Rittenhouse Square

Rittenhouse Square

Type	Neighborhood and public park
Location	Center City
ZIP code(s)	19103
Area	Park: 6.45 acres
Established	1683 (park established)
Named for	David Rittenhouse (renamed 1825)
Adjacent	Center City, Fitler Square, Washington Square West, Logan Square
Landmarks	Lion Crushing a Serpent sculpture, Duck Girl fountain
Website	Official site

Rittenhouse Square is a public park and surrounding neighborhood in Center City, Philadelphia, widely considered the most prestigious residential area in the city. The park is one of William Penn's original five public squares, laid out in 1683 as part of Penn's plan for Philadelphia. Originally called Southwest Square, it was renamed in 1825 in honor of David Rittenhouse, an eminent Philadelphia astronomer, clockmaker, and patriot who served as the first Director of the United States Mint.

The 6.45-acre park features diagonal walkways converging at a central plaza with a reflecting pool, classical balustrades, and several notable sculptures including the Lion Crushing a Serpent by Antoine-Louis Barye. The surrounding neighborhood is known for its elegant brownstones, high-rise luxury apartments, upscale restaurants, and the boutique shopping along Walnut Street. Rittenhouse Square hosts popular annual events including a farmers market, the Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show, and a beloved Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

History

William Penn's Original Plan

William Penn designed Philadelphia in 1682 with five public squares intended as open spaces for the health and recreation of residents. Penn believed these green spaces were essential to creating a "greene countrie towne" that would provide relief from the crowded, disease-prone conditions of European cities. The five squares were arranged in a cruciform pattern:

• Centre Square - Now the site of Philadelphia City Hall
• Northeast Square - Now Franklin Square
• Southeast Square - Now Washington Square
• Northwest Square - Now Logan Square
• Southwest Square - Now Rittenhouse Square

For its first 142 years, the park was known simply as Southwest Square. The area remained largely undeveloped until the mid-19th century, when wealthy Philadelphians began building grand townhouses around the square.

David Rittenhouse

Rittenhouse Square was renamed in 1825 in honor of David Rittenhouse (1732-1796), one of early America's most accomplished scientists. Born in Germantown, Rittenhouse was a self-taught astronomer, mathematician, clockmaker, and instrument maker who made significant contributions to American science.

David Rittenhouse's notable achievements include:

• Building two orreries (mechanical models of the solar system) considered masterpieces of 18th-century craftsmanship
• Observing the 1769 Transit of Venus, a critical astronomical event
• Serving as the first Director of the United States Mint (1792-1795)
• Succeeding Benjamin Franklin as president of the American Philosophical Society (1791-1796)
• Designing survey instruments used to establish state boundaries

Rittenhouse lived most of his life in Philadelphia and was buried at the Arch Street Presbyterian Church cemetery. His former observatory stood near the present-day intersection of 7th and Arch Streets.

From Goosetown to High Society

For most of the 18th century, the square remained deep within dense woods, offering pasturage for local livestock and serving as a convenient dumping spot for "night soil." Until the city's elite began building mansions in the 1850s, the neighborhood had a distinctly unglamorous nickname: Goosetown.

Neighbors first began improving the square in 1816, adding lawns and a wooden fence to keep grazing animals away. In the decade before the Civil War, the square gained trees, walkways, and fountains—though the fountains created so much mud that City Council ordered them removed.

James Harper, a merchant and brick manufacturer who had recently retired from the United States Congress, became the first person to build on the square around 1840, purchasing most of the north frontage and erecting a stately townhouse at 1811 Walnut Street. A building boom followed in the 1850s, and by the second half of the 19th century, Rittenhouse Square had become the most fashionable residential section of the city—home to Philadelphia's "Victorian aristocracy."

The 20th Century

In 1913, the newly formed Rittenhouse Square Improvement Association helped fund a redesign by Paul Philippe Cret, a French-born architect who also contributed to the design of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and the Rodin Museum. Cret redesigned parts of the square to resemble Paris and the French gardens, adding classical entryways and stone additions to railings, pools, and fountains.

High-rise apartment buildings began replacing some of the original mansions in the 1920s and 1930s, though many historic townhouses remain. Following renovations made for America's Bicentennial in 1976, the Friends of Rittenhouse Square was established to serve as the nonprofit steward of the square.

