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{{Infobox Park
{{Infobox Neighborhood
| name = Logan Square
| name = Logan Square
| image =
| type = Neighborhood
| image_caption = Swann Memorial Fountain at Logan Square
| location = Center City
| type = Urban square / Traffic circle
| zip_codes = 19103, 19130
| location = Center City, Philadelphia
| established = 1825 (square renamed)
| coordinates = 39.9578,-75.1710
| named_for = James Logan, William Penn's secretary
| area = 4 acres
| boundaries = North: Fairmount Avenue, South: Market Street/JFK Boulevard, East: 18th Street, West: Schuylkill River
| established = 1683 (planned); 1920s (redesigned)
| adjacent_neighborhoods = [[Fairmount]], [[Spring Garden (Philadelphia)|Spring Garden]], [[Penn Center]], [[Rittenhouse Square]]
| operated_by = Philadelphia Parks & Recreation
| major_streets = Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 20th Street, Arch Street
| features = Swann Memorial Fountain, Shakespeare Memorial, museums nearby
| transit = Broad Street Line (Race-Vine Station), SEPTA buses
| transit = SEPTA bus routes; near Suburban Station
| notable_landmarks = [[Philadelphia Museum of Art]], Rodin Museum, Barnes Foundation, Logan Circle
| website = https://www.centercityphila.org
}}
}}


'''Logan Square''' (officially '''Logan Circle''') is one of [[William Penn]]'s original five public squares in [[Philadelphia]], dramatically reimagined in the 1920s as a grand traffic circle anchoring the [[Benjamin Franklin Parkway]]. The square is dominated by the spectacular '''Swann Memorial Fountain''' and serves as the gateway to the city's "Museum Mile."<ref name="logan">{{cite web |url=https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/logan-square/ |title=Logan Square |publisher=Visit Philadelphia |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>
'''Logan Square''' is a neighborhood in northwest [[Center City]], [[Philadelphia]], anchored by Logan Circle (still commonly called Logan Square) and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway museum district. The neighborhood is home to Philadelphia's greatest concentration of cultural institutions, including the [[Philadelphia Museum of Art]], the Barnes Foundation, the Rodin Museum, and the Franklin Institute.<ref name="visitphilly">{{cite web |url=https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/logan-square/ |title=Logan Square |publisher=Visit Philadelphia |access-date=December 22, 2025}}</ref>


Unlike the other Penn squares, which remain quiet neighborhood parks, Logan Square was transformed into a monumental civic space befitting its position on Philadelphia's grand ceremonial boulevard.
Logan Circle, one of William Penn's original five public squares, features the famous Swann Memorial Fountain at its center.


== History ==
== History ==


=== Original Square ===
=== William Penn's Plan ===


Originally called "Northwest Square" in Penn's 1682 plan, the space was renamed in 1825 for James Logan, William Penn's secretary and a prominent colonial leader. For its first two centuries, Logan Square was a typical neighborhood park surrounded by residential streets.
Logan Square was designated as Northwest Square in William Penn's 1682 plan for Philadelphia. It was renamed in '''1825''' to honor '''James Logan''' (1674-1751), Penn's secretary and one of colonial Pennsylvania's leading intellectuals.


=== Benjamin Franklin Parkway ===
=== The Parkway ===


The transformation of Logan Square began with the construction of the '''Benjamin Franklin Parkway''' in the 1910s-1920s. Modeled on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, the parkway was designed as a diagonal boulevard connecting [[City Hall]] to the [[Philadelphia Museum of Art]].
The Benjamin Franklin Parkway, completed in 1926, transformed Logan Square. Modeled on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, the diagonal boulevard cut through the grid and created the museum district that defines the neighborhood today.


Logan Square was redesigned as a monumental traffic circle to serve as the parkway's focal point. The Swann Memorial Fountain, designed by Alexander Stirling Calder, was installed in 1924.
=== Modern Development ===


== Swann Memorial Fountain ==
Logan Square has experienced significant high-rise residential development since the 2000s, adding apartment towers to the traditionally institutional district.


