Who Sits Atop City Hall in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia City Hall is an iconic building located in the heart of the city. It is the largest municipal building in the United States and one of the most prominent landmarks in Philadelphia. However, what most people do not know is that there is a statue situated atop the building, overlooking the city. In this article, we will explore the history, architecture, symbolism, and controversy surrounding this iconic statue.
The Architecture of Philadelphia City Hall
Philadelphia City Hall is a masterpiece of architecture and engineering. It was designed by John McArthur Jr. and constructed between 1871 and 1901. The building is a perfect example of the Second Empire style, which was popular during the late 19th century. It has a central tower that rises 548 feet above the ground, making it the tallest masonry structure in the world without a steel frame. The tower is supported by four smaller towers at each corner of the building, which are connected by a massive granite facade.
The Ornamentation of Philadelphia City Hall
The facade of Philadelphia City Hall is adorned with numerous sculptures and decorative elements that reflect the history and culture of the city. The exterior of the building is decorated with 250 carved sculptures, including allegorical figures, animal heads, and grotesques. The sculptures were designed by Alexander Milne Calder, who also created the iconic statue atop the building.
The Statue Atop City Hall: What Is It?
The statue atop Philadelphia City Hall is a massive bronze sculpture that depicts a figure standing on a pedestal. The figure is holding a staff with an orb on top, which is meant to represent the world. The statue is known as "William Penn" and is a representation of the city’s founder. The statue was installed on the tower in 1894, after the completion of the building.
The Sculptor Behind the Statue
The sculpture was created by Alexander Milne Calder, who was a Scottish-American sculptor. He was commissioned to create the statue in 1889 and worked on it for five years. Calder was also responsible for creating the sculptures on the exterior of the building.
The Symbolism of the Statue
The statue of William Penn atop Philadelphia City Hall is a symbol of the city’s founding and the ideals of the Quaker religion. William Penn was a Quaker who founded the city in 1682 as a place of religious tolerance and freedom. The statue represents his vision of a peaceful and just society.
The History of the Statue
The statue of William Penn was installed on top of Philadelphia City Hall in 1894, after the completion of the building. It was the tallest statue in the world at the time, standing at 37 feet tall. The statue has become an iconic symbol of the city and is featured in many photographs and postcards.
The Controversy Surrounding the Statue
In recent years, there has been controversy surrounding the statue of William Penn on top of Philadelphia City Hall. Some people believe that the statue represents the city’s colonial history and is a symbol of oppression. Others argue that the statue is a representation of the city’s values and should be preserved.
The Maintenance of the Statue
The statue of William Penn atop Philadelphia City Hall requires regular maintenance to ensure its preservation. The statue is cleaned and inspected every five years to prevent damage from weather and pollution. In 2018, the statue was repaired and restored at a cost of $40 million.
The View from Atop City Hall
The view from atop Philadelphia City Hall is breathtaking. Visitors can take an elevator to the observation deck on the top of the tower and see panoramic views of the city. The observation deck is open to the public and is a popular tourist attraction.
Visiting the Statue: What You Need to Know
Visitors who want to see the statue of William Penn atop Philadelphia City Hall can take a guided tour of the building. The tour includes a visit to the observation deck and a close-up look at the statue. Visitors should be aware that the tour requires climbing stairs and may not be suitable for everyone.
Conclusion: The Importance of Philadelphia City Hall’s Iconic Statue
The statue of William Penn atop Philadelphia City Hall is a symbol of the city’s founding and values. It is an iconic landmark that represents the history and culture of Philadelphia. Despite the controversy surrounding the statue, it remains an important part of the city’s identity and a must-see attraction for visitors.
