Philadelphia Public Art @philart.net

Tour: Penn Campus

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This tour starts outside the University Museum on South Street in the second courtyard East of 33rd, then goes

University Museum Lower Courtyard Gates
Samuel Yellin, 1920 (approximate)
* abstract ironwork
* Gates. Lower (East) courtyard of the Penn Museum. South side of South Street, East of 33rd.
* 39.949575,-75.190950 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+philadelphiabuildings.orgs's Samuel Yellin page
+samuelyellin.com




Africa, America, Asia, Europe
Alexander Stirling Calder, 1920 (approximate)
* standing people, headgear, weapons, bowl or basket
* Gate posts. Lower (East) courtyard of the Penn Museum. South side of South Street, East of 33rd.
* 39.949450,-75.190800 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Black Lives
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Alexander Stirling Calder page




University Museum Fountain
Alexander Stirling Calder, 1920 (approximate)
* birds, face, fountain
* Inside wall. Lower (East) courtyard of the Penn Museum. South side of South Street, East of 33rd.
* 39.949440,-75.190805 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+phillyhistory.org 1959 picture of this piece
+wikipedia.org's Alexander Stirling Calder page




University Museum Fountain 2
Laurie Olin, 2002
* abstract fountain
* Lower (East) courtyard of the Penn Museum. South side of South Street, East of 33rd.
* 39.949360,-75.190890 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+theolinstudio.com




Guardian Lions
400 - 500
* lions
* Lower (East) courtyard of the Penn Museum. South side of South, East of 33rd.
* 39.949175,-75.191125 [map] [nearby]




University Museum Entrance
Alexander Stirling Calder, 1899 (also listed as c. 1920 and 1931)
* insignia, birds, horizontal and seated people
* Over the door. Through the lower (East) courtyard of the Penn Museum. South side of South Street, East of 33rd.
* 39.949160,-75.191140 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Alexander Stirling Calder page




University Museum Glass Mosaics
Tiffany Glass and Decorating Co., 1899
* abstract geometrics, flowers, flower pots, bowls, and vases, shrimp, birds, cats
* Walls of the Lower Courtyard. Penn Museum. South side of South, East of 33rd.
* 39.949160,-75.191140 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Mosaic
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Louis Comfort Tiffany page




University Museum Medallions
John Ross, 1899
* two people, one standing, one sitting, headgear, scarab, sphinx
* Walls of the Lower Courtyard. Penn Museum. South side of South, East of 33rd.
* 39.949160,-75.191140 [map] [nearby]




University Museum Watering Trough
Alexander Stirling Calder, 1899 (year of building from the Museum's web site)
* small lion's head
* Attribution to Alexander Stirling Calder is based on similarity to other pieces on the building.
* Stairs to the upper courtyard. Penn Museum. South side of South, East of 33rd.
* 39.949915,-75.191360 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Alexander Stirling Calder page




Lion's Head Fountain
Alexander Stirling Calder, 1899 (2004 copy)
* small lion's head fountain
* Visible through the gate when the gate is closed. Previously listed as 1929 but the University Museum web site lists that section as completed in 1899 and the Penn News claims to have an archival photo dating from 1913-1916.
* Upper (West) courtyard. Penn Museum. South side of South, just East of 33rd..
* 39.949700,-75.191600 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Alexander Stirling Calder page




Pompeian Dancing Satyr
1904
* standing person (satyr)
* Listed as a reproduction, no artist
* Upper (West) courtyard. Penn Museum. South side of South, just East of 33rd.
* 39.949630,-75.191610 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Religious




University Museum Upper Entrance
Alexander Stirling Calder, 1899 (year of building)
* standing people, sign, kneeling people
* inscription: Free Museum of Science and Art
* Upper (West) courtyard entrance. Penn Museum. South side of South Street, East of 33rd.
* 39.949630,-75.191660 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Alexander Stirling Calder page