The '''Swann Memorial Fountain''' (also called the '''Fountain of Three Rivers''') is Philadelphia's most famous fountain:
== Logan Circle ==


=== Design ===
'''Logan Circle''' (the name was changed from "Square" when the park was redesigned as a traffic circle) is one of William Penn's original five squares:


* '''Sculptor:''' Alexander Stirling Calder (father of mobile artist Alexander Calder)
=== Swann Memorial Fountain ===
* '''Installed:''' 1924
* '''Named for:''' Dr. Wilson Cary Swann, founder of the Philadelphia Fountain Society


=== Symbolism ===
The '''Swann Memorial Fountain''' (1924), designed by Alexander Stirling Calder, features:
* Three Native American figures representing Philadelphia's rivers
* The Schuylkill River (mature male)
* The Delaware River (mature female)
* The Wissahickon Creek (young female)
* Dramatic water jets


The fountain depicts three Native American figures representing the three major waterways of the Philadelphia region:
The fountain is one of Philadelphia's most photographed landmarks.
* '''Delaware River''' — Male figure with a swan
* '''Schuylkill River''' — Female figure with a swan
* '''Wissahickon Creek''' — Female figure


Water jets spray dramatically from multiple points, with the central geyser reaching considerable height.
=== Cathedral Basilica ===


=== Visiting ===
The '''Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul''' dominates one side of Logan Circle:
* Seat of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia
* Largest Catholic church in Pennsylvania
* Renaissance Revival architecture
* Open for tours


* The fountain operates seasonally (spring through fall)
== Benjamin Franklin Parkway ==
* Spectacular when illuminated at night
* Views from all sides around the traffic circle
* Benches on the surrounding plaza


== Surrounding Area ==
The '''Benjamin Franklin Parkway''' runs from City Hall to the Philadelphia Museum of Art:


=== Benjamin Franklin Parkway Museums ===
=== Museums and Cultural Institutions ===


Logan Square anchors "Museum Mile":
* '''[[Philadelphia Museum of Art]]''' - Major art museum, famous steps
* '''Barnes Foundation''' - Renowned impressionist collection
* '''Rodin Museum''' - Largest Rodin collection outside Paris
* '''Franklin Institute''' - Science museum
* '''Academy of Natural Sciences''' - Natural history museum
* '''Free Library of Philadelphia''' - Central library


* '''Academy of Natural Sciences''' — On the square
=== Public Art ===
* '''Franklin Institute''' — Adjacent to the square
* '''Barnes Foundation''' — Along the parkway
* '''Rodin Museum''' — Along the parkway
* '''Philadelphia Museum of Art''' — Terminates the parkway


=== Other Notable Sites ===
The Parkway features numerous sculptures and installations:
* Flags of all nations
* Various sculptures
* Memorial fountains


* '''Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul''' — Roman Catholic cathedral on the square
== Living in Logan Square ==
* '''Free Library of Philadelphia''' — Central branch on the parkway
* '''Sister Cities Park''' — Adjacent family-friendly park
* '''Shakespeare Memorial''' — Hamlet and Touchstone statues


=== Shakespeare Memorial ===
=== Housing ===


The '''Shakespeare Memorial''' in Logan Square features:
* High-rise apartment buildings (many recent)
* Bronze statue of Hamlet
* Some historic townhouses
* Bronze statue of Touchstone (fool from ''As You Like It'')
* Predominantly rental apartments
* Part of the Association for Public Art collection
* Higher-end pricing


== Sister Cities Park ==
=== Demographics ===


Adjacent to Logan Square, '''Sister Cities Park''' offers family-friendly amenities:
* Young professionals
* Museum and cultural industry workers
* Students and academics
* Downtown workers


* Children's playground
=== Character ===
* Café
* Boat pond
* Interactive fountain
* Quiet garden spaces


The park celebrates Philadelphia's sister city relationships with cities worldwide.
Logan Square offers:
* Walking distance to major museums
* Convenient to Center City
* Less neighborhood feel than residential areas
* Active during day, quieter at night
* Views of the Parkway and museums


