Museum Without Walls Expands To Include Audio For Walking Art Tour In Philadelphia
By Cherri Gregg
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The Association of Public Art expanded its "Museum Without Walls" program this week. You can listen to information about dozens of sculptures scattered around Philadelphia.
Ever wondered about the history behind the Rocky Statute near the art museum steps? Or how about that gold sculpture of Joan of Arc near 25th Street? Philadelphia has one of the largest collections of public art in the country and now more information that ever is available with just a few taps on your cell phone.
"It's kind of like walking in on an amazing conversation," says Penny Balkin-Bach, director of the Association of Public Art in Philadelphia. She says the Museum Without Walls has expanded to now include the stories behind 65 pieces of public art along Ben Franklin Parkway, in Rittenhouse Square and in Fairmount Park.
"You're told these stories by people from all walks of life who have a connection to each individual sculpture," she says, "some are artists, some are family members."
You can listen in by dialing 215-399-9000 from your mobile phone or by logging onto www.museumwithoutwallsaudio.org to download audio from home or through a smartphone.
You'll hear the voices of Mayor Michael Nutter, artist Claes Oldenburg and many others. Sculptures added to the tour include Oldenburg's Clothespin, artworks on City Hall grounds and much more.
"You don't have to get dressed up, you don't have to buy a ticket, you don't have to plan ahead," says Balkin-Bach, "you can walk down the parkway and listen to stories of Jesus breaking bread, about the swan memorial fountain -- all at your own pace."
For a map of the public art in Philadelphia, CLICK HERE
