

We learnt to respect the right of others to govern themselves in
their own ways. This was the outcome of experience learned the
hard way in 1776. Without that great act in the cause of liberty
performed in Independence Hall two hundred years ago, we
could never have transformed an Empire into a Commonwealth!

Ultimately peace brought a renewal of friendship which has
continued and grown over the years and has played a vital part
in world affairs. Together we have fought in two world wars in
the defence of our common heritage of freedom. Together we
have striven to keep the peace so dearly won. Together, as
friends and allies, we can face the uncertainties of the future,
and this is something for which we in Britain can also celeberate
the Fourth of July.

This morning I saw the famout Liberty Bell. It came here over
200 years ago when Philadelphia, after London, was the largest
English speaking City in the world. It was cast to commemorate
the Pennsylvania Charter of Privileges, but it is better known for
its association with the Declaration of Independence.

Today, to mark the 200th anniversary of that declaration,
it gives me the greatest pleasure, on behalf of the British people,
to present a new bell to the people of the United States of
America. It comes from the same foundry as the Liberty Bell,
but written on the side of this Bicentennial Bell are the wrds
"Let Freedom Ring".

It is a message in which both our people can join and which
I hope will be heard around the world for centuries to come.
* Northwest corner, 3rd and Walnut.
* 39.947350,-75.146575 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+ironstudioltd.com
+studiobryanhanes.com
+wikipedia.org's Whitechapel Bell Foundry page
+wikipedia.org's Elizabeth II page

Eagle
* small eagle, arrows, olive branch
* Gate. South side of the First Bank of the United States. West side of 3rd between Chestnut and Walnut.
* 39.947900,-75.146350 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Unidentified

Eagle
Claudius F. Le Grand and Sons, 1797
* eagle, food, shield and arrows, olive branch
* Pediment. First Bank of the United States. West side of 3rd between Chestnut and Walnut.
* 39.948050,-75.146250 [map] [nearby]

The Arsenal of Independence
Robert A. M. Stern Architects, 2017
* Reference to Benjamin Flower
* cannon barrels, sign
* inscription: (partial)
Imagine this neighborhood filled with the sights, sounds, and smells of war. Philadelphia's tradesmen and women produced muskets, cannon, ammunition, wagons, ships, uniforms and flags that helped to win American Independence. In 1775, hat maker Benjamin Flower lived just a block from where you are standing. He joined the Revolutionary cause and became Commissary General of Military Stores for the Continental Army.
* in front of the Museum of the American Revolution. Southeast Corner, 3rd and Chestnut.
* 39.948525,-75.145935 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: War
* See also:
+ramsa.com
+Orders to Benjamin Flower from George Washington on founders.archives.gov

Washington Crossing the Delaware
Guangxi Qihe Bronze Studio, Emanuel Leutze, Dr. QiongZhao (Ellen) Schicktanz, 2017 (installed)
* Full figure relief of George Washington
* small people, mostly seated, some standing, hats, weapons, flag, boat with oars, clouds, horses
* inscription: (partial)
This bronze sculpture replicates the famous painting, Washington Crossing the Delaware by Emanuel Leutze. It depicts Gen. George Washington leading the Continental Army on a dangerous nighttime crossing of the Delaware River on December 25, 1776 to attack Hessian troops stationed at Trenton. His attack was a final, desperate effort to gain a victory after months of defeats had reduced the Army to a small, exhausted, and demoralized force. Washington's success at Trenton reinvigorated the American cause and kept the Revolution alive.
The painting captures the drama, danger, and desperation of the river crossing, even though a number of details are historically inaccurate, such as the type of boat. The artist, Emanuel Luenze, grew up and was trained in Philadelphia, but created the painting in 1850 after he returned to his native Germany. The painting was a sensation when it was displayed in America the following year.
The sculpture is a donation from Dr. QiongZhao (Ellen) Schicktanz, a naturalized Asian-American artist, in gratitude for her life as an American Citizen.
* North wall. Museum of the American Revolution. South side of Chestnut, East of 3rd.
* 39.948495,-75.145650 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: War
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Emanuel Leutze page
+americangoddessartmuseum.com
+wikipedia.org's George Washington page

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]
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Robert Venturi page
+wikipedia.org's Denise Scott Brown page
+ushistory.org's The Electric Ben Franklin

Thirteen into One
Harold Kimmelman, 1977
* abstract idea representation
* Fenced garden, East of 4th, North of Market. Visible through the fence at the East end next to the walkway.
* 39.950825,-75.146300 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+hksculpt.com

University of Pennsylvania Class of 1930 Plaque
1980
* Bas relief bust of Benjamin Franklin
* small head, seal of the University of Pennsylvania
* inscription: Benjamin Franklin
1706-1790
The class of 1930 at its 50th Reunion honors Benjamin Franklin founder of the University of Pennsylvania which began at this site in 1749 and which in 1779 became the first University in this nation. We recognize the growth of our beloved institution from small beginning to world renown. May our fellow men note our affection for the University and our respect for its architect.
* Wall. West side of 4th, just South of Arch.
* 39.952250,-75.146900 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+ushistory.org's The Electric Ben Franklin