The Alchemist
Donald De Lue, 1940
* seated person, furniture, headgear, alchemy equipment
* Above the entrance. Chemistry Laboratories Cret Wing. North side of Spruce, West of 33rd.
* 39.950510,-75.192050 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+sculptor.org's Donald De Lue page
+wikipedia.org's Donald De Lue page




Edgar Fahs Smith
R. Tait McKenzie, 1925
* Statue of Edgar Fahs Smith
* sitting person, chair, lizard, books, mortarboard, jug or basket
* inscription: Provost, 1911-1920, teacher, investigator, friend. Born 1856 - Died 1928. A tribute of affection from John C. Bell, class of 1889.
* East side of 34th St. at Smith Walk (between Walnut and Spruce).
* 39.951610,-75.192175 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's R. Tait McKenzie page
+wikipedia.org's Edgar Fahs Smith 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]
* See also:
+lawrencetenneystevens.com
+prabook.com's John Harrison page




Column and Capital
1976 (donated, obviously much older)
* column and capital
* inscription:
Ammen, Jordan
(ancient Philadelphia)
Roman Period
Gift to City of Philadelphia from the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan on the occasion of the American Bicentenial, 1976
* In a small park South of Smith Walk between 33rd and 34th.
* 39.951100,-75.191700 [map] [nearby]




Benjamin Franklin
R. Tait McKenzie, 1914
* Statue of Benjamin Franklin
* standing person, hat, walking stick, bag of belongings
* Also listed as "Youthful Franklin." A small version of this piece is in the Children's Department of the main library at 20th and Race.
* inscription:
front: Benjamin Franklin in 1723
left: "I have been the more particular in this description of my journey that you may compare such unlikely beginnings with the figure I have since made there." -Franklin to his son.
right: This memorial dedicated to the Tenth Reunion of the Class of 1904 is a tribute to the inspiration and example of the founder of the University to many generations of the sons of Pennsylvania
* East side of 33rd Street, North of Spruce.
* 39.950800,-75.191000 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's R. Tait McKenzie page
+ushistory.org's The Electric Ben Franklin




Atmosphere and Environment XII
Louise Nevelson, 1974
* abstract forms
* Was next to the back steps of the Art Museum. Moved August, 2019. The first two pictures are from the current location.
* Smith Walk, Southeast of 33rd.
* 39.950960,-75.189650 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Moved
* See also:
+Max Buten's picture of this piece
+Another Max Buten picture of this piece
+si.edu interview with Louise Nevelson
+wikipedia.org's Louise Nevelson page




War Memorial Flagpole
Charles Rudy, 1951
* group of people standing
* Also known as All Wars Memorial to Penn Alumni
* inscription:
The University of Pennsylvania
1740 To her sons who died in the service of their country 1950
A brood of sturdy men who stood for freedom and for truth. -Sir Walter Mitchell, class of 1848.
This memorial presented by Walter H. Annenberg, class of 1931.
* East side of 33rd South of Walnut (across from Smith Walk).
* 39.951375,-75.190180 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: War
* See also:
+michenermuseum.org's Charles Rudy page




Towne Building Face
1906 (year of building)
* small face
* Entrance. West side of 33rd between Smith Walk and Walnut.
* 39.951550,-75.190450 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Gargoyles
* See also:
+upenn.edu page for the building




Eltanin
Bathsheba Grossman, 1992
* abstract form
* On top of the wall. Northeast corner of 33rd and Walnut.
* 39.952650,-75.189875 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+bathsheba.com




We Lost
Tony Smith, 1966
* abstract form
* Formerly on Locust Walk just East of 36th. In September, 2013 it was taken out of storage and installed in front of the new nanotech center. The last picture is from the original location.
* Original location replaced with LOVE
* North side of Walnut, East of 33rd.
* 39.952625,-75.188900 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Favorites, Moved
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Tony Smith page




Fisher-Bennett Gargoyles
1925 (year of building)
* small sitting people, books, eyeglasses
* Entrance. South side of Walnut between 33rd and 34th.
* 39.952585,-75.191295 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Gargoyles
* See also:
+upenn.edu page for the building




