William Penn Annex West in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Where the Parkway Begins

Parkway Museums District

— 1901 —

Where the Parkway Begins Marker [Front] image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 6, 2022

1. Where the Parkway Begins Marker [Front]

Inscription.

Where the Parkway Begins. Parkway Museums District. Where the Parkway Begins. City Hall is the eastern anchor of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the broad boulevard that runs from Center City to Fairmount Park. From the observation deck in City Hall's tower, you can see the Parkway stretch a mile northwest to the Philadelphia Museum of Art., Construction on City Hall began in 1871 and dragged on amid scandals for 30 years. It was briefly the world's tallest building, losing that title in 1908 to the Singer Building in New York City., Old-fashioned in appearance even when it was brand new, City Hall's ornate style prompted controversy. Only when people began to rediscover the beauty of Victorian architecture was its future made secure., Famous for the bronze statue of William Penn that crowns its 511-foot tower, City Hall has more than 250 sculptures inside and out, all created by Alexander Milne Calder and his assistants., Sculptor Alexander Milne Calder Alexander Milne Calder, known for the sculptures on City Hall, was the first of three generations of renowned artists in the Calder family., His son Alexander Stirling Calder and grandson Alexander "Sandy" Calder became famous sculptors, too., Look for his son's sculpted figures in Swann Fountain and Logan Square, and his grandson's giant mobile in the Philadelphia Museum of Art., [Reverse:] 1. Boathouse Row. This picturesque collection of historic buildings comprises an important center of the United States' rowing community. The boathouses shelter the sculls (boats) of local clubs, high school and college programs. The "Schuylkill Navy" hosts several major rowing regattas each year including the Dad Vail and the Head of the Schuylkill., 2. Fairmount Water Works. This collection of Classical buildings was built between 1819 and 1822 to provide fresh drinking water to the City. The first water works in America, this 19th-century engineering marvel and tourist attraction has been restored as a restaurant and Interpretive Center. The family-oriented Center features interactive exhibits on environmental education and cultural heritage., 3. Philadelphia Museum of Art. Among the largest museums in the United States, housing over 225,000 works of art, its collection spans 2,000 years of creativity from around the world. Strengths include old master painting, arms and armor, American art, Impressionism and modern art, the arts of Asia, and contemporary art in all mediums. The Museum presents spectacular exhibitions and innovative education programs for all ages., 4. Philadelphia Museum of Art (Perelman Building). The Art Deco landmark building houses galleries showcasing the Museum's vast and distinguished collections of prints, drawings and photographs; costume and textiles; and modern and contemporary design., 5. Eastern State Penitentiary. Known for its grand architecture and policy of solitary confinement, "Eastern State," opened in 1829, was once the most influential prison in the world. The vaulted skylit cells once held flamboyant bank robber "Slick Willie" Sutton and gangster Al Capone. It stands today in ruin, a castle-like fortress with a surprising, eerie beauty., 6. Rodin Museum. Opened in 1929 as the gift of movie theater magnate Jules Mastbaum to his fellow Philadelphians, the Rodin Museum contains the largest public collection of Auguste Rodin's sculpture outside Paris, including such famed works as The Thinker and The Gates of Hell., 7. The Barnes Foundation. The Barnes Foundation, established in 1922 by Dr. Albert C. Barnes to "promote the advancement of education and the appreciation of the fine arts," features excellent examples of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist painting by Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse, and others. The Foundation is working on plans to relocate the collections to the Parkway., 8. Free Library of Philadelphia. Chartered in 1891 as "a general library which shall be free to all," the Free Library of Philadelphia moved to Logan Square in 1927. Today the Central branch serves as the hub of a 54-branch system and houses 7,000,000 items including rare books, a children's department, music, and public computers., 9. Franklin Institute Science Museum. The Franklin Institute was established in 1824 in the spirit of inquiry and discovery embodied by Benjamin Franklin. It opened as a science museum of the Parkway in 1933. With exciting exhibits on astronomy, physics and electricity, it is also home to the famous walk-through Giant Heart, the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial, Fels Planetarium and Tuttleman IMAX theater., 10. Moore College of Art and Design. Founded by Sarah Peter in 1848, Moore is the nation's first and only women's visual arts college educating women for careers in art and design. Continuing educating programs, Young Artists Workshop, The Galleries, The Art Shop and Sculpture Park make Moore a unique "must-see" arts and culture destination., 11. Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. Founded in 1812, Philadelphia's natural history museum features exhibitions and educational programs, including Dinosaur Hall, historical dioramas and live butterflies that showcase the diversity of life on earth. The work of the Academy's biological and environmental scientists and its extensive library and specimens collections are world renowned., 12. Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. Begun in 1846, the brownstone-and-bronze Mother Church of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia opened in 1864. Modeled after the Lombard Church of St. Charles in Rome, it was originally designed without side windows to prevent destruction by anti-Catholic mobs. Today the Cathedral welcomes guests and dignitaries from around the world., 13. Friends Select School. As the only pre-K through 12 independent Quaker school in Center City Philadelphia, Friends Select provides a unique learning experience in a close community environment. Students at this coeducational college-preparatory school benefit from rich reciprocal relationships with academic, historic and cultural institutions., 14. Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Founded in 1805, the Academy is America's oldest art museum and school. The Academy's commitment to art education is evidenced through its exhibitions, public and degree programs, and its ever-growing collection of historical and contemporary American Art, housed in the Frank Furness-designed historic landmark building and the elegant Samuel M.V. Hamilton Building., 15. Masonic Temple. Considered one of the wonders of the Masonic world (Freemasonry is the oldest continually existing fraternal organization), the Temple was dedicated in 1873. This designated National Historic Landmark, with its magnificent exterior and interior architecture, is the home of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania., 16. Pennsylvania Convention Center. the largest public construction project ever undertaken in Pennsylvania, the Convention Center incorporates the former train-shed of the Reading Railroad as its Grand Ballroom, the oldest surviving structure of its kind in the world. Below lies the Reading Terminal Market, continuously used as a market place since 1653., 17. City Hall. Built between 1871 and 1901, the ornate City Hall contains over 250 sculptures and is topped by a 37-foot-tall, 27-ton bronze statue of the city's founder, William Penn, the tallest statue atop any building in the world., 18. Dilworth Park. Dilworth Park as City Hall is named for Richardson Dilworth, who served as Philadelphia's Mayor from 1956 to 1962. It was totally renovated in 2014 by the Center City District with a programmable fountain, landscaping, café, and iconic glass headhouses providing access to the city's major transit lines.