== Visiting ==
== Getting There ==


=== Getting There ===
=== Public Transit ===


'''Location:''' Benjamin Franklin Parkway at 19th Street
* '''Broad Street Line (The B):''' Race-Vine Station
* '''SEPTA Bus Routes:''' 7, 32, 33, 48, 76
* '''PHLASH:''' Seasonal tourist trolley


'''By Public Transit:'''
=== Walking ===
* Walk from Suburban Station
* SEPTA buses along the parkway
* Short walk from 30th Street Station


'''By Car:'''
* 15 minutes from Center City core
* Traffic circle can be busy
* Direct access to Art Museum and Parkway
* Nearby parking garages
* Connected to [[Fairmount]] neighborhood
* Limited street parking


=== Tips ===
== Dining ==


* Visit the fountain at night when illuminated
Logan Square dining is concentrated around 20th Street and the edges of the Parkway:
* Combine with museum visits along the parkway
 
* Sister Cities Park is great for families
* '''Rose Tattoo Cafe''' - American
* The fountain doesn't operate in winter
* Museum restaurants
* Cafes and casual spots
* Hotel dining
 
{{FAQ
| q1 = What is Logan Square known for?
| a1 = Logan Square is known for the Benjamin Franklin Parkway museum district, home to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Barnes Foundation, Rodin Museum, and Franklin Institute. Logan Circle features the famous Swann Memorial Fountain.
| q2 = Is Logan Circle the same as Logan Square?
| a2 = Yes, they refer to the same place. It was originally called Northwest Square (one of Penn's five squares), renamed Logan Square in 1825, and later redesigned as a traffic circle. Locals still commonly call it Logan Square.
| q3 = What museums are on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway?
| a3 = Major museums include the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Barnes Foundation, Rodin Museum, Franklin Institute, Academy of Natural Sciences, and the new Calder Gardens. It's Philadelphia's cultural corridor.
| q4 = Who was Logan Square named after?
| a4 = Logan Square is named for James Logan (1674-1751), William Penn's secretary and one of colonial Pennsylvania's leading intellectuals. He served in various government roles and was a renowned scholar and book collector.
}}


== See Also ==
== See Also ==


* [[Philadelphia Museum of Art]]
* [[Fairmount]]
* [[Center City, Philadelphia|Center City]]
* [[Benjamin Franklin Parkway]]
* [[Rittenhouse Square]]
* [[Rittenhouse Square]]
* [[Washington Square]]
* [[Franklin Square]]
* [[Penn's Five Squares]]
* [[Benjamin Franklin Parkway]]
* [[Philadelphia Museum of Art]]


== References ==
== References ==
<references />
<references />
== External Links ==
* [https://www.associationforpublicart.org/artwork/swann-memorial-fountain/ Swann Memorial Fountain - Association for Public Art]
* [https://www.centercityphila.org Center City District]


{{#seo:
{{#seo:
|title=Logan Square Philadelphia - Swann Fountain & Benjamin Franklin Parkway
|title=Logan Square Philadelphia - Museum District and Parkway Guide
|description=Guide to Logan Square (Logan Circle), featuring the Swann Memorial Fountain on Philadelphia's Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Gateway to Museum Mile and Penn's Five Squares.
|description=Guide to Logan Square, Philadelphia's museum district along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Art Museum, Barnes Foundation, Rodin Museum, Swann Fountain, and cultural attractions.
|keywords=Logan Square Philadelphia, Swann Memorial Fountain, Logan Circle, Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia fountains, Penn's Five Squares, Museum Mile Philadelphia
|keywords=Logan Square Philadelphia, Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Swann Memorial Fountain, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Barnes Foundation, Rodin Museum, Philadelphia museums
|type=Article
|type=Article
}}
}}


[[Category:Parks]]
[[Category:Neighborhoods]]
[[Category:Center City]]
[[Category:Center City]]
[[Category:Benjamin Franklin Parkway]]
[[Category:Museum Districts]]
[[Category:Penn's Five Squares]]
[[Category:Public Art]]

