In modern Philadelphia, extraordinary people live who are actively engaged in creativity and try to give it to the outside world. In addition, thousands of tourists come to this village every year who want to see it all.
If the visitor set out to find the most original monument in Philadelphia, he would have to run. The city center is literally teeming with various attractions. This is not only the pedestals of the most unexpected heroes, but also the incredible geometry of the building, as well as other wonders.
Monument of love
It is impossible to visit Philadelphia and walk past the most romantic place in the city - Love Park. It exists since 1965. And in 1967 it was named in honor of the beloved President John F. Kennedy. Almost ten years after this, in 1976, a “love monument” appeared in Philadelphia in this park, made in the style of pop art and depicting four three-dimensional letters that together form the word "love", that is, "love." The unusual monument was designed by master Robert Indiana.
At first this monument was going to be taken from the city, but the locals liked it so much that they managed to return the sculpture to its rightful place. Now love always stays with Philadelphia. Thanks to the monument, the authorities renamed the place itself in Love Park.
Since then, every year, thousands of tourists in love seek to visit Philadelphia and take unforgettable photos near bright red letters.
It is believed that a lonely person who came to this place, touched the letters and made a wish, will surely find his love. Those who have tested this superstition in practice are now getting used to sharing life for two. So the sculpture really "works."
Rush
Another modern conceptual monument in Philadelphia is Rush. Residents of the city consider it a monument dedicated to freedom. It combines extraordinary and beauty. Tourists who find themselves at the intersection of Vinnaya and Sixteenth streets cannot pass by the unusual imagination of the sculptor.
There are four parts in the monument, each of which goes into another. As a result, they all form a single impulse. Zenos Frudakis erected this monument in Philadelphia back in 2000. The sculptor dedicated his creation to the freedom of the human imagination, to a creative impulse. Independence seems to break out thanks to the intensive active work on oneself.
The monument looks like a wall in which four human sculptures are placed. On it you can see the outlines of faces. A man is not standing, frozen, he is trying to break out of his confinement. The fourth sculpture’s place in the wall is empty, and it stands nearby, as if defeating itself and becoming free. On the gaping hole flaunts the inscription "Stop here." Everyone who came to see the monument can be photographed in an empty niche. But, from the point of view of the artist, such an act will be fully considered recognition of fetters and a rejection of freedom of thought.
Clothespin monument
A grandiose monument in the center of Philadelphia, which rises fifteen meters in height, is dedicated to the usual clothespin. It has no analogues. It is unique in its concept.
Each guide will tell tourists that the clothespin monument in Philadelphia was built in honor of one rich man who made his fortune on linen clips. As a sign of his love for this industry, the man even ordered a sculpture in the form of clothespins.
However, this story is only a romantic legend. A clothespin of fifteen meters was created by a certain Klaus Oldenburg from Sweden.
This shocking sculptor constantly surprises everyone with his work, now and then creating a new monument to the subject in Philadelphia or in another city. On his account is a monument to a garden scapula, a stub, a broom, a shovel and a toothbrush.
The monument depicted in the photo was installed in 1976.
Family Memorial
If a tourist asks the locals what kind of monument in Philadelphia they consider the most extraordinary, they will certainly invite him to go to the city center. There, on Municipal Square, stands a dark giant sculpture. It resembles an ancient totem. The monument is made of stone in the form of many human limbs intertwined.
One family is hidden in the statue - mother, father and son - with bound hands and feet. Each of them holds the flag of the city.
From afar, the monument resembles a very indecent gesture. And all the city guides try to mention this unusual fact to tourists.
Your turn
There, on Municipal Square, another unusual monument was erected. This memorial, rather, can be called a composition of various figures.
Several famous sculptors joined forces to create the monument : Roger White, Rene Petropolis and Daniel Martinez. Together, they worked to ensure that figures from board games enlarged millions of times appeared on a sufficiently large area. Chess, dice, checkers froze in the composition.
It is impossible to play with these huge figures, they are securely attached, some to the floor, others to the central facade of the nearest building.
Rocky Balboa Monument
Perhaps one of the most frequently mentioned monuments in Philadelphia was the memorial to the character of the Hollywood actor Sylvester Stallone - Rocky Balboa. The boxer is considered almost the national hero of the city.
The bronze Balboa in a victorious movement raised his gloved hands to the sky.
The monument to the star stands at the foot of a staircase called the Rocky Staircase. Shooting of the popular film took place here. Thanks to the film, Philadelphia met a new wave of tourists who wanted to go to the same places where the boxer trained, lived and had fun.
Near the monument there are constantly hundreds of tourists who eagerly stand in line to take pictures in an embrace with Rocky. Local entrepreneurs are proposing a race along the Rocky Staircase with a valuable prize for the winner.
There are many beautiful and unusual monuments in Philadelphia. Come to this city to admire them firsthand!