Brick House
Simone Leigh, 2019
* big head
* Replaced Black Forest
* Southwest corner, 34th and Walnut.
* 39.952500,-75.192550 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Black Lives
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Simone Leigh page




Pan with Sundial
Beatrice Fenton, 1938
* In memory of organist William Stansfield
* small kneeling person (pan), pipes, plants, sundial
* inscription:
Such harmony is in immortal souls. In loving memory of William Stansfield, FRCO FACO MUS R-PA. Tribute from his loving wife.
* East of the main entrance of the Penn Library. Woodland Walk, West of 34th.
* 39.952385,-75.193500 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Religious
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Beatrice Fenton page




Jerusalem Stabile
Alexander Calder, 1976
* abstract forms
* Moved several yards East since it was first installed. The last picture is from the original location.
* South of Woodland Walk, West of 34th.
* 39.952025,-75.192660 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Moved
* See also:
+Max Buten's picture of this piece
+calder.org




Fisher Fine Arts Library Gargoyles
Frank Furness (Architect), 1891
* dragons
* On the walls. West side of 34th, South of Walnut (Woodland Walk side).
* 39.951700,-75.192975 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Gargoyles
* See also:
+Gargoyle Hunter's page for the building
+philadelphiabuildings.org's entry for the building
+wikipedia.org's Frank Furness page




William Pepper
Karl Bitter, 1896
* Statue of William Pepper
* sitting and kneeling people, chair, plants, staff
* Another copy can be found at the Main Library on the landing of the stairs to the second floor.
* inscription:
M.D. L.L.D.
Provost of the
University
of
Pennsylvania
1881-1894
There will be sleeping enough in the grave.
All things exist in the man tinged with the manners of his soul.
* South side of College Hall. North of Spruce, West of 34th.
* 39.951230,-75.193825 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Karl Bitter page
+wikipedia.org's William Pepper page




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]
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Steve Wynn page




Ivy Day Markers
1936 - 1948
* small ivy leaves, idea
* There are Ivy Day markers all over the Penn campus, but these are particularly sculptural.
* West wall. Irvine Auditorium. Northwest of 34th and Spruce.
* 39.950965,-75.193260 [map] [nearby]




Irvine Auditorium Gargoyles
1926
* small dragon heads
* Wall. South side of Irvine Auditorium. Northwest corner, 34th and Spruce.
* 39.950700,-75.193225 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Gargoyles




Memorial Gate
1902
* idea
* inscription: Inveniemus viam aut faciemus
* Gate. Admissions Walk. North side of Spruce between 34th and 36th.
* 39.950800,-75.194475 [map] [nearby]




Charles Lennig
John J. Boyle, 1900
* Representation of Charles Lennig
* head and upper torso
* Southwest corner of College Hall. North of Spruce, West of 34th.
* 39.951300,-75.194210 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's John J. Boyle page
+sciencehistory.org Group photograph of Charles Lennig and Company employees




Black Forest
Robinson Fredenthal, 1977
* geometric forms
* Was at the Southwest corner of 34th and Walnut until 2020. First two pictures are from the original location.
* Replaced by Brick House
* East side of 36th, South of Locust Walk.
* 39.951625,-75.194925 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Moved
* See also:
+Max Buten's picture of this piece
+robinfredenthal.com




LOVE
Robert Indiana, 1966 (date is from the Penn website)
* idea
* The better known copy is the Love Park LOVE
* This copy replaced We Lost
* Locust Walk, just East of 36th.
* 39.951825,-75.194875 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Peace and Love
* See also:
+Max Buten's picture of this piece
+wikipedia.org's Robert Indiana page
+si.edu interview with Robert Indiana




Horned Face
1914
* small head
* Entrance. North side of Locust Walk just East of 36th.
* 39.952025,-75.194660 [map] [nearby]




