Philadelphia Public Art @philart.net

Nearby 39.948825,-75.149000

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The Signer
EvAngelos W. Frudakis, 1980
* standing person, scroll and quill
* 5th and Chestnut, Southeast corner.
* 39.948825,-75.149000 [map] [nearby]
* On the Independence Mall tour
* See also:
+inquirer.com obituary for EvAngelos Frudakis

Benjamin Franklin
Francesco Lazzarini, 1789 (original)
* Statue of Benjamin Franklin
* standing person, staff, books
* Replica of Benjamin Franklin
* Pediment. Library Hall. 105 S. 5th St, West side of 5th, South of Chestnut.
* 39.948425,-75.149190 [map] [nearby]
* On the Independence Mall tour
* See also:
+The Electric Franklin
+ushistory.org's history of the Library Company

Lion and Sheep Heads
William Struthers, 1855
* lion heads, sheep heads
* Struthers is listed as the mason for the building
* Entrance. 425-429 Chestnut.
* 39.949000,-75.148575 [map] [nearby]
* On the Independence Mall tour
* See also:
+philadelphiabuildings.org's page for the building
+philadelphiabuildings.org page for William Struthers

Independence Hall History
* small outlines of buildings, text (historical marker)
* outlines and histories of Independence Hall, Old City Hall, and Congress Hall. There are two of these: one nearer 5th and one nearer 6th. This is the one closer to 5th.
* Carved into the sidewalk. Across the street from Independence Hall. North side of Chestnut between 5th and 6th.
* 39.949160,-75.149765 [map] [nearby]
* On the Independence Mall tour
* Exhibits: Unidentified
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Independence Hall page

George Washington
Joseph Alexis Bailly, 1869
* Statue of George Washington
* standing person, book, cane
* behind the Independence Hall security perimeter, but visible across Chestnut. The first two pictures are from a print taken before the perimeter was established.
* In front of Independence Hall. South side of Chestnut between 5th and 6th.
* 39.949050,-75.150000 [map] [nearby]
* On the Independence Mall tour
* See also:
+phillyhistory.org 1913 picture of this piece
+phillyhistory.org 1929 picture of this piece
+wikipedia.org's Joseph Alexis Bailly page
+wikipedia.org's George Washington page
+wikipedia.org's Independence Hall page

Robert Morris
Paul Wayland Bartlett, 1925
* Statue of Robert Morris
* standing person, hat, cane, papers
* inscription: Patriot, Statesman, Financier, 1734-1806
* North side of Walnut between 4th and 5th.
* 39.947700,-75.148600 [map] [nearby]
* On the Washington Square tour
* See also:
+picture of this piece in a different location from phillyhistory.org
+wikipedia.org's Paul Wayland Bartlett page
+wikipedia.org's Robert Morris page

Commodore John Barry, USN
Samuel Murray, 1908 (from the base; the plaque says 1907)
* Statue of John Barry
* standing person wearing a hat, telescope, sword
* inscription:
Father of the Navy of the United States. Born in Wexford, Ireland, 1745. Died in Philadelphia, 1803.
Presented to the City of Philadelphia by the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, 1907.
* South side of Independence Hall. Between Chestnut and Walnut, 5th and 6th.
* 39.948350,-75.150100 [map] [nearby]
* On the Washington Square tour
* Exhibits: War
* See also:
+1912 picture of this piece from phillyhistory.org
+wikipedia.org's Samuel Murray page
+ushistory.org's Commodore Barry page
+wikipedia.org's Independence Hall page

Independence Building Reliefs
1925
* Relief medallions of Athena and Hermes
* small sitting, kneeling, standing people, angel, helmets, Independence Hall tower, machines and tools, papers, scrolls, and books, ship, cornucopias, symbols and allegories
* Best viewed from the North side of Walnut
* Entrance, North and West walls. South side of Walnut, East of 5th.
* 39.947415,-75.149200 [map] [nearby]
* On the Washington Square tour
* See also:
+emporis.com entry for the building
+philadelphiabuildings.org entry for the building
+wikipedia.org's Athena page
+wikipedia.org's Hermes page