Revision as of 20:24, 30 December 2025

Logan Square
TypeNeighborhood
LocationCenter City
ZIP code(s)19103, 19130
Established1825 (square renamed)
Named forJames Logan, William Penn's secretary
BoundariesNorth: Fairmount Avenue, South: Market Street/JFK Boulevard, East: 18th Street, West: Schuylkill River
AdjacentFairmount, Spring Garden, Penn Center, Rittenhouse Square
Major streetsBenjamin Franklin Parkway, 20th Street, Arch Street
TransitBroad Street Line (Race-Vine Station), SEPTA buses
LandmarksPhiladelphia Museum of Art, Rodin Museum, Barnes Foundation, Logan Circle

Logan Square is a neighborhood in northwest Center City, Philadelphia, anchored by Logan Circle (still commonly called Logan Square) and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway museum district. The neighborhood is home to Philadelphia's greatest concentration of cultural institutions, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Barnes Foundation, the Rodin Museum, and the Franklin Institute.[1]

Logan Circle, one of William Penn's original five public squares, features the famous Swann Memorial Fountain at its center.

History

William Penn's Plan

Logan Square was designated as Northwest Square in William Penn's 1682 plan for Philadelphia. It was renamed in 1825 to honor James Logan (1674-1751), Penn's secretary and one of colonial Pennsylvania's leading intellectuals.

The Parkway

The Benjamin Franklin Parkway, completed in 1926, transformed Logan Square. Modeled on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, the diagonal boulevard cut through the grid and created the museum district that defines the neighborhood today.

Modern Development

Logan Square has experienced significant high-rise residential development since the 2000s, adding apartment towers to the traditionally institutional district.

Logan Circle

Logan Circle (the name was changed from "Square" when the park was redesigned as a traffic circle) is one of William Penn's original five squares:

Swann Memorial Fountain

The Swann Memorial Fountain (1924), designed by Alexander Stirling Calder, features:

  • Three Native American figures representing Philadelphia's rivers
  • The Schuylkill River (mature male)
  • The Delaware River (mature female)
  • The Wissahickon Creek (young female)
  • Dramatic water jets

The fountain is one of Philadelphia's most photographed landmarks.

Cathedral Basilica

The Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul dominates one side of Logan Circle:

  • Seat of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia
  • Largest Catholic church in Pennsylvania
  • Renaissance Revival architecture
  • Open for tours

Benjamin Franklin Parkway

The Benjamin Franklin Parkway runs from City Hall to the Philadelphia Museum of Art:

Museums and Cultural Institutions

  • Philadelphia Museum of Art - Major art museum, famous steps
  • Barnes Foundation - Renowned impressionist collection
  • Rodin Museum - Largest Rodin collection outside Paris
  • Franklin Institute - Science museum
  • Academy of Natural Sciences - Natural history museum
  • Free Library of Philadelphia - Central library

Public Art

The Parkway features numerous sculptures and installations:

  • Flags of all nations
  • Various sculptures
  • Memorial fountains

Living in Logan Square

Housing

  • High-rise apartment buildings (many recent)
  • Some historic townhouses
  • Predominantly rental apartments
  • Higher-end pricing

Demographics

  • Young professionals
  • Museum and cultural industry workers
  • Students and academics
  • Downtown workers

Character

Logan Square offers:

  • Walking distance to major museums
  • Convenient to Center City
  • Less neighborhood feel than residential areas
  • Active during day, quieter at night
  • Views of the Parkway and museums

Getting There

Public Transit

  • Broad Street Line (The B): Race-Vine Station
  • SEPTA Bus Routes: 7, 32, 33, 48, 76
  • PHLASH: Seasonal tourist trolley

Walking

  • 15 minutes from Center City core
  • Direct access to Art Museum and Parkway
  • Connected to Fairmount neighborhood

Dining

Logan Square dining is concentrated around 20th Street and the edges of the Parkway:

  • Rose Tattoo Cafe - American
  • Museum restaurants
  • Cafes and casual spots
  • Hotel dining

Template:FAQ

See Also

References

  1. ↑ "Logan Square". Visit Philadelphia. Retrieved December 22, 2025
Retrieved from "https://philadelphia.wiki/index.php?title=Logan_Square&oldid=884"