A Grand Cultural Boulevard
The architect who drafted the Parkway plan in 1897 envisioned a grand boulevard like the Champs-Elysses in Paris and those of the 1893 Chicago’s World Fair in Chicago. Here, a constellation of art schools and museums would become the city’s cultural center.
The vision grew as community leaders lent their support. Institutions agreed to relocate along the Parkway and private collectors pledged to move their collections into new museums here.
Despite the enthusiasm, progress was slow. Funding dried up during World War I, forcing plans to be scaled back. The Great Depression caused more delays.
But building by building, the Parkway took shape. The Free Library opened in 1927, quickly followed by the Philadelphia Museum Art and the Rodin Museum, and then later, by the Franklin Institute.
Set amid fountains, statues and monuments, the buildings stand today as a tribute to the day’s vision and perseverence.
Architect Paul Cret
Born in France and educated at the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris, Paul Cres came to Philadelphia in 1903.
As one of the creators of the 1907 plan, he shared the vision of making the Parkway a cultural center lined with museums. He went on to design the Rodin Museum and the Benjamin Franklin Bridge.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these
topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Man-Made Features. A significant historical year for this entry is 1897.
Location. 39° 57.533′ N, 75° 10.333′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in Logan Square. Marker can be reached from Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 222 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia PA 19103, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Francisco de Miranda (within shouting distance of this marker); Parkway Museums District (within shouting distance of this marker); Civil War Soldiers And Sailors Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); The Franklin Institute (within shouting distance of this marker); All Wars Memorial to Colored Soldiers and Sailors (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named All Wars Memorial to Colored Soldiers and Sailors (within shouting distance of this marker); The Free Library of Philadelphia (within shouting distance of this marker); Shakespeare Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.
Also see . . . Paul Philippe Cret. Wikipedia biography. (Submitted on April 16, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 6, 2017, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 239 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 6, 2017, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.