Eakins Oval
| Eakins Oval | |
|---|---|
| Type | Urban plaza / Event space |
| Location | Benjamin Franklin Parkway / Art Museum |
| Coordinates | 39.9655,-75.1800 |
| Area | 3 acres |
| Established | 2017 (current design) |
| Operated by | Philadelphia Parks & Recreation / City of Philadelphia |
| Features | Fountain, event space, bike hub, food vendors |
| Hours | Always open |
| Transit | SEPTA bus routes; walk from Spring Garden |
| Website | Official Site |
Eakins Oval is an urban plaza at the foot of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, serving as the terminus of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and a major civic gathering space. Named for Philadelphia artist Thomas Eakins, the oval features the Washington Monument Fountain and hosts major events, concerts, and daily use as a public space.[1]
Eakins Oval is the ceremonial heart of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
History
[edit | edit source]Parkway Development
[edit | edit source]The oval was part of original Parkway design:
- 1920s: Parkway completion
- Boulevard des Champs-Élysées inspiration
- Art Museum terminus
- Civic space design
Washington Monument Fountain
[edit | edit source]Designed by Rudolf Siemering:
- Equestrian statue of George Washington
- Allegorical figures
- Grand fountain basin
- Dedicated 1897 (moved to oval)
Recent Renovation
[edit | edit source]2017: Major redesign:
- Improved pedestrian access
- Food vendor space
- Bike hub addition
- Event infrastructure
- Better connection to Art Museum steps
Features
[edit | edit source]Washington Monument Fountain
[edit | edit source]Centerpiece:
- Equestrian Washington statue
- Bronze allegorical figures
- Water features
- Dramatic fountain display
The Oval
[edit | edit source]Modern plaza amenities:
- Seating areas
- Food trucks and vendors
- Bike sharing station
- Event infrastructure
- Restrooms
Art Museum Steps
[edit | edit source]- Direct access to famous "Rocky Steps"
- Viewing platform for city vista
- Connection to museum entrance
- Major tourist attraction
Bike Hub
[edit | edit source]- Indego bike share station
- Start/end point for Parkway rides
- Connection to Schuylkill River Trail
- Bike repair station
Events
[edit | edit source]The Oval+ (Summer)
[edit | edit source]Summer programming includes:
- Pop-up beer garden
- Food vendors
- Hammocks and seating
- Movies and events
- Live music
Major Events
[edit | edit source]Eakins Oval hosts:
- Made in America Festival
- Philadelphia Marathon finish
- July 4th celebrations
- Concert venue
- Civic gatherings
Using the Space
[edit | edit source]Daily Use
[edit | edit source]- Running and walking (Parkway route)
- Tourist photography
- Fountain viewing
- Food vendors
Rocky Steps
[edit | edit source]- Climb the Art Museum steps
- Recreation of famous film scene
- City skyline views
- Rocky statue (base of steps)
Visiting
[edit | edit source]Hours
[edit | edit source]- Always open
- Summer programming seasonal
Getting There
[edit | edit source]Location: Benjamin Franklin Parkway at Art Museum
By Public Transit:
- Walk from Spring Garden/Fairmount
- SEPTA Bus 7, 32, 38, 48
By Car:
- Art Museum parking (fee)
- Street parking (limited)
Tips
[edit | edit source]- Visit at sunset for best photography
- Summer brings food vendors and programming
- Run the "Rocky Steps" for the full experience
- Combine with Art Museum visit
- Great starting point for Parkway exploration
Nearby
[edit | edit source]- Philadelphia Museum of Art — Atop the steps
- Benjamin Franklin Parkway — Southeast
- Fairmount Park — West
- Paine's Park — North
- Boathouse Row — West
See Also
[edit | edit source]References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "Benjamin Franklin Parkway". Visit Philadelphia. Retrieved December 30, 2025