Public space
36 results
Page 1
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
Calder Gardens is a beautiful addition to Philly’s art world
Welcome home, Calder
With major public artworks by the Calder family already dotting the Parkway, our city welcomes the world’s only museum dedicated to Alexander Calder, an endearing native Philadelphian. K.A. McFadden reviews.
Reviews
4 minute read
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.
Essays
5 minute read
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.
Features
5 minute read
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.
Previews
3 minute read
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.
Previews
3 minute read
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.
Previews
3 minute read
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.
Reviews
3 minute read