Public space
43 results
Page 1
After a season of cold, ice, and ICE, the city needs us outside
Why “walkability” was always the wrong word
This winter, snowstorms buried the Philadelphia sidewalks. Cold, ice, and ICE forced people indoors. What gets lost when we can no longer be on the move outside? Julien Suaudeau considers.
Essays
6 minute read
Philly is covered with anti-fascist sticker art. Here's a gallery.
Street art in Philly says no Trump, no ICE, and justice for all
Walk around Philly this spring and they are everywhere: anti-fascist stickers. They're angry, whimsical, artful, edgy, urgent, thoughtful, and funny. Check out this gallery spanning many city neighborhoods, and keep your eyes open.
Editorials
6 minute read
Join the fight for full restoration of the President’s House Slavery Memorial
The Trump administration is frightened by Ona Judge
Exhibits about slavery at George Washington’s Philly house are still in limbo as advocates fight the Trump/Vance administration for full restoration. Constance Garcia-Barrio looks closer.
Features
6 minute read
President's House supporters rally as some exhibits on slavery return to the walls
A victory for advocates of Philly’s true history
On Thursday, February 19, President’s House advocates rallied to celebrate a ruling that demands the return of signage about slavery, while a court case over their removal by the Trump administration continues. Alaina Johns was there.
Features
4 minute read
Councilmembers Kendra Brooks and Rue Landau announce legislation to protect Philly from abuses by ICE
Locals brave the cold to say “ICE OUT”
Locals gathered in below-freezing temps on January 27 for the announcement of new “ICE OUT” legislation cosponsored by Councilmembers Rue Landau and Kendra Brooks. Alaina Johns reports.
Features
4 minute read
MAGA orders Philly exhibits on slavery torn down. We at BSR are not afraid of our history.
History at the President’s House can be taken from the walls, but not from our minds.
Members of the BSR community were shocked when the exhibit documenting slavery at George Washington’s Philly house was dismantled last week. We'll keep standing up for Black history at BSR.
Editorials
4 minute read
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State and city leaders unveil updated $150M vision for the Avenue of the Arts
Work slated to begin this month on South Broad Street improvements
A revamp of South Broad Street, AKA the Avenue of the Arts, has been pending since 2024, and leaders have big updates for 2026, including a much bigger price tag. Stephen Silver reports.
Features
5 minute read
As 2026 approaches, why does Philly enforce health and safety codes, but not access codes?
Without access plans for America’s 250th anniversary in Philly, we risk exclusion, liability, and crisis.
Disability Pride PA leader Vicki Landers asks why the City can enforce health and safety violations, but ignores chronic shortfalls in disability access. As 2026 looms, time is running out to avert a crisis for locals and visitors alike.
Essays
5 minute read
The Wanamaker Light Show is back for 2025, along with new surprises
Philly pulls together to save a favorite Christmas tradition for another year
Beloved Christmas attractions at the Wanamaker faced an uncertain future after Macy's closed earlier this year, but Philly pulled together to bring them back for 2025. McCaillaigh Rouse has the details.
Features
6 minute read
New research from Philly’s Mural Arts Institute proves public art has a huge civic impact
Art is an inalienable human right
An October forum for scientists, scholars, artists, and city leaders explored new insights into just how much murals affect our everyday lives. Anndee Hochman was there.
Features
6 minute read