Philadelphia Public Art @philart.net

Nearby 39.953275,-75.148700

List View | Map View

We the People
Ian Bader, Henry N. Cobb, 2003 (year of building)
* big preamble to the Constitution, sign
* inscription: We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty for the United States of America. to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution
* Wall. Constitution Center. West side of 5th, North of Arch.
* 39.953275,-75.148700 [map] [nearby]
* On the Independence Mall tour
* See also:
+pfc-p.com's page for the building
+pfc-p.com's Ian Bader page
+pfc-p.com's Henry N. Cobb page
+constitutioncenter.org

Last Resting Place of Benjamin Franklin
* Memorial to and relief bust of (with quotes from) Benjamin Franklin, Honore Gabriel Riqueti, comte de Mirabeau, Anne Robert Jacques Turgot and George Washington
* small head
* inscription:
The last resting place of Benjamin Franklin, 1706-1790
"Venerated for benevolence, admired for talent, esteemed for patriotism, beloved for philanthropy"
-Washington
"The sage whom two worlds claimed as their own."
-Mirabeua
"He tore from the skies the lightning and from tyrants the sceptre"
-Turgot

* Fencepost. South side of Arch, just East of 5th.
* 39.952450,-75.148250 [map] [nearby]
* On the Independence Mall tour
* Exhibits: Unidentified Artists
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Benjamin Franklin page
+wikipedia.org's Mirabeau page
+wikipedia.org's Turgot page
+wikipedia.org's George Washington page

Phaedrus
Beverly Pepper, 1976 (installed 1977)
* abstract form
* West side of 6th, North of Arch.
* 39.953740,-75.149900 [map] [nearby]
* On the Independence Mall tour
* See also:
+associationforpublicart.org's page for this piece
+beverlypepper.net

Bolt of Lightning
Isamu Noguchi, 1984
* Representation of an act of Benjamin Franklin
* big kite, lightening, key
* Despite the sidewalk and stairs in front of this piece there is no safe way to reach it on foot. The webmaster recommends observing it from the West side of 6th.
* At the foot of the Ben Franklin Bridge. 6th and Vine.
* 39.955450,-75.148750 [map] [nearby]
* On the Independence Mall tour
* See also:
+associationforpublicart.org's page for this piece
+noguchi.org
+wikipedia.org's Benjamin Franklin page
+wikipedia.org's Benjamin Franklin Bridge page

Commodore Uriah Phillips Levy
Gregory Pototsky, 2011
* Statue of, in memory of: Uriah Phillips Levy and James A. Zimble
* small standing person, sword, paper, Star of David and U.S. Navy logo
* inscription:
April 22, 1792 - March 22, 1862
Nissan 30, 5552 - Adar II 20, 5622
"I am an American, a sailor, and a Jew."
Born in Philadelphia in 1792, Uriah Phillips Levy was a fifth generation American. According to family stories, he left for sea at ten years old, returning to celebrate his bar mitzvah here at Congregation Mikveh Israel in 1805. He served with distinction in the U.S. Navy in the War of 1812, and became the first Jewish U.S. Navy Commodore, a rank equivalent to Admiral today.
During his fifty-year naval career, Levy was court martialed six times and killed a man in a duel - all incidents related to rampant anti-Semitism. He was dismissed twice from the U.S. Navy, but was reinstated by Presidents James Monroe and John Tyler. He went on to command the Mediterranean Fleet and was appointed by President Abraham Lincoln to the Navy Court Martial Board during the Civil War. Levy played a key role in helping to repeal the flogging of sailors, making the U.S. Navy the first military organization in the world to abolish physical punishment.
Levy greatly admired President Thomas Jefferson and the Bill of Rights he crafted, which safeguarded religious liberties for all Americans. In 1832, he commissioned a statue of Jefferson, which sits in the U.S. Capitol today. In 1834, Levy purchased Monticello, Jefferson's home near Charlottesville, Virginia, which he repaired, restored, and preserved for future generations.
The World War II destroyer escort USS Levy (DE-162) was named in his honor, as were the Uriah P. Levy Jewish Chapel at the Norfolk Naval Base in Virginia, and the Commodore Uriah P. Levy Center and Jewish Chapel at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Levy is buried at the Beth Olom Cemetery in Queens, New York.
Given with love of God and Country
in memory of Vice Admiral James A. Zimble, MC USN Ret. (1933-2011)
Beloved 30th Surgeon General of the U.S. Navy
Dedicated December 16, 2011, Kislev 20, 5772
Rabbi Aaron Landes, Rear Admiral CHC USN Ret.
Captain Gary "Yuri" Tabach, USN Ret.
Joshua H. Landes
* West side of Mikveh Israel. East side of 5th, North of Market.
* 39.951325,-75.148400 [map] [nearby]
* On the Independence Mall tour
* Exhibits: Religious, War
* See also:
+artist's page for this piece
+pototsky.ru
+wikipedia.org's Uriah P. Levy page
+wikipedia.org's James A, Zimble page
+mikvehisrael.org

Beacon
FKB, Local Projects, 2021
* big abstract ideas
* inscription: FAITH LIBERTY JUSTICE
* Rising through the roof. The former Faith and Liberty Discovery Center. East side of 5th, North of Market.
* 39.951085,-75.148575 [map] [nearby]
* On the Independence Mall tour
* Exhibits: Religious
* See also:
+localprojects.com page for this piece
+amaricanbible.org article about this piece
+fkb.studio
+localprojects.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]
* On the Old City tour
* Exhibits: Unidentified Artists
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Benjamin Franklin page

