What to do
Museums
320 Sculptures,
Memorials and Fountains
Philadelphia has one of the world's greatest collections of public sculptures,
memorials, and fountains. Gathered here, in space generously donated by
LibertyNet, is a photographic sample of these works with (where possible)
the
sculptor, date, location, and inscriptions for each piece, as well as links
to more
information about the sculptor or subject on other sites.
Market West Sculpture
Tour
The Market West tour runs East on Market from 40th to 29th. You could do
it the
other way around, but East is down hill all the way. There's a blue-line
stop right at
the corner of 40th and Market, which makes it easy to reach from Center
City.
We start at the Soutwest corner of 40th and Market, cross Market, and go
along
the North side to 38th, with a detour into the Presbyterian Medical Center
campus. At 38th we cross to the South side, then go South along the East
side of
38th to Chestnut, East on Chestnut to 37th, North on the 37th street walkway
back to Market, East on Market to 36th, across Market to see Floating World
and Knowledge is Power, back across Market, along the South side to 34th,
cross to the North side, go to 33rd, cross back to the South side, detour
into the
plaza between 32nd and 33rd to see Flame, into the park East of 32nd, cross
Market at 30th, enter 30th Street Station on the West side, exit the station
on the
East side, cross Market to the Post Office, and then cross 29th.
 Dream
of Sky
Timothy Duffield, 1976
A Philadelphia Favorite.
Big. Animal.
37th and Market, South side (if 37th actually intersected
Market, which it doesn't)
 Balancing
Act
Elsa Tarantal, 1984
Small person.
Southeast corner, 40th and Market.
Consultation
J. Seward Johnson Jr.
Small people.
Presbyterian Medical Center campus. Enter the campus
on the North side of Market West of 38th. Make a right
at the first intersection, and then an immediate left. You
can then exit to 38th St. and go back down 38th to
Market.
Eagles
Adolph Alexander Weinman, 1903
Animals.
Architectural
Market Street Bridge, 29th and Market Streets. Across
the street from 30th Street Station and the 30th Street
Post Office.
Four identical eagles guard the corners of this bridge.
The eagles are from Pennsylvania station in New York.
The lions are original to the bridge.
Sightseeing
Independence
National Historical Park. Because it’s a national park,
the guides are generally park rangers in “Smokey the Bear” uniforms. The
park’s buildings are open 365 days a year, usually 9 am-5 pm (they often
stay open later in the summer). Arrive early to avoid long lines that develop
during the day. There’s a visitors center operated by park rangers at 3rd
and Chestnut Streets in the heart of the historic district. While there,
be
sure to see Independence, an award-winning short film directed by John
Huston and starring Eli Wallach as Ben Franklin. There’s also an
interactive video display, “Touch and See Philadelphia.” Phone
215-597-8974.
The following attractions are all part of Independence National Historical
Park:
The Liberty Bell Pavilion houses one
of the nation’s most hallowed
symbols of freedom. Foreign-language tapes are available. Market Street
between 5th and 6th Streets.
Independence Hall. Located across a grassy mall from the Liberty
Bell,
this is indeed “the birthplace of our nation,” where the Declaration of
Independence was adopted and the U.S. Constitution written. You’ll feel
that you’re in the presence of Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, John
Adams, John Hancock and delegates from the 13 original states when you
tour these halls and meeting rooms. Free admission, but timed tickets are
distributed at a kiosk across the street. No tickets are required during
the
two hours prior to closing. Chestnut Street between 5th and 6th Streets.
Congress Hall is next door on Chestnut
Street at 6th Street. The U.S.
Senate and House of Representatives met there from 1790 to 1800 when
Philadelphia was the nation’s capital.
Old City Hall was the home of the U.S.
Supreme Court from 1791 to
1800. On Chestnut Street at 5th.
The Second Bank of the
United States, a classic of Greek revival
architecture, features portraits of famous Americans. Chestnut Street
between 4th and 5th Streets.
Philadelphia
ZOO
The Philadelphia Zoo, the first zoo in America, set amidst Victorian
gardens in Fairmount Park, houses more than 1,700 mammals, birds and
reptiles. Its many natural habitats include Bear Country, African Plains
and
Carnivore Kingdom. Special treehouse performances for children.
Monday-Friday 9:30 am-4:45 pm, Saturday and Sunday to 5:45 pm.
US$8.50 adults, US$6 seniors and children ages 2-11. 34th and Girard
Streets, phone 215-243-1100.
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