Benjamin Franklin
John J. Boyle, 1899
* Statue of Benjamin Franklin
* seated person, chair, papers
* In front of College Hall. Woodland Walk West of 34th Street.
* 39.951950,-75.193700 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Moved
* See also:
+Max Buten's picture of this piece
+phillyhistory.org 1913 picture of this piece at 9th and Chestnut
+wikipedia.org's John J. Boyle page
+ushistory.org's The Electric Ben Franklin




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




Family of Man
Costantino Nivola, 1961
* abstract relief
* Walls. On both sides of the entrance of the Penn Library. Woodland Walk between 34th and 36th.
* 39.952375,-75.193750 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Costantino Nivola page




Peace Symbol
Robert Engman, 1967
* peace symbol
* This piece has been listed as being by David Linquist or Lindquist, but according to the Smithsonian, it was a group student project supervised by Robert Engman
* Woodland Walk East of 36th.
* 39.952600,-75.194175 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Favorites, Peace and Love
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Robert Engman 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]
* Exhibits: Moved
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Jacob Epstein page
+wikipedia.org's Walt Whitman page




King Solomon
Alexander Archipenko, 1963
* Statue of Solomon
* abstract standing person
* East side of 36th, between Locust Walk and Walnut.
* 39.952625,-75.194850 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Religious
* See also:
+archipenko.org
+wikipedia.org's Solomon page




Kelly Family Gates
Mark Lueders, 2003
* Reference to the work of Charles Addams
* hands, artist tools
* From approximately 2007 to 2010 the gates were deinstalled and propped against the wall, as shown in the last picture.
* Gates. Charles Addams Fine Arts Hall. West side of 36th between Walnut and Locust Walk.
* 39.952800,-75.195000 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+Max Buten's picture of this piece
+theceramicshop.com's about us page
+Charles Addams bio from westfieldnj.com
+Charles Addams bio from toonpedia.com




Addams Family Silhouette
2003
* Reference to the work of Charles Addams
* small people standing, sign
* Originally installed in the courtyard behind the gates.
* Wall. Charles Addams Fine Arts Hall. West side of 36th between Walnut and Locust Walk.
* 39.953000,-75.194950 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Moved
* See also:
+Charles Addams bio from westfieldnj.com
+Charles Addams bio from toonpedia.com




Construction #66
Jose de Rivera, 1959
* linear form
* Clearly visible through the window, but if the door's open you can also view it from inside.
* In the window of the Annenberg School of Communications. South side of Walnut, West of 36th.
* 39.952940,-75.195600 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+Smithsonian Oral History Interview with Jose de Rivera




Benjamin Franklin's Way
2009
* Quotes from Benjamin Franklin
* ideas, abstract steles
* inscription: (partial)
An Ounce of Prevention Is Worth a Pound of cure. - 1735
Diligence is the Mother of Good-Luck. -1736
Well done is better than well said. - 1737
A true Friend is the best Possession - 1744
There are no Gains without Pains. - 1745
He's a Fool that cannot conceal his Wisdom - 1745
Doors of wisdom are never shut. - 1755
Half the Truth is often a great Lie. - 1758
* 37th between Walnut and Locust.
* 39.952800,-75.196975 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+upenn.edu article about this piece
+ushistory.org's The Electric Ben Franklin




Lindemann Fountain
1984
* In memory of Joseph S. Lindemann
* small fountain plants
* In the small park on the Northwest corner of 37th and Locust Walk.
* 39.952460,-75.197200 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Unidentified
* See also:
+nytimes.com's Joseph S. Lindemann obituary




Benjamin Franklin
George Lundeen, 1987
* Statue of Benjamin Franklin
* small seated person, bench, eyeglasses, cane, newspaper, pigeon
* East side of 37th Street, just South of Locust Walk.
* 39.952150,-75.196975 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+lundeensculpture.com's George Lundeen page
+ushistory.org's The Electric Ben Franklin




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]
* Exhibits: Mass Transit
* See also:
+gomacotrolley.com