Nesaika
John Rhoden, 1976
* abstract standing person
* Outside the African American Museum. Northwest corner, 7th and Arch.
* 39.953250,-75.151600 [map] [nearby]
* On the Independence Mall tour
* Exhibits: Black Lives
* See also:
+associationforpublicart.org's page for this piece
+nytimes.com John Rhoden obituary
+aampmuseum.org

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]
* On the Independence Mall tour
* See also:
+elvisnews.com article about Eric Parks

Jonathan Netanyahu Memorial
Buky Schwartz, 1986
* Memorial to Jonathan Netanyahu
* abstract forms
* inscription:
Entebbe, Jonathan Netanyahu, July 4, 1976.
They were swifter than eagles, they were faster than lions. The bow of Jonathan turned not back. II Samuel 1.22,23
Jonathan Netanyahu, 1946-1976
* Outside Mikveh Israel. East Side of 5th Street, North of Market, along the walkway between 4th and 5th.
* 39.951115,-75.147760 [map] [nearby]
* On the Independence Mall tour
* Exhibits: Religious, War
* See also:
+Max Buten's picture of this piece
+bukyschwartz.com
+wikipedia.org's Jonathan Netanyahu page
+mikvehisrael.org

The Whispering Bells of Freedom
Reginald Beauchamp, 1976
* In honor of Crispus Attucks
* bells, buildings, people standing, prone, weapons, hats, dog
* Listed with multiple similar titles. This one was taken from the beginning of the inscription.
* 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]
* On the Independence Mall tour
* Exhibits: War, Black Lives
* See also:
+associationforpublicart.org's page for this piece
+wikipedia.org's Reginald Beauchamp page
+wikipedia.org's Crispus Attucks page
+aampmuseum.org

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

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]
* On the Independence Mall tour
* See also:
+associationforpublicart.org's page for this piece
+artist's page for this piece
+jillsablosky.com

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]
* On the Old City tour
* Exhibits: Police and Fire Fighters, Unidentified Artists
* See also:
+newspapers.com clip about the fire and the firefighters

Voyage of Ulysses
David von Schlegell, 1977
* Recalling the voyage of Ulysses
* abstract fountain
* On April 24, 2013 the sculptural element was gone and the fountain was base torn up. On March 8, 2014, the sculptural element was back and the fountain base had been replaced.
* Plaza. West side of 6th between Market and Arch, between the James A. Byrne Federal Courthouse the the William J. Green, Jr. Federal Building..
* 39.951875,-75.150500 [map] [nearby]
* On the Independence Mall tour
* See also:
+associationforpublicart.org's page for this piece
+nytimes.com's David von Schlegell obituary
+wikipedia.org's Odysseus/Ulysses page

Living Flame Memorial
Reginald Beauchamp, 1976
* abstract flame, police and fire department logos
* Police and Fire Memorial. Painted during the 2006 Franklin Square renovation. The first picture is without the paint.
* Franklin Square. Northwest corner, 6th and Race.
* 39.955400,-75.149825 [map] [nearby]
* On the Independence Mall tour
* Exhibits: Police and Fire Fighters
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Reginald Beauchamp page
+historicphiladelphia.org's Franklin Square page
+wikipedia.org's Franklin Square page

The Seed
Christopher T. Ray, 1976
* big seed
* inscription:
Source: Deuteronomy 8:7-8:11
"...for the Lord thy God bringeth thee into a good land..."
The Seed symbolizes the generation of creative life in America, the Good Land which has made us welcome. In its roots exist the reminder of our origins and traditions. In the leaves are the elements of continuing growth. From the pod and its emerging flowr comes the promise of the future.
* Entrance. Mikveh Israel. East Side of 5th Street, North of Market, along the walkway between 4th and 5th..
* 39.951175,-75.147550 [map] [nearby]
* On the Independence Mall tour
* See also:
+artist's page for this piece
+chrisray.com
+mikvehisrael.org

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]
* On the Old City tour
* Exhibits: Favorites
* See also:
+artist's page for this piece
+associationforpublicart.org's page for this piece
+jepsculpture.com
+wikipedia.org's Benjamin Franklin page
+wikipedia.org's Girard Fountain Park page

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]
* On the Old City tour
* Exhibits: Unidentified Artists
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Girard Fountain Park page

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]
* On the Old City tour
* Exhibits: Unidentified Artists
* See also:
+oldfirstucc.org

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]
* On the Independence Mall tour
* Exhibits: Unidentified Artists

Bicentennial Dawn
Louise Nevelson, 1975
* abstract forms
* Visible through the glass. Sometimes accessible through the building.
* inscription:
My search in life has been for a new seeing, a new image, a new insight, a new consciousness. This search includes the object as well as the in-between places - the dawns and the dusks, the objective world, the heavenly spheres, the places between the land and the sea... Man's creations arrest the secret images that can be found in nature.
Bicentennial Dawn is a place, an environment that exists between night and day - solid and liquid - temporal and eternal substances. It can be experienced as a monument to the past as well as the spores of the future. Contemplation is the means by which we extend our awareness.
Bicentennial Dawn is a contemplative experience in search of awareness that already exists in the human mind. The inner and the outer equal one.
* Inside. Federal Court. 6th and Market, Northwest of the Northwest corner.
* 39.951225,-75.150600 [map] [nearby]
* On the Independence Mall tour
* See also:
+associationforpublicart.org's page for this piece
+si.edu interview with Louise Nevelson
+wikipedia.org's Louise Nevelson page
+wikipedia.org's James A. Byrne United States Courthouse page