Where the Parkway Begins City Hall is the eastern anchor of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the broad boulevard that runs from Center City to Fairmount Park. From the observation deck in City Hall's tower, you can see the Parkway stretch a mile northwest to the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Construction on City Hall began in 1871 and dragged on amid scandals for 30 years. It was briefly the world's tallest building, losing that title in 1908 to the Singer Building in New York City.

Old-fashioned in appearance even when it was brand new, City Hall's ornate style prompted controversy. Only when people began to rediscover the beauty of Victorian architecture was its future made secure.

Famous for the bronze statue of William Penn that crowns its 511-foot tower, City Hall has more than 250 sculptures inside and out, all created by Alexander Milne Calder and his assistants.

Sculptor Alexander Milne Calder
Alexander Milne Calder, known for the sculptures on City Hall, was the first of three generations of renowned artists in the Calder family.

His son Alexander Stirling Calder and grandson Alexander "Sandy" Calder
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became famous sculptors, too.

Look for his son's sculpted figures in Swann Fountain and Logan Square, and his grandson's giant mobile in the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

[Reverse:]
1. Boathouse Row. This picturesque collection of historic buildings comprises an important center of the United States' rowing community. The boathouses shelter the sculls (boats) of local clubs, high school and college programs. The "Schuylkill Navy" hosts several major rowing regattas each year including the Dad Vail and the Head of the Schuylkill.

2. Fairmount Water Works. This collection of Classical buildings was built between 1819 and 1822 to provide fresh drinking water to the City. The first water works in America, this 19th-century engineering marvel and tourist attraction has been restored as a restaurant and Interpretive Center. The family-oriented Center features interactive exhibits on environmental education and cultural heritage.

3. Philadelphia Museum of Art. Among the largest museums in the United States, housing over 225,000 works of art, its collection spans 2,000 years of creativity from around the world. Strengths include

Where the Parkway Begins Marker [Reverse] image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 6, 2022

2. Where the Parkway Begins Marker [Reverse]

old master painting, arms and armor, American art, Impressionism and modern art, the arts of Asia, and contemporary art in all mediums. The Museum presents spectacular exhibitions and innovative education programs for all ages.

4. Philadelphia Museum of Art (Perelman Building). The Art Deco landmark building houses galleries showcasing the Museum's vast and distinguished collections of prints, drawings and photographs; costume and textiles; and modern and contemporary design.

5. Eastern State Penitentiary. Known for its grand architecture and policy of solitary confinement, "Eastern State," opened in 1829, was once the most influential prison in the world. The vaulted skylit cells once held flamboyant bank robber "Slick Willie" Sutton and gangster Al Capone. It stands today in ruin, a castle-like fortress with a surprising, eerie beauty.

