Editing Love Park

{{Infobox Park
| name = Love Park
| image =
| image_caption = The LOVE sculpture overlooking the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
| 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 = https://www.centercityphila.org
}}

'''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.<ref name="lovepark">{{cite web |url=https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/love-park/ |title=LOVE Park |publisher=Visit Philadelphia |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

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 ==

=== JFK Plaza ===

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 ===

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 ===

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 ===

The plaza was completely redesigned in 2016-2018:
* New fountain
* Improved seating
* Better accessibility
* Café pavilion
* Relocated LOVE sculpture (returned after renovation)

== Features ==

=== LOVE Sculpture ===

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 ===

The '''fountain''' provides:
* Interactive water features
* Cooling in summer
* Evening illumination
* Gathering space

=== Views ===

The park offers exceptional '''views''':
* Looking northwest: Benjamin Franklin Parkway to Art Museum
* Looking southeast: City Hall courtyard
* Urban canyon perspective

=== Café ===

A '''café pavilion''' provides:
* Coffee and light food
* Indoor seating
* Restrooms
* Weather shelter

== Visiting ==

=== Hours ===

* Open 24 hours (plaza)
* Café: Check current hours

=== Getting There ===

'''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 ===

* 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 ==

* '''[[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 ==

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

== See Also ==

* [[Benjamin Franklin Parkway]]
* [[City Hall]]
* [[Philadelphia Museum of Art]]
* [[Dilworth Park]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://www.centercityphila.org Center City District]
* [https://www.visitphilly.com Visit Philadelphia]
* [https://www.associationforpublicart.org/artwork/love/ Association for Public Art - LOVE]

{{#seo:
|title=Love Park Philadelphia - LOVE Sculpture & JFK Plaza Guide
|description=Guide to Love Park (JFK Plaza) in Philadelphia, home to the iconic LOVE sculpture. Views of Benjamin Franklin Parkway, photos with LOVE, and Center City landmark.
|keywords=Love Park Philadelphia, LOVE sculpture Philadelphia, JFK Plaza, Philadelphia landmarks, Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia photos, Robert Indiana LOVE
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Parks]]
[[Category:Center City]]
[[Category:Public Art]]
[[Category:Landmarks]]
[[Category:Benjamin Franklin Parkway]]