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


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


== History ==
== History ==


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


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.
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.


=== The Parkway ===
=== Benjamin Franklin 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.
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]].


=== Modern Development ===
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.


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


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


'''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:
=== Design ===


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


The '''Swann Memorial Fountain''' (1924), designed by Alexander Stirling Calder, features:
=== Symbolism ===
* 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.
The fountain depicts three Native American figures representing the three major waterways of the Philadelphia region:
* '''Delaware River''' — Male figure with a swan
* '''Schuylkill River''' — Female figure with a swan
* '''Wissahickon Creek''' — Female figure


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


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


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


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


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


* '''[[Philadelphia Museum of Art]]''' - Major art museum, famous steps
Logan Square anchors "Museum Mile":
* '''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 ===
* '''Academy of Natural Sciences''' — On the square
* '''Franklin Institute''' — Adjacent to the square
* '''Barnes Foundation''' — Along the parkway
* '''Rodin Museum''' — Along the parkway
* '''Philadelphia Museum of Art''' — Terminates the parkway


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


Logan Square offers:
The park celebrates Philadelphia's sister city relationships with cities worldwide.
* 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 ==
== Visiting ==


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


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


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


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


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


Logan Square dining is concentrated around 20th Street and the edges of the Parkway:
* Visit the fountain at night when illuminated
 
* Combine with museum visits along the parkway
* '''Rose Tattoo Cafe''' - American
* Sister Cities Park is great for families
* Museum restaurants
* The fountain doesn't operate in winter
* 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 ==


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


== 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 - Museum District and Parkway Guide
|title=Logan Square Philadelphia - Swann Fountain & Benjamin Franklin Parkway
|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.
|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.
|keywords=Logan Square Philadelphia, Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Swann Memorial Fountain, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Barnes Foundation, Rodin Museum, Philadelphia museums
|keywords=Logan Square Philadelphia, Swann Memorial Fountain, Logan Circle, Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia fountains, Penn's Five Squares, Museum Mile Philadelphia
|type=Article
|type=Article
}}
}}


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

Revision as of 20:34, 30 December 2025

Logan Square
Type Urban square / Traffic circle
Location Center City, Philadelphia
Coordinates 39.9578,-75.1710
Area 4 acres
Established 1683 (planned); 1920s (redesigned)
Operated by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation
Features Swann Memorial Fountain, Shakespeare Memorial, museums nearby
Transit SEPTA bus routes; near Suburban Station
Website Official Site

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."[1]

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.

History

Original Square

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.

Benjamin Franklin 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.

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.

Swann Memorial Fountain

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

Design

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

Symbolism

The fountain depicts three Native American figures representing the three major waterways of the Philadelphia region:

  • 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.

Visiting

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

Surrounding Area

Benjamin Franklin Parkway Museums

Logan Square anchors "Museum Mile":

  • Academy of Natural Sciences — On the square
  • 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

  • Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul — Roman Catholic cathedral on the 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

The Shakespeare Memorial in Logan Square features:

  • Bronze statue of Hamlet
  • Bronze statue of Touchstone (fool from As You Like It)
  • Part of the Association for Public Art collection

Sister Cities Park

Adjacent to Logan Square, Sister Cities Park offers family-friendly amenities:

  • Children's playground
  • Café
  • Boat pond
  • Interactive fountain
  • Quiet garden spaces

The park celebrates Philadelphia's sister city relationships with cities worldwide.

Visiting

Getting There

Location: Benjamin Franklin Parkway at 19th Street

By Public Transit:

  • Walk from Suburban Station
  • SEPTA buses along the parkway
  • Short walk from 30th Street Station

By Car:

  • Traffic circle can be busy
  • Nearby parking garages
  • Limited street parking

Tips

  • Visit the fountain at night when illuminated
  • Combine with museum visits along the parkway
  • Sister Cities Park is great for families
  • The fountain doesn't operate in winter

See Also

References

  1. ↑ "Logan Square". Visit Philadelphia. Retrieved December 30, 2025
Retrieved from "https://philadelphia.wiki/index.php?title=Logan_Square&oldid=896"