Public Art on the Parkway: Walking Tour
This event is SOLD OUT.
Join the Association for Public Art on a walking tour of public art created by American artists on the Parkway!
As part of a joint exhibition organized by the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, A Nation of Artists, the Association for Public Art presents a Public Art Decoded walking tour highlighting public art created by American artists along the stretch between the two institutions. The tour is a 1.3-mile walk that traverses the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, exploring the breadth of styles and historical influences that shaped this impactful corridor of sculptures.
Headsets will be provided. Meet at the Paint Torch (giant paintbrush sculpture) in front of PAFA on Cherry and Broad Streets, across from the Pennsylvania Convention Center at 11am.
About the association for public art
Mission
Public art can spark imagination, explore hidden stories, engage the issues of our time, and bring people together. The Association for Public Art collaborates with artists and communities to make public art accessible to all and create an enduring legacy for future generations.
Vision
We envision a future where art is essential to Philadelphia’s culture and daily life: gathering people for dialogue and exchange, connecting them to place, and inciting discovery and the creative spirit in every neighborhood.
Values
Art-Centered: We believe in supporting a wide range of artists to create impactful public art that has clarity of vision while conjuring imagination, discovery, and possibility for those who encounter it. We believe that the freedom to imagine, create, and disseminate diverse cultural expression–free from censorship–is essential for the wellbeing of society.
Rigor: We believe that successful public art emerges from our rigorous process, is authentic to the artist’s vision, and is in meaningful relationship to the space it inhabits. We support artists to meet a high standard of design ability, integrity, and originality of ideas.
Equity: We believe that everyone should have access to meaningful public art, but acknowledge that due to historic and systemic barriers, not everyone does. We use our resources and collaborate with others to expand public art access to all.
Dialogue & Connection: We believe that sites of public art can serve as gathering places for people from different backgrounds and perspectives to interact, engage new ideas, and increase mutual understanding. We commission, present, and interpret public art to create vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming environments that foster community and belonging.
Collaboration: We believe that building intentional relationships with artists and organizations expands our understanding, extends our reach, and creates greater opportunity for all to encounter public art throughout Philadelphia.
We're so excited you're planning to visit PAFA!
Make time for art — visit us Thursday to Sunday.
Before reserving your tickets, please review helpful information about museum hours, accessibility, building access, and special admission programs.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at visitorservices@pafa.org — we’d love to help!