Love Park
| Love Park | |
|---|---|
| Type | Urban plaza |
| Location | Center City, Philadelphia |
| Coordinates | 39.9543,-75.1657 |
| Area | 0.9 acres |
| Established | 1965 (plaza); 1976 (sculpture) |
| Operated by | Philadelphia Parks & Recreation |
| Features | LOVE sculpture, fountain, views of City Hall |
| Transit | Multiple SEPTA routes; near Suburban Station |
| Website | Official Site |
Love Park (officially John F. Kennedy Plaza) is an urban plaza in Center City Philadelphia famous for Robert Indiana's iconic LOVE sculpture. Located at the northwest corner of City Hall, the park offers sweeping views down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and serves as a gathering place at the heart of the city.[1]
The plaza was redesigned in 2018, creating a modern public space while preserving its role as home to one of Philadelphia's most photographed landmarks.
History
[edit | edit source]JFK Plaza
[edit | edit source]The plaza was designed by architect Edmund Bacon and landscape architect Vincent Kling as part of the 1960s redevelopment of Center City. It was named for President John F. Kennedy after his assassination in 1963.
LOVE Sculpture
[edit | edit source]Robert Indiana's LOVE sculpture was installed in 1976 for the nation's Bicentennial celebration:
- Originally temporary installation
- Public demand made it permanent
- Became symbol of Philadelphia
- Most photographed object in the city
Skateboarding History
[edit | edit source]Love Park gained international fame as a skateboarding destination in the 1990s and 2000s:
- Considered one of the world's best street skating spots
- Featured in skate videos and magazines
- Skating eventually banned (controversial decision)
- Important piece of skateboarding cultural history
2018 Redesign
[edit | edit source]The plaza was completely redesigned in 2016-2018:
- New fountain
- Improved seating
- Better accessibility
- Café pavilion
- Relocated LOVE sculpture (returned after renovation)
Features
[edit | edit source]LOVE Sculpture
[edit | edit source]The LOVE sculpture is the park's defining feature:
- Designed by Robert Indiana (1970)
- Installed 1976
- Red cor-ten steel
- 12 feet high
- Tilted "O" is signature design element
Fountain
[edit | edit source]The fountain provides:
- Interactive water features
- Cooling in summer
- Evening illumination
- Gathering space
Views
[edit | edit source]The park offers exceptional views:
- Looking northwest: Benjamin Franklin Parkway to Art Museum
- Looking southeast: City Hall courtyard
- Urban canyon perspective
Café
[edit | edit source]A café pavilion provides:
- Coffee and light food
- Indoor seating
- Restrooms
- Weather shelter
Visiting
[edit | edit source]Hours
[edit | edit source]- Open 24 hours (plaza)
- Café: Check current hours
Getting There
[edit | edit source]Location: 15th Street and JFK Boulevard
By Public Transit:
- Suburban Station (underground connection)
- SEPTA buses on JFK Boulevard and Market Street
- Walk from City Hall
By Car:
- Nearby parking garages
- Very limited street parking
- Not recommended—transit is easier
Tips
[edit | edit source]- Best photos with the LOVE sculpture are early morning (fewer crowds)
- The view down the parkway is impressive at any time
- Combine with a walk to the Art Museum via the parkway
- The plaza can be crowded midday
Nearby
[edit | edit source]- City Hall — Adjacent
- Benjamin Franklin Parkway — Begins here
- Philadelphia Museum of Art — 1 mile along parkway
- Dilworth Park — City Hall's west plaza
- Reading Terminal Market — 2 blocks east
Cultural Significance
[edit | edit source]Love Park represents:
- Philadelphia identity — The LOVE sculpture is synonymous with the city
- Urban renewal — Mid-century plaza design
- Skateboarding culture — Historic importance to the sport
- Public art — Iconic public sculpture