Jane Jacobs and Urban Planning Legacy

Rittenhouse Square was discussed favorably by Jane Jacobs in her seminal 1961 work, The Death and Life of Great American Cities. Jacobs, one of the 20th century's most influential urban thinkers, praised Rittenhouse Square as an example of successful urban park design—a place that works because of its relationship to the surrounding neighborhood rather than despite it.

Today, Rittenhouse Square is home to some of Philadelphia's most expensive real estate. Nearly two-thirds of residents earn $100,000 or more annually, and it maintains its reputation as the city's most desirable neighborhood.

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:

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

Events

Fine Art Show

The Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show is typically held in early June each year, with a second show sometimes held in the fall. The show is one of the oldest outdoor art exhibitions in the United States, having been held annually since 1928.

During the art show, hundreds of artists set up displays along the perimeter of the square, showcasing paintings, photography, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, and mixed media. The juried exhibition attracts tens of thousands of visitors and is a beloved Philadelphia tradition.

For specific dates, check the Friends of Rittenhouse Square website at friendsofrittenhouse.org.

Farmers Market

The Rittenhouse Square Farmers Market operates on Saturdays year-round, typically from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The market is one of Philadelphia's most popular, featuring:

• Fresh produce from local farms
• Artisan breads and baked goods
• Local cheeses and dairy products
• Cut flowers and plants
• Prepared foods and specialty items
• Seasonal fruits and vegetables

The market operates rain or shine and continues throughout the winter months with reduced vendor participation. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall when the full range of local produce is available.

Annual Events

Rittenhouse Square hosts several annual events:

Spring Festival (May)

• Features food vendors, live entertainment, and activities
• Attracts tens of thousands of visitors
• Family-friendly atmosphere

Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show (June and sometimes fall)

• Juried outdoor art exhibition
• Hundreds of artists displaying works
• One of America's oldest outdoor art shows

Christmas Tree Lighting (December)

• Holiday celebration with thousands of lights
• Carolers and festive atmosphere
• Popular tradition for families

Additional Events

• Yoga in the park (various dates)
• Concerts and performances (occasional)
• Dog parades and community gatherings

The Friends of Rittenhouse Square, a nonprofit organization, coordinates park maintenance and events. Visit friendsofrittenhouse.org for current event schedules.

Dining and Shopping

Restaurants

Rittenhouse Square is the epicenter of Philadelphia's dining scene, home to multiple James Beard Award winners and nationally recognized restaurants. With 19 new restaurants opening in 2024 alone, the neighborhood remains the city's culinary heart.

James Beard Honored

• Friday Saturday Sunday — Winner, Outstanding Restaurant 2023; Michelin One Star
• My Loup — #8 on Food & Wine's Best Restaurants in America; French-Canadian
• Vernick Food & Drink — Multiple James Beard nominations
• a.kitchen + bar — Contemporary American from chef Eli Kulp

Iconic Rittenhouse

• Parc — Stephen Starr's beloved French brasserie overlooking the square since 2008
• Rouge — Pioneered outdoor dining on the square; famous for the GQ-ranked Rouge Burger
• Lacroix at The Rittenhouse — Elegant hotel restaurant with tasting menus

Stephen Starr Empire The prolific restaurateur Stephen Starr has multiple concepts in the neighborhood:

• Parc — French bistro
• Borromini — 16,000-square-foot Italian restaurant, opened 2024
• El Vez — Mexican
• Butcher and Singer — Classic steakhouse

More Notable Dining

• Little Water — Best of Philly "Best New Restaurant" 2025
• Kissho House — Japanese omakase in a converted brownstone
• Dizengoff — Israeli hummus bar from the Zahav team
• The Dandelion — British gastropub
• Barclay Prime — Upscale steakhouse

The neighborhood also features Di Bruno Bros. gourmet market, numerous coffee shops, and casual eateries along Walnut Street.