Religious Liberty
Moses Jacob Ezekiel, 1876
* big standing people, liberty cap, eagle, serpent, flame, the Constitution
* Was half a block North on 5th. Moved late 2010. The first two pictures are from the current location. The rest are from the previous location.
* inscription:
Plinth:
Dedicated to the people of the United States by the order B'nai B'rith and Israelites of America in commemoration of the centennial anniversary of American Independence.
Plaque:
Commissioned by B'nai B'rith for the United States Centenial, "Religious Liberty" was dedicated in Fairmount Park on Thanksgiving Day in 1876.
Carved in Rome from a single block of carrara marble, the statue was executed by Sir Moses Ezekiel, an American Jewish sculptor.
The monument was rededicated by B'nai B'rith International for this nation's Bicentennial in 1976.
The allegorical group represents liberty protecting religious freedom. The female figure wears the liberty cap bordered by thirteen stars for each of the original American colonies. In her left hand, she holds the constitution of the United States the legal document by which freedom is guaranteed to all citizens.
Religion is personified by a youth standing beside the figure of Liberty, whose outstretched arm extends over him protectively. His right hand reaches toward her, while in his left, he holds the inextinguishable flame of faith.
At the base of the group is an American eagle crushing a serpent in its talons, signifying the triumph of American democracy over the tyranny of intolerance and oppression.
The monument was relocated to Independence Mall and rededicated on May 4, 1986 in an historic joint venture between B'nai B'rith International and the National Museum of American Jewish History.
From this site, the statue proclaims in harmony with the Liberty Bell only steps away, a resounding message of religious liberty for all peoples.
* In front of the National Museum of American Jewish History. Southeast corner, 5th and Market.
* 39.950350,-75.148825 [map] [nearby]
* On the Independence Mall tour
* Exhibits: Religious, Moved
* See also:
+Max Buten's first picture of this piece
+Max Buten's second picture of this piece
+Max Buten's third picture of this piece
+jewishvirtuallibrary.org's Moses Jacob Ezekiel page
+National Museum of American Jewish History

OY/YO
Deborah Kass, 2022
* idea
* Officially temporarily installed for a year, hopefully longer.
* In front of the National Museum of American Jewish History. Southeast corner, 5th and Market.
* 39.950400,-75.148840 [map] [nearby]
* On the Independence Mall tour
* See also:
+streetsdept.com article about the installation of this piece
+deborahkass.com
+National Museum of American Jewish History

Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom
1924 (approximate)
* Includes a representation of Saint George
* coat of arms, lions, unicorn, helmet and crown, harp, seated person, lance, horse, dragon
* Best viewed from the North side of Walnut. The other emblems probably represent places where General Accident operated.
* inscription:
Honi soit qui mal y pense
Dieu et mon droit
* Entrance. South side of Walnut, West of 4th.
* 39.947320,-75.148480 [map] [nearby]
* On the Washington Square tour
* See also:
+philadelphiabuildings.org entry for the building
+wikipedia.org's entry for the coat of arms
+newadvent.org's St. George page

Public Ledger Building
Horace Trumbauer (Architect), 1924
* reclining people, head scarf, scepter, burning oil lamp, quills, scrolls, books and tablets
* Entrances. Southwest corner, 6th and Chestnut.
* 39.949200,-75.150850 [map] [nearby]
* On the Independence Mall tour
* See also:
+philadelphiabuilding.org's page for the building
+Horace Trumbauer page from philadelphiabuildings.org

The Triangle Fire
Frank Bramblett, 1983
* fire, clothing manufacturing tools
* Permanently in shadow and not easy to see.
* South wall of the overhang. East side of 4th, North of Chestnut, behind the security grate.
* 39.949475,-75.147250 [map] [nearby]
* On the Independence Mall tour
* Exhibits: Labor
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire page
+frankbramblett.com

Dedicated to the American Secretary
Costantino Nivola, 1970
* abstract standing person
* Moved slightly Northeast some time before June 20, 2014, from back against the wall of the building as in the second picture, to up against the sidewalk railing as in the first picture.
* Plaza. South side of Market, between 4th and 5th.
* 39.950250,-75.148000 [map] [nearby]
* On the Independence Mall tour
* Exhibits: Moved, Labor
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Costantino Nivola page