Lily Composition #3
Anne Froehling, 1993
* fountain, plants
* Plaza. Woodland Walk between 37th and Spruce and 36th and Locust Walk.
* 39.951440,-75.196300 [map] [nearby]




Wistar Institute Entrance
1894
* reclining people, book and quill, owl, standing person, plants
* Entrance. Wistar Institute. West side of 36th between Spruce and Locust.
* 39.951200,-75.195425 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Unidentified




Thomas Sovereign Gates
Evelyn Beatrice Longman Batchelder, 1941
* Bust of Thomas Sovereign Gates
* small head
* inscription:
1873-1948
University of Pennsylvania
Alumnus Class of 1893
Trustee 1921-1948
President 1930-1944
Chairman 1944-1948
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
President 1914-1918
* Niche in the wall. Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. South side of Spruce, West of 34th..
* 39.950500,-75.194350 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Evelyn Beatrice Longman page
+wikipedia.org's Thomas Sovereign Gates page




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]
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Robert Engman page




Penn Quad Gargoyles
1894 - 1911
* small crouching and horizontal people, heads, headgear, squirrel, seahorse, donkeys, frogs, dragon, balls, shields, books, food, staff, musical instruments
* Walls. Penn Quad. South side of Spruce from 36th to 38th.
* 39.950875,-75.197400 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Gargoyles




Homage to Georgia O'Keeffe
Thom Cooney Crawford, 1986
* Homage to Georgia O'Keeffe
* small abstract standing person
* Northeast corner 38th and Spruce, through the arch.
* 39.951625,-75.198450 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+thomcooneycrawford.com
+okeeffemuseum.org




Masnad
Bryan Hunt, 1980 - 1981
* small abstract form
* In front of Perry World House. West side of 38th, North side of the Locust Walk Bridge.
* 39.952640,-75.199250 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+bryanhunt.com




Covenant
Alexander Liberman, 1974
* big abstract arch
* Spanning Locust Walk at 36th Street.
* 39.952700,-75.200600 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Favorites
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Alexander Liberman page




All Saints Sculpture Garden
Syd Carpenter, 1988
* In memory of Mary Gorman and Andrew Nippes
* multiple people, hands and faces
* inscription:
In memory of Mary Gorman (1896-1986) and Andrew Nippes (1918-1987). Two of the Lord's children in transition toward becoming saints.
And there are some who have left no memorial, who have perished as though they had not lived.
But these were persons of mercy whose righteous deeds have not been forgotten

-Sirach 44: 9a, 10
* Courtyard. St. Mary's Hamilton Village. South side of Locust Walk between 39th and 40th. The courtyard can be reached by the walkway on the East side of the church.
* 39.952450,-75.201750 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Religious
* See also:
+swathmore.edu profile for Syd Carpenter




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]
* Exhibits: Moved
* See also:
+andreablum.com




Liber Libere Omnibus
1905
* idea, book hand, sun,
* Latin for "free to all".
* Wall. Walnut Street West Library. East side of 40th, South of Walnut.
* 39.953810,-75.202580 [map] [nearby]


Possible trip extension:Avenue of Technology (North on 40th to Market)
Possible trip extension:Chestnut 29th to 40th (in reverse, North on 40th across Chestnut and a half block East)
Possible trip extension:University City South Medical Complex (South on 40th toward Spruce, crossing to the West side at Locust)

See Also

+University of Pennsylvania
+University City District
+wikipedia.org's 37th Street Station page
+asc.upenn.edu
+upenn.edu Almanac article about the Charles Addams Fine Arts Hall
+wikipedia.org's College Hall page
+wikipedia.org's Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania page
+wikipedia.org's Irvine Auditorium page
+library.upenn.edu
+penn.museum
+philadelphiabuildings.org entry for the Quad
+upenn.edu's Perry World House page
+stmarysatpenn.org
+freelibrary.org's Walnut Street West page
+wistar.org