6. Rodin Museum. Opened in 1929 as the gift of movie theater magnate Jules Mastbaum to his fellow Philadelphians, the Rodin Museum contains the largest public collection of Auguste Rodin's sculpture outside Paris, including such famed works as The Thinker and The Gates of Hell.

7. The Barnes Foundation.

Where the Parkway Begins Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 6, 2022

3. Where the Parkway Begins Marker

The Barnes Foundation, established in 1922 by Dr. Albert C. Barnes to "promote the advancement of education and the appreciation of the fine arts," features excellent examples of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist painting by Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse, and others. The Foundation is working on plans to relocate the collections to the Parkway.

8. Free Library of Philadelphia. Chartered in 1891 as "a general library which shall be free to all," the Free Library of Philadelphia moved to Logan Square in 1927. Today the Central branch serves as the hub of a 54-branch system and houses 7,000,000 items including rare books, a children's department, music, and public computers.

9. Franklin Institute Science Museum. The Franklin Institute was established in 1824 in the spirit of inquiry and discovery embodied by Benjamin Franklin. It opened as a science museum of the Parkway in 1933. With exciting exhibits on astronomy, physics and electricity, it is also home to the famous walk-through Giant Heart, the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial, Fels Planetarium and Tuttleman IMAX theater.

10. Moore College of Art & Design. Founded by Sarah

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Peter in 1848, Moore is the nation's first and only women's visual arts college educating women for careers in art and design. Continuing educating programs, Young Artists Workshop, The Galleries, The Art Shop and Sculpture Park make Moore a unique "must-see" arts and culture destination.

11. Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. Founded in 1812, Philadelphia's natural history museum features exhibitions and educational programs, including Dinosaur Hall, historical dioramas and live butterflies that showcase the diversity of life on earth. The work of the Academy's biological and environmental scientists and its extensive library and specimens collections are world renowned.

12. Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul. Begun in 1846, the brownstone-and-bronze Mother Church of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia opened in 1864. Modeled after the Lombard Church of St. Charles in Rome, it was originally designed without side windows to prevent destruction by anti-Catholic mobs. Today the Cathedral welcomes guests and dignitaries from around the world.

13. Friends Select School. As the only pre-K through 12 independent Quaker school in Center City Philadelphia, Friends Select provides a unique learning experience in a close community environment. Students at this coeducational college-preparatory school benefit from rich reciprocal relationships with academic, historic and cultural institutions.

14. Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Founded in 1805, the Academy is America's oldest art museum and school. The Academy's commitment to art education is evidenced through its exhibitions, public and degree programs, and its ever-growing collection of historical and contemporary American Art, housed in the Frank Furness-designed historic landmark building and the elegant Samuel M.V. Hamilton Building.

15. Masonic Temple. Considered one of the wonders of the Masonic world (Freemasonry is the oldest continually existing fraternal organization), the Temple was dedicated in 1873. This designated National Historic Landmark, with its magnificent exterior and interior architecture, is the home of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania.

16. Pennsylvania Convention Center. the largest public construction project ever undertaken in Pennsylvania, the Convention Center incorporates the former train-shed of the Reading Railroad as its Grand Ballroom, the oldest surviving structure of its kind in the world. Below lies the Reading Terminal Market, continuously used as a market place since 1653.

17. City Hall. Built between 1871 and 1901, the ornate City Hall contains over 250 sculptures and is topped by a 37-foot-tall, 27-ton bronze statue of the city's founder, William Penn—the tallest statue atop any building in the world.

18. Dilworth Park. Dilworth Park as City Hall is named for Richardson Dilworth, who served as Philadelphia's Mayor from 1956 to 1962. It was totally renovated in 2014 by the Center City District with a programmable fountain, landscaping, café, and iconic glass headhouses providing access to the city's major transit lines.

Erected by Fairmount Park Conservancy; Center City District, Philadelphia.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music • Government & Politics • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Art Deco, the National Historic Landmarks, and the Quakerism series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1871.

Location. 39° 57.21′ N, 75° 9.893′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in William Penn Annex West. It is at the intersection of John F Kennedy Boulevard (Pennsylvania Route 3/611) and North 15th Street ( Route 611), on the left when traveling east on John F Kennedy Boulevard. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1501 John F Kennedy Blvd, Philadelphia PA 19102, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Pennsylvania. It is also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

New Netherland,

and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Edmund N. Bacon (within shouting distance of this marker); Broad Street Station (within shouting distance of this marker); 15th & Market (within shouting distance of this marker); Government Of The People (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); William Penn (about 300 feet away); "Government of the People." (about 300 feet away); Matthias William Baldwin (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named Matthias William Baldwin (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 4, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 11, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 196 times since then and 13 times this year. Last updated on September 4, 2025, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 11, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.