Memorial to Enslaved People of African Descent in the United States of America
2010
* Quotes from Maya Angelou, Frederick Douglass, W.E.B. Du Bois, Frances Ellen Watkin Harper and Barack Obama
* enclosed space, ideas
* This piece features an extensive amount of text, including African sayings, symbols, and a list of African countries. Reproduced here as inscriptions are the text of the plaque, and the quotes from named individuals. This memorial does not seem to have an official name. The name used is shortened from the text of the plaque. The plaque simply labels it "Memorial." The National Park Service web site calls it "a memorial to enslaved Africans." Avenging the Ancestors calls it the "Slavery Memorial." The last picture, of the wall with the names of the enslaved people who lived in the President's House, is part of the President's House exhibit and not the Memorial.
* inscription:
"Either America will destroy ignorance or ignorance will destroy the United States." -W.E.B. Du Bois
"I ask no monument proud and high to arrest the gaze of the passers-by, all that my yearning spirit craves, is bury me not in a land of slaves." -Frances Ellen Watkin Harper
"You the Ashanti, the Yoruba, the Kru, bought, sold, stolen, arriving on a nightmare praying for a dream." -Maya Angelou
"We gave sought to bind the chains of slavery on the limbs of the black man, without thinking that at last we should find the other end of that hateful chain about our own necks." -Frederick Douglass
"It was whispered by slaves and abolitionists as they blazed a trail toward freedom... yes we can, yes we can." -Barack Obama
This enclosed space is dedicated to millions of men, women, and children of African descent who lived, worked, and died as enslaved people in the United States of America. They should never again be forgotten. One of two smokehouse rooms in which three enslaved men slept - Giles, Paris, and Austin - once stood in this area. The close proximity to the Liberty Bell Center reminds us that Liberty was not originally intended for all.
It is difficult to understand how men who spoke so passionately of liberty and freedom were unable to see the contradiction, the injustice, and the immorality of their actions. Enslaved Africans and their descendants endured brutality and mistreatment for over 200 years even as their labor build and enriched the nation. The struggle for freedom and political, social, and economic equality continued even after the legal standing of slavery. The devestating effects of slavery continue to affect race relations to this day. Yet, we must continue to strive for the ideals embodied in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States of America.
The African symbols, words, and quotations on the exterior and interior walls speak to the spirit of hope, the resiliance of the human spirit, and the determination of a people to arise out of bondage to freedom.
City of Philadelphia | National Park Service
* Southeast corner, 6th and Market.
* 39.950300,-75.150050 [map] [nearby]
* On the Independence Mall tour
* Exhibits: Black Lives, Labor
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Maya Angelou page
+wikipedia.org's Frederick Douglass page
+wikipedia.org's W.E.B. Du Bois page
+wikipedia.org's Frances Ellen Watkin Harper page
+wikipedia.org's Barack Obama page

Penn Mutual Building Doors
1934
* small groups of people standing, sitting, machines and tools, furniture, baskets and jugs, books and scrolls, dogs, flowers, weapons, helmet, head in profile
* Entrance. Penn Mutual Building. South side of Walnut between 5th and 6th.
* 39.947525,-75.150250 [map] [nearby]
* On the Washington Square tour
* Exhibits: Labor
* See also:
+philadelphiabuildings.org entry for the building

William Penn
Edgar Viguers Seeler (Architect), 1914
* Relief portrait of William Penn
* head, hat
* Above the entrance. Penn Mutual Building. South side of Walnut, East of 6th.
* 39.947595,-75.150870 [map] [nearby]
* On the Washington Square tour
* See also:
+philadelphiabuildings.org entry for Edgar Viguers Seeler
+wikipedia.org's William Penn page
+philadelphiabuildings.org entry for the building

Indelible
Alison Sky, 2003
* Quotes from Abigail Adams, Susan B. Anthony, Chief Joseph, Thomas Jefferson, Martin Luther King, Jr., Yan Phou Lee, Sitting Bull and Harriet Tubman
* words and ideas
* South wall. Independence Visitor Center. Northeast corner, 6th and Market.
* 39.950850,-75.150110 [map] [nearby]
* On the Independence Mall tour
* See also:
+artist's page for this piece
+alisonsky.com
+wikipedia.org's Abigail Adams page
+wikipedia.org's Susan B. Anthony page
+wikipedia.org's Chief Joseph page
+wikipedia.org's Thomas Jefferson page
+wikipedia.org's Martin Luther King, Jr. page
+yalealumnimagazine.com article about Yan Phou Lee
+wikipedia.org's Sitting Bull page
+wikipedia.org's Harriet Tubman page
+Independence Visitor Center

Woman Looking Through a Window
George Segal, 1980
* small standing person, window
* Building entrance overhang. North side of Chestnut between 6th and 7th.
* 39.949400,-75.151575 [map] [nearby]
* On the Independence Mall tour
* See also:
+segalfoundation.org
+wikipedia.org's George Segal 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]
* On the Old City tour
* See also:
+venturiscottbrown.org
+The Electric Franklin
+ushistory.org's Franklin Court tour page

