Cherry Street Pier
| Cherry Street Pier | |
|---|---|
| Type | Adaptive reuse pier / Arts venue |
| Location | Delaware River waterfront |
| Coordinates | 39.9550,-75.1380 |
| Area | 55,000 square feet |
| Established | 2018 |
| Operated by | Delaware River Waterfront Corporation |
| Features | Artist studios, gardens, food hall, event space |
| Hours | 7 AM - 10 PM daily (varies seasonally) |
| Transit | Walk from Old City; SEPTA bus 25 |
| Website | Official Site |
Cherry Street Pier is a transformed municipal pier on the Delaware River waterfront in Philadelphia, combining artist studios, a seasonal garden, food vendors, and public gathering space under the dramatic canopy of a century-old covered pier structure. Opened in 2018, it represents one of the most successful adaptive reuse projects on Philadelphia's waterfront.[1]
The pier seamlessly blends arts, community, and commerce in a space that feels both industrial and welcoming.
History
[edit | edit source]Original Pier
[edit | edit source]The pier was built in 1919 as a working municipal shipping pier:
- Served Delaware River shipping traffic
- Covered structure protected cargo operations
- Part of Philadelphia's once-thriving port
- Fell into disuse as shipping declined
Transformation
[edit | edit source]The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation led the pier's reinvention:
- 2016-2018: Renovation and adaptive reuse
- Preserved original pier structure and roof
- Added artist studios and public amenities
- Created year-round programming model
Features
[edit | edit source]Artist Studios
[edit | edit source]Resident artist studios line the pier:
- Working artists visible to visitors
- Rotating residency program
- Open studio events
- Art for sale
The Garden
[edit | edit source]A seasonal garden occupies the pier's center:
- Container plantings and raised beds
- Comfortable seating throughout
- Festive string lights
- River views through open walls
Food and Drink
[edit | edit source]Vendors offer diverse options:
- Local food vendors
- Craft beverages
- Seasonal menus
- Indoor and outdoor seating
Event Space
[edit | edit source]The pier hosts:
- Markets and pop-ups
- Live music
- Festivals
- Private events
Visiting
[edit | edit source]Hours
[edit | edit source]- Generally 7 AM - 10 PM
- Seasonal variations
- Check website for current hours
Admission
[edit | edit source]- Free admission to the pier
- Pay for food, drink, and art purchases
Getting There
[edit | edit source]Location: Delaware River waterfront at Cherry Street
By Public Transit:
- Walk east from Old City
- SEPTA Bus 25 to Columbus Boulevard
- Market-Frankford Line to 2nd Street, then walk
By Car:
- Columbus Boulevard parking lots
- Penn's Landing parking
By Bicycle:
- Delaware River Trail access
- Bike parking available
Tips
[edit | edit source]- The covered structure provides shade and shelter
- Sunset views through the open pier sides are spectacular
- Combine with Race Street Pier (just south)
- Check event calendar for markets and music
Nearby
[edit | edit source]- Race Street Pier — Adjacent waterfront park
- Penn's Landing — South along waterfront
- Old City — Short walk west
- Benjamin Franklin Bridge — Views from pier
- Spruce Street Harbor Park — Further south (seasonal)
See Also
[edit | edit source]References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "Cherry Street Pier". Delaware River Waterfront Corporation. Retrieved December 30, 2025