Editing Eakins Oval

{{Infobox Park
| name = Eakins Oval
| image =
| image_caption = Eakins Oval and the Philadelphia Museum of Art
| type = Urban plaza / Event space
| location = Benjamin Franklin Parkway / Art Museum
| coordinates = 39.9655,-75.1800
| area = 3 acres
| established = 2017 (current design)
| operated_by = Philadelphia Parks & Recreation / City of Philadelphia
| features = Fountain, event space, bike hub, food vendors
| hours = Always open
| transit = SEPTA bus routes; walk from Spring Garden
| website = https://www.visitphilly.com
}}

'''Eakins Oval''' is an urban plaza at the foot of the [[Philadelphia Museum of Art]], serving as the terminus of the [[Benjamin Franklin Parkway]] and a major civic gathering space. Named for Philadelphia artist Thomas Eakins, the oval features the '''Washington Monument Fountain''' and hosts major events, concerts, and daily use as a public space.<ref name="eakins">{{cite web |url=https://www.visitphilly.com/areas/philadelphia-neighborhoods/benjamin-franklin-parkway/ |title=Benjamin Franklin Parkway |publisher=Visit Philadelphia |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

Eakins Oval is the ceremonial heart of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

== History ==

=== Parkway Development ===

The oval was part of original Parkway design:
* '''1920s:''' Parkway completion
* Boulevard des Champs-Élysées inspiration
* Art Museum terminus
* Civic space design

=== Washington Monument Fountain ===

'''Designed by Rudolf Siemering:'''
* Equestrian statue of George Washington
* Allegorical figures
* Grand fountain basin
* Dedicated 1897 (moved to oval)

=== Recent Renovation ===

'''2017:''' Major redesign:
* Improved pedestrian access
* Food vendor space
* Bike hub addition
* Event infrastructure
* Better connection to Art Museum steps

== Features ==

=== Washington Monument Fountain ===

'''Centerpiece:'''
* Equestrian Washington statue
* Bronze allegorical figures
* Water features
* Dramatic fountain display

=== The Oval ===

'''Modern plaza amenities:'''
* Seating areas
* Food trucks and vendors
* Bike sharing station
* Event infrastructure
* Restrooms

=== Art Museum Steps ===

* Direct access to famous "Rocky Steps"
* Viewing platform for city vista
* Connection to museum entrance
* Major tourist attraction

=== Bike Hub ===

* Indego bike share station
* Start/end point for Parkway rides
* Connection to Schuylkill River Trail
* Bike repair station

== Events ==

=== The Oval+ (Summer) ===

Summer programming includes:
* Pop-up beer garden
* Food vendors
* Hammocks and seating
* Movies and events
* Live music

=== Major Events ===

Eakins Oval hosts:
* Made in America Festival
* Philadelphia Marathon finish
* July 4th celebrations
* Concert venue
* Civic gatherings

== Using the Space ==

=== Daily Use ===

* Running and walking (Parkway route)
* Tourist photography
* Fountain viewing
* Food vendors

=== Rocky Steps ===

* Climb the Art Museum steps
* Recreation of famous film scene
* City skyline views
* Rocky statue (base of steps)

== Visiting ==

=== Hours ===

* Always open
* Summer programming seasonal

=== Getting There ===

'''Location:''' Benjamin Franklin Parkway at Art Museum

'''By Public Transit:'''
* Walk from Spring Garden/Fairmount
* SEPTA Bus 7, 32, 38, 48

'''By Car:'''
* Art Museum parking (fee)
* Street parking (limited)

=== Tips ===

* Visit at sunset for best photography
* Summer brings food vendors and programming
* Run the "Rocky Steps" for the full experience
* Combine with Art Museum visit
* Great starting point for Parkway exploration

== Nearby ==

* '''[[Philadelphia Museum of Art]]''' — Atop the steps
* '''[[Benjamin Franklin Parkway]]''' — Southeast
* '''[[Fairmount Park]]''' — West
* '''[[Paine's Park]]''' — North
* '''[[Boathouse Row]]''' — West

== See Also ==

* [[Philadelphia Museum of Art]]
* [[Benjamin Franklin Parkway]]
* [[Rocky Statue]]
* [[Fairmount Park]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://www.philamuseum.org Philadelphia Museum of Art]
* [https://www.visitphilly.com Visit Philadelphia]

{{#seo:
|title=Eakins Oval Philadelphia - Art Museum Steps, Rocky, & Parkway Terminus
|description=Guide to Eakins Oval at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Washington Monument Fountain, Rocky Steps, summer events, and Benjamin Franklin Parkway terminus.
|keywords=Eakins Oval Philadelphia, Rocky Steps Philadelphia, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Washington Monument Fountain, Philadelphia events
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Parks]]
[[Category:Benjamin Franklin Parkway]]
[[Category:Tourist Attractions]]
[[Category:Event Venues]]
[[Category:Landmarks]]