Benjamin Franklin in Fireman's Hat
Dexter Jones, 1968
* Head of Benjamin Franklin
* big head, hat
* South wall. Engine 8. North side of Arch, East of 4th.
* 39.952425,-75.146450 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Police and Fire Fighters
* See also:
+woodmereartmuseum.org's Dexter Jones page
+nationalsculpture.org's Dexter Jones Award
+ushistory.org's The Electric Ben Franklin

October 4, 1922 Fire Memorial Plaque
2014 (approximate)
* Memorial to Albert Fischer, Thomas Gilloway, Patrick A. Murray and Edward Paxson
* Philadelphia Fire Department insignia
* inscription:
Ladderman Thomas Gilloway Truck 2
Ladderman Edward Paxson Truck 2
Hoseman Patrick A. Murray Engine 21
Hoseman Albert Fischer Engine 21
Who died in the line of duty while serving the citizens of Philadelphia on October 4, 1922
Dedicated by their family and friends
* Wall. North side of Arch, East of 4th..
* 39.952420,-75.146375 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Police and Fire Fighters
* See also:
+newspapers.com clip about the fire and the firefighters

Keys to Community
James Peniston, 2007
* bust incorporating symbol of Benjamin Franklin
* big head and torso, keys
* On top of the wall. Girard Fountain Park. North side of Arch, East of 4th.
* 39.952415,-75.146300 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Favorites
* See also:
+artist's page for this piece
+jepsculpture.com
+ushistory.org's The Electric Ben Franklin

Hippo Head Fountain
1976
* hippo head fountain
* inscription: Funds for this park were granted by the Board of City Trusts from a fund created by the estate of Stephen Girard for the improvement of the Delaware front of the city
* Courtyard.. Girard Fountain Park. North side of Arch, East of 4th.
* 39.952425,-75.146290 [map] [nearby]

Cats
Henry Mitchell, 1974
* small cats
* On what was probably once a fountain that is now mostly used for sitting and flowerpots and is almost always surrounded by people.
* Courtyard. Betsy Ross House. North side of Arch East of 3rd.
* 39.952300,-75.144675 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+cantonartcollection.com's Henry Mitchell bio

Elfreth's Alley Sign
* small houses, sign
* South side of Elfreth's Alley. East side of 2nd, North of Arch.
* 39.952825,-75.143020 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Unidentified

Fireman's Hall Sign
* small sign, fire engine, horse, sitting people, helmets
* South wall. Fireman's Hall Museum. Just East of 2nd and Quarry.
* 39.953230,-75.142850 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Police and Fire Fighters

Gulf Refinery Fire Memorial
2007
* Plaques in memory of John Andrews, Carrol Brenek, Ralph Campana, Robert J. Fisher, Hugh McIntyre, Roger Parker, James Pouliot and Joseph R. Wiley
* Philadelphia Fire Department insignia
* inscription:
The plaques below memorialize those firefighters who lost their lives at the Gulf Refinery Fire on August 17, 1975
* Sidewalk. On the West side of Fireman's Hall Museum. East side of 2nd, North of Quarry.
* 39.953290,-75.142910 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Police and Fire Fighters
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's 1975 Philadelphia Refinery Fire page

At the Center
Gord Peteran, 2011 (year the Museum (formerly the Center) moved into the building)
* carved concentric circles
* The door handles are attributed to Louis Bower of the John Grass Wood Turning Company
* Delivery doors. Museum for Art in Wood. East side of 3rd, South of Quarry.
* 39.953380,-75.144890 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+pdf about the John Grass Wood Turning Company
+Gord Peteran's page on instagram.com

Charles E. Schaeffer, D.D., S.T.D.
1975
* Plaque with bas relief bust of Charles E. Schaeffer
* small head and shoulders
* inscription:
Charles E. Schaeffer, D.D., S.T.D.
1867-1966
In grateful appreciation of his loyal and distinguished service to the Old First Evangelical and Reformed Church and for his Christian service in the church-at-large, distinguishing himself as General Secretary of the Board for Home Missions from 1908-1941.
He served in various capacities over the years at home and abroad in the Reformed Church and was a staunch supporter of the present United Church of Christ. Therefore this garden is dedicated in his honor on October 26, 1975.
* East inside front garden wall. Old First Reformed. South side of Race, East of 4th.
* 39.954000,-75.145815 [map] [nearby]

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]
* See also:
+spanamwar.com's Michael Borsuk memorial page

Possible trip extension:Northern Liberties (North under Vine to Callowhill and East to 3rd)
Possible trip extension:Penn's Landing (North under Vine to Callowhill and East to Front.)

Tour: Old City

See Also