Public space
39 results
Page 1
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
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
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