Public space

32 results
Page 1
View of Sherald’s untitled six-story portrait mural of a Black teen in a yellow hat and striking black & white jacket.

Philadelphia proves that no executive order can stop the arts, or our courage

Amy Sherald goes to Baltimore, and stays on Sansom Street

Amy Sherald’s American Sublime was supposed to open in DC this month, but she withdrew it rather than face censorship. Meanwhile, Philadelphians can see Sherald right at home. Anndee Hochman considers.
Anndee Hochman

Anndee Hochman

Essays 5 minute read
A bridge with flat gray boards and metal railings in angled sections crosses a stony brook. Three people walk on it.

Three Chestnut Hill projects reimagine old spaces while keeping history alive

Architecture with a heart for local heritage

Three architectural projects in Chestnut Hill—a pedestrian bridge and two 19th-century mansions—maintain the neighborhood’s historic character while opening new spaces to the public. Clark Perks visits.
Clark Perks

Clark Perks

Features 5 minute read
Colorful rendering on the side of the building shows Still seated & writing next to his daughter, wearing a stethoscope

With a new mural, Philly finally gets public art dedicated to abolitionist William Still

Celebrating family, freedom, and Philadelphia history

The dedication of new work from Mural Arts will bring the legacies of William Still, his family, and Philadelphia’s historic 7th Ward into the public eye. Melissa Strong previews.
Melissa Strong

Melissa Strong

Previews 3 minute read
Black and white photo of two older Black people dancing together, in a room with other people talking with each other

Scribe Video Center presents the North Philadelphia History Festival

History’s crossroads

Scribe Video Center hosts a festival looking at the history of various landmarks in North Philadelphia, honoring its Black and Puerto Rican communities. Erin Dohony previews.
Erin Dohony

Erin Dohony

Previews 3 minute read

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Two people sit cross-legged in the grass by a tree during the day, looking peaceful

Lumazen Yoga and ADSS present Language n’ Motion: Poetic Movement Expressions

Connecting through art and yoga

Through Language n’ Motion artistic collaboration, the yoga mat becomes space for both movement and written poetic expression. Dara McBride previews.

Dara McBride

Previews 3 minute read
Installation view on a sunny day outdoors, focused on a life-sized photo of the view from a City Hall window.

Mural Arts presents Emilio Martínez Poppe’s Civic Views

A government of individuals

Civic Views, a new public art installation from Mural Arts on view in the City Hall Courtyard, offers engaging perspectives from city employees at a time when public-sector workers face increasing threats. Isabel Soisson reviews.
Isabel Soisson

Isabel Soisson

Reviews 3 minute read
View from the ground floor of the grand multi-story hall of Macy’s, crowded with people listening to the organ.

Could the Wanamaker Building become a hub for Philly’s 250th anniversary events?

Let’s meet at the Eagle for the Semiquincentennial

When plans got underway for Philly’s celebration of America’s 250th birthday, organizers didn’t know that the beautiful and historic Wanamaker Building would go empty with the closure of Macy’s. Walt Maguire asks if 2026 events could fill it up.

Walt Maguire

Essays 4 minute read
A model railway stretches over a small bed of water, a model train station structured at the opposite end in a garden area

Discovering floral adventures beyond the Philly Flower Show

Hidden garden gems in the city

Not able to make it out to the Philly Flower Show this year? No problem! An Nichols tips off free and affordable places you can visit for a chance to smell the flowers around the city.
An Nichols

An Nichols

Previews 6 minute read
Outdoor daytime shot of old Painted Bride building with glass mosaic mural all along the entire sides of the building.

Philadelphia Magic Gardens presents Lost Landscapes: The Skin of the Bride

Recovering and preserving a vision

The story of artist Isaiah Zagar’s remarkable decade-long mural project from the 1990s and how the Philadelphia Magic Gardens is working to preserve the masterwork that was nearly completely demolished. Anndee Hochman profiles.
Anndee Hochman

Anndee Hochman

Profiles 3 minute read
Benner, a man in his late 30s in a black button-down, smiles proudly while pointing to a mural that says your voice has power

Philly artists get out the vote with To the Polls 2024, now on view in Love Park

“If you are voting, you are hoping for the future.”

Prolific curator and Streets Dept blog founder Conrad Benner is back with To the Polls 2024, a bi-annual nonpartisan project from Mural Arts urging Philadelphians—who may decide this Presidential election—to vote. Alaina Johns visits.
Alaina Johns

Alaina Johns

Features 4 minute read