Editing Rittenhouse Square (section)

== The Park ==

=== Visiting the Park ===

Rittenhouse Square is a free public park open to all visitors. The park is open daily from dawn to 11:00 PM. There is no admission fee for entering the park, enjoying the gardens, or viewing the sculptures.

The park covers 6.45 acres and features:
* Diagonal walkways leading to a central oval plaza
* A reflecting pool surrounded by a classical balustrade
* Ornamental lamp posts and benches
* Manicured lawns and mature shade trees
* Multiple entrances at each corner

Visitors are welcome to picnic on the lawns, read, relax, or simply enjoy the urban oasis. Dogs are permitted on leash.

=== Sculptures ===

Rittenhouse Square contains several notable outdoor sculptures, making it an informal sculpture garden:<ref name="apa">{{cite web |url=https://www.associationforpublicart.org/artwork/lion-crushing-a-serpent/ |title=Lion Crushing a Serpent |publisher=Association for Public Art |access-date=December 22, 2025}}</ref>

'''Lion Crushing a Serpent''' (1832, installed 1892)
* Artist: Antoine-Louis Barye (French, 1796-1875)
* The first sculpture installed in Rittenhouse Square
* Bronze, 4'6" height on granite base
* Symbolizes good triumphing over evil
* Barye founded the "animaliers" school of animal sculptors in Paris
* His students included Auguste Rodin

'''Duck Girl''' (1911)
* Artist: Paul Manship (American, 1885-1966)
* Located in the reflecting pool
* Bronze depicting a young girl with a duck
* One of Manship's early works before he became a celebrated Art Deco sculptor

'''Billy''' (1914)
* Artist: Albert Laessle (American, 1877-1954)
* Bronze billy goat
* One of the park's most beloved sculptures
* Rubbed shiny gold by generations of children and visitors

'''Evelyn Taylor Price Memorial Sundial'''
* Artist: Beatrice Fenton (American, 1887-1983)
* Features two children holding a sunflower-shaped sundial
* Memorial to a local philanthropist

'''Giant Frog''' (1940s)
* Artist: Cornelia Van A. Chapin (American, 1893-1972)
* Carved granite frog
* A favorite climbing spot for children