Top Public Art In Philadelphia

With high-profile art schools such as University of the Arts and PAFA, it is not unusual that Philadelphia has some of the most recognizable public art in the country. Everything from modern art to historic sculptures can be found in the City of Brotherly Love. Every year, thousands of people will walk the halls of our museums and galleries, but just as many can find some of the greatest pieces of work while walking down the street. You could spend a whole day exploring the city and taking in the public art, but you still won't see it all. We gathered a list of the public art that is a "must" on your list of public artwork you need to see.

The Clothespin
1500 Market St.
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 568-2476
www.oldenburgvanbruggen.com

The Clothespin has been apart the Philadelphia community for years. The piece was created by Claes Oldenburg, an American sculptor who creates art out of everyday objects. Most of his work is public art in an outdoor setting. "The Clothespin" is located at Centre Square on Market Street. The sculpture was dedicated to Philadelphia in 1976.

The LOVE Statue
1599 JFK Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 683-0246
www.ushistory.org

The LOVE statue may be the most popular public sculpture in the city of Philadelphia. The sculpture even has its own park, which is fittingly called "Love Park." The piece was created by pop art artist Robert Indiana. The LOVE sculpture fits perfectly and reaffirms the meaning in the city's name, "The City of Brotherly Love" (from philos, "love" or "friendship," and adelphos, "brother").

Jerusalem Stabile
University of Pennsylvania
Locust Walk
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 898-5000
www.calder.org

The Calder family has contributed a lot to the public art in Philadelphia. Alexander Milne Calder is best known for creating the statue of William Penn that sits on top of City Hall. His son, Alexander Stirling Calder, created the Swann fountain on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and his grandson Alexander "Sandy" Calder is best known for his mobiles and has contributed a few sculptures in Philadelphia, including the "Jerusalem Stabile." Calder's sculpture is located on Locust Walk at the University of Pennsylvania.

Related: Top Bizarre Statues And Public Art In Philadelphia

The Paint Torch
Lenfest Plaza
Broad St. and Cherry St.
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 972-7600
www.oldenburgvanbruggen.com

One of the newer sculptures in Philadelphia is from a repeat contributor. "The Paint Torch" by Claes Oldenburg is located at Lenfest Plaza near the Philadelphia Academy of Fine Arts. The Paint Torch sculpture honors the artistic painters whose work hangs in the PAFA museum, as well as PAFA students. The sculpture was installed in 2011 and stands 51 feet high.

Dream Garden
601 Walnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 238-6450
www.ushistory.org

"Dream Garden" was created by Tiffany Studios. Yes, that Tiffany's. It is one of three that the studio ever created. The piece is located in the lobby of Curtis Center, right across the street from Independence Mall. It consists of 24 panels of mosaics. "Dream Garden" took six months to install due to the fragility of the piece.

Related: Some More Love For Public Art In Philadelphia?

Christina Thompson is a freelance writer living in Philadelphia. She reports on various topics such as: Social Media, Local Events, Entertainment, Food and Drink and more. Her work can be found at http://firstsendmedia.com/