Pennsylvania, U.S.A. – Monday, July 16th & Wednesday, July 18th, 2012
Giovanni's Room, founded in 1973, important in the history of LGBT rights in Philadelphia (if the flag was any indication). Oh, and something something about the "city of brotherly love", I don't even want to try...
I believe that Philadelphia has the most public street art of any city in the United States.
Philly's LGBT neighborhood, officially designated by the street signs.
Another of the Four Seasons mural scattered throughout the city: Spring.
The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, named after its most noteworthy patron, Jimmy Kimmel.
Beneath the Kimmel Center's massive glass atrium.
The Wilma Theater
Walking down modern Philadelphia
I forget exactly what this building was. I think we may have primarily stopped inside for the air conditioning.
There was a story behind this clock however that I absolutely cannot recall.
Philadelphia's Walk of Fame. I took a photo of John Coltrane's plaque for my dad, who is a huge jazzhead.
Cannot escape history no matter where you go in Philly.
The Union League of Philadelphia, the city's most exclusive clubhouse. I wonder if the password to get inside is "fidelio"?
Approaching Philadelphia's City Hall
The statue of William Penn atop the City Hall's spire marked the tallest structure in the world from 1901 to 1908 at 548 feet high.
Plaque commemorating the Swedish settlements of the Delaware.
Beneath the City Hall
Peering up the side of the tower, which is still the world's tallest masonry building.
Construction started in 1871, meaning it took thirty years to build.
There are four pillars holding the building up that depict white, black, Asian, and native American people. Obviously a bit of symbolism going on here.
Here's the cornerstone of the building, laid in 1874.
William Penn's Prayer for Philadelphia.
Arch Street United Methodist Church
Statue of John F. Reynolds, an American Civil War general.
Peeking across at the Comcast Center, the tallest building in Philadelphia at 975 feet tall.
One Liberty Place in the back of this shot, Philadelphia's second tallest building at 945 feet. I like the Chrysler Building inspiration.
More public art
Pennsylvania Railroad, one of the four railroads in the Monopoly board game.
Love Park's iconic sculpture. It's been here since the 1970's, but it looks much newer (and honestly rather temporary).
There's the Rocky steps, belonging to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Although the museum appears nearby, it's so big that it would actually take over a half hour to walk down this street to reach it.
I’ve read all of this 9 pages photo journal. Some photos look familiar to me though I’ve never been there. I love the scattered ironic humor of your writing style. I wanted to visit the city, anyway, I’ll have chance. Thanks for sharing! I love you~