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]
* On the Old City tour
* Exhibits: War
* See also:
+ramsa.com
+Orders to Benjamin Flower from George Washington
+amrevmuseum.org

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]
* On the Old City tour
* See also:
+philadelphiabuildings.org's First Bank of the United States 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]
* On the Old City tour
* Exhibits: Unidentified
* See also:
+philadelphiabuildings.org's First Bank of the United States page

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]
* On the Old City tour
* Exhibits: War
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Emanuel Leutze page
+americangoddessartmuseum.com (Ellen Schicktanz)
+wikipedia.org's George Washington page
+amrevmuseum.org

Gift of the Winds
Joseph C. Bailey, 1978
* abstract form
* Was on the Northeast corner of 5th and Market. Moved between November 2020 and July 2021. The first picture was taken while the area around the original location was being rebuilt. The rest of the pictures are from the new location.
* West of 4th, South of the walkway that runs between 4th and 5th North of Market.
* 39.950925,-75.147400 [map] [nearby]
* On the Independence Mall tour
* Exhibits: Moved
* See also:
+Max Buten's first picture of this piece
+Max Buten's second picture of this piece
+askart.com's Joseph C. Bailey page

Saint Fiacre
Henry Mitchell
* statue of Saint Fiacre
* small crouching person
* This piece is located in what was the garden of the Philadelphia History Museum.
* North side of Ranstead between 6th and 7th.
* 39.949950,-75.151650 [map] [nearby]
* On the Independence Mall tour
* Exhibits: Religious
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Philadelphia History Museum page
+cantonartcollection.com's Henry Mitchell bio
+wikipedia.org's Saint Fiacre page

Milkweed Pod
Clark B. Fitz-Gerald, 1965
* big plant fountain
* Courtyard. Behind the Rohm and Haas building, West side of 6th street between Chestnut and Market (go up the steps and through the underpass).
* 39.950300,-75.151400 [map] [nearby]
* On the Independence Mall tour
* See also:
+Clark Fitz-Gerald gallery from sfitzgeraldfineart.com

Bicentennial Bell
Whitechapel Bell Foundry, 1976 (installed 2024)
* 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. The artists for the pieces on the wall are unidentified.
* 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]
* On the Old City tour
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Whitechapel Bell Foundry page
+wikipedia.org's Elizabeth II page

Washington Square Prisoners of War Memorial
1900
* rock
* inscription:
In memory of the many American soldiers, who, during the War for Independence, died prisoners of war in the jails of Philadlelphia, and were buried in this ground during the years 1777 and 1778. Erected by Quaker City Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, October 1900
* East side of Washington Square. Southwest of 6th and Walnut.
* 39.947400,-75.151550 [map] [nearby]
* On the Washington Square tour
* Exhibits: War
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Washington Square page

Justice the Guardian of Liberty
1975
* Seal of the United States of America, eagle, stars, olive branches, shield and arrows
* South wall. Federal Court. North side of Market, East of 7th.
* 39.951000,-75.151300 [map] [nearby]
* On the Independence Mall tour
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's James A. Byrne United States Courthouse page

Tom Foglietta
Zenos Frudakis, 2000
* Bas-relief bust of Thomas Foglietta
* small head and upper torso
* inscription:
City Councilman
Citizen of Philadelphia
Ambassador to Italy
Congressman
Champion of Historic Preservation
* Northeast of the center of Washington Square. Southwest of 6th and Walnut.
* 39.947250,-75.152000 [map] [nearby]
* On the Washington Square tour
* See also:
+zenosfrudakis.com
+wikipedia.org's Thomas M. Foglietta page
+wikipedia.org's Washington Square page

Eagle
2001
* bird, tree
* Wall. Southeast corner, 3rd and Walnut.
* 39.946960,-75.146250 [map] [nearby]
* On the Society Hill tour
* Exhibits: Unidentified

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]
* On the Old City tour
* See also:
+hksculpt.com

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]
* On the Old City tour
* See also:
+phillyhistory.org 1915 picture with this piece visible
+philadelphiabuildings.org's Philadelphia Exchange page

Mather and Company Medallions
1917 (year of building expansion)
* kneeling people, boats, water, plants
* South side of Walnut, East of 3rd.
* 39.946975,-75.145850 [map] [nearby]
* On the Society Hill tour
* See also:
+philadelphiabuildings.org entry for the building

Washington Square Fountain
1952
* fountain
* Center of Washington Square. South of 7th and Walnut.
* 39.947050,-75.152310 [map] [nearby]
* On the Washington Square tour
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Washington Square page