Walnut Street Shopping

Walnut Street between Broad Street and Rittenhouse Square is Philadelphia's premier shopping destination, featuring:

• Luxury boutiques and designer stores
• National retail chains
• Independent specialty shops
• Art galleries and antique stores

Getting There

Public Transit

Rittenhouse Square is easily accessible by SEPTA public transit:

Subway

• Broad Street Line (The B): Walnut-Locust Station (2 blocks east)
• Market-Frankford Line (The L): 15th Street Station (3 blocks east)

Bus Routes

• Route 9 - Along Walnut Street
• Route 12 - Along Walnut Street
• Route 21 - Along 21st Street
• Multiple routes along Chestnut Street (3 blocks north)

Regional Rail

• Suburban Station (4 blocks north)

The park is located at 18th and Walnut Streets. All corners of the square have entrance paths.

Parking

Street parking in the Rittenhouse Square area is extremely limited and typically restricted to 2-hour metered parking. The neighborhood is one of the most densely parked areas in Philadelphia.

Parking Garages

Several parking garages are located within walking distance:

• 1616 Walnut Street - Underground garage
• 1845 Walnut Street - Covered garage
• Rittenhouse Claridge Garage - 201 S. 18th Street
• Various other Center City garages within 2-4 blocks

Public transit is strongly recommended for visiting Rittenhouse Square. If driving, allow extra time to find parking or plan to use a garage.

Safety

Safety

Rittenhouse Square is generally considered one of the safest areas in Philadelphia due to its affluent residential character, constant foot traffic, and active community presence. The park is well-lit and patrolled by Philadelphia Police.

However, standard urban safety precautions apply:

• The park officially closes at 11:00 PM
• Stay in well-lit areas after dark
• Be aware of your surroundings
• Avoid leaving valuables visible in parked cars

The neighborhood maintains a strong community presence through organizations like the Friends of Rittenhouse Square, and residents are actively engaged in neighborhood safety. The Rittenhouse Square area has significantly lower crime rates than many other Philadelphia neighborhoods.

The Neighborhood

The Rittenhouse Square neighborhood extends several blocks in all directions from the park and is characterized by:

Architecture

• Victorian and Edwardian brownstones and townhouses
• Luxury high-rise apartment buildings
• Historic mansions (some converted to apartments or condos)
• Elegant streetscapes with mature trees

Demographics

• Mix of long-term residents and young professionals
• High concentration of cultural and academic professionals
• Affluent retirees
• Some of Philadelphia's highest median incomes

Cultural Institutions

• Curtis Institute of Music — Elite conservatory (4% acceptance rate); alumni include Leonard Bernstein and Lang Lang
• Rosenbach Museum — Rare books museum with James Joyce's Ulysses manuscript
• Mütter Museum — Medical history museum with Einstein's brain tissue (nearby)
• Philadelphia Art Alliance — Contemporary art exhibitions
• Plays & Players Theatre — Historic community theater
• Ethical Society of Philadelphia — Lectures and cultural programs
• Civil War and Underground Railroad Museum — History museum

Notable Residents

By the dawn of the 20th century, some of the wealthiest and most important families in America maintained primary residences on Rittenhouse Square. The neighborhood continues to attract Philadelphia's elite.

Historical Residents (1876-1929)

• Alexander Cassatt — President of the Pennsylvania Railroad
• John Wanamaker — Department store founder
• William Weightman III — Real estate entrepreneur
• Edmund Bacon — Philadelphia city planner and "Father of Modern Philadelphia"
• Kevin Bacon — Actor, son of Edmund Bacon, grew up in the neighborhood

Contemporary Residents Rittenhouse Square remains a hub for executives, athletes, and celebrities:

• Stephen Starr — Restaurateur, owns a 6,000-square-foot home near 21st and Locust
• Multiple Philadelphia Eagles, Phillies, and Flyers players have owned condos in the luxury towers surrounding the square

The 31-story tower at 1706 Rittenhouse and the buildings at 10 Rittenhouse Square have been particularly popular with professional athletes and executives.

See Also

• William Penn
• Center City, Philadelphia
• Logan Square
• Washington Square
• Franklin Square
• Fitler Square
• Parc
• Friday Saturday Sunday
• Curtis Institute of Music
• Rosenbach Museum
• Mütter Museum

External Links

• Friends of Rittenhouse Square
• Visit Philadelphia Guide
• Association for Public Art - Rittenhouse Sculptures