Last night at Lincoln Financial Field, First Tee Philadelphia brought together sports fans, civic leaders, and supporters for a meaningful evening celebrating two Philadelphia icons, Mike Quick and Merrill Reese at “Links at the Linc”. Both honorees are longtime partners on 94.1 WIP broadcasts and have worked together for nearly 30 years. Mike has been involved with First Tee for awhile, I remember shooting him at another event with them the first time about 12 years ago.
The setting was classic Philly. Cocktail hour energy inside the Linc, with guests mixing, reminiscing, and, in true First Tee fashion, even getting a chance to swing a club in a space better known for touchdowns than tee shots.
Normally not something you could do, but officials were testing out a new turf to be used for the upcoming Fifa games scheduled to start in June, so they had a field that was not for football.
First Tee Philadelphia goes far beyond the game itself. It uses golf as a way to build confidence, discipline, and resilience in young people.
Dave Sheilds, First Tee and Charles Pizzi, Board member of Independence Blue Cross
The program reaches tens of thousands of kids across the region, many gaining access to opportunities they might never have otherwise experienced.
Ashley Scudder, Tyler Scudder and Adriana Holt
Events like this work because they hit both notes. There is nostalgia and celebrity, yes. But there is also a clear reminder of why everyone is there.
Zoe Sky, Skylar Crutchfield and Tai Crutchfield
You could feel it in the room. Conversations were not just about the past, but about investing in the next generation.
And in a city that loves its sports heroes, honoring figures like Quick and Reese while lifting up young people felt exactly right.
Another fantastic event with a wonderful organization that makes a difference!!
Love Is Blind is a dating show built around a simple idea: can people fall in love without ever seeing each other? Singles talk and date in separate rooms where they can hear one another but not see each other, forming emotional connections first. If they feel strongly enough, they get engaged before ever meeting face to face. From there, they meet, and enter the real world, meet each other’s friends and families, and prepare for a wedding just weeks later, where they ultimately decide at the altar whether to say “I do” or walk away. The show is filming in Philadelphia, and most of the contestants live in the area, so it’s easy to do the meets and greets with familiar faces.
Love Is Blind contestants are generally paid a flat rate, often reported as roughly $1,000 per week or around $8,000 for the season, with some, like in season 6, earning up to $13,000 depending on milestones (pods, honeymoons, weddings).
With filming underway across some of Philly’s most recognizable spots, the city is officially center stage for a new round of relationships, dates, and inevitable drama. From what I’m hearing, there’s already a lot happening behind the scenes. While I won’t be revealing identities or outcomes, here’s where and when it’s been unfolding across the city.
BTW, I had never seen the show before and just started watching it on Sunday. I’m started with Season 6 . I wanted to watch a full season to understand how it all unfolds so I know what to share and when, after receiving weeks of tips.
Harper’s Garden
Love Is Blind has officially begun filming in Philadelphia as of March 2026, with production crews and contestants already spotted across the city.
Scenes have taken place at Ambrosia, Dear Daphni, Via Locusta, The Reading Terminal, Casa Ouiand Harp & Crown, while one “meet the parents” moment for a lucky couple unfolded at Harper’s Garden two Sundays ago.
Other Half Brewing March 26 a newly engaged couple meeting the friends. (I’ve cut off their heads)
Notably, these weren’t full buyouts. Filming happened alongside regular diners, with plenty of Philadelphians witnessing it in real time and some snapping photos. The image above with the goblet was taken at Harper’s Garden, though I’m hearing production assistants did persuade a few onlookers to delete footage from their phones.
The grooms were spotted at LR2 at Liberty One to pick up their tuxes last week. The bachelorettes were spotted at Concourse Wednesday night celebrating their upcoming nuptials.
The “W ” might as well stand for Wedding Weekend for Love Is Blind. If you follow me on Instagram, you know Saturday night I ran into a wedding guest at the Ritz Carlton late night, who I didn’t know, who filled me in on one of the weddings he had just attended, seems they only signed a waiver to say they’d give permission to be filmed; while I’m not revealing much, let’s just say there were definitely moments that will have viewers talking.
Here’s where it gets interesting: a friend of mine was invited to one of the weddings scheduled for this weekend, only to get an email just days before saying it was canceled. And this wasn’t an early exit situation, this couple had made it all the way to the altar. Somewhere along the line, someone got cold feet.
Even more curious, the email instructed guests to reach out to the person who invited them if they had questions. Does that mean the usual tight-lipped NDA rules are loosening a bit, or just passing the buck? Either way, something clearly shifted at the last minute and I have a feeling we’ll be hearing more about it.
Philly’s season is shaping up to be a memorable one. I’m hooked!! Look for the Philly season to debut sometime next year, I hear… if you hear anything…drop me a line HughE@phillychitchat.com – Thanks
I goofed, Love is Blind didn’t film at Joe’s Pizza Saturday 3/28 night after Midnight, it was an indie film called The Stranger.
Meet and Greet legendary singer Deborah Cox and Signed Bottle of Kazaisu at Roger Wilco on 5/6/26 INFO HERE
Legend and local resident Patti LaBelle hosted a fabulous birthday dinner Saturday night for her daughter-in-law Lona at Borromini Ristorante; Joined by Lona’s husband Zuri Edwards and a stylish group of friends, Lona told me everything was delicious, especially the branzino and the chocolate cake. I’ve had that olive oil chocolate cake myself, and it is so good.
Happy Birthday, Lona 💜
And Miss Patti is getting ready to celebrate her own birthday on May 24. She’ll be 82 years young ❤️ Fresh off a series of concerts in Ohio last week, she’s still going strong. Video used with permission ❤️❤️
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InLiquid’s annual March for Art BASH Brings the Crowds (and Collectors) to North American Street
Philadelphia’s creative corridor along North American Street was buzzing last month as InLiquidannual March for Art BASH, one of the city’s most beloved and accessible art events
Lynn Buono Les Dames Philadelphia / co-president and Rachel Zimmerman, Founder, Visionary, and Executive Director of InLiquid
Held at the Crane Arts Building and spilling out onto the surrounding blocks, the week long festival once again delivered on its promise: with most original artwork priced at $250 or less, making collecting feel less intimidating and a lot more fun.
Tuesday Gordon, Robin Cook and Ellen Shepp, co owner of Joan Shepp at Rittenhouse Square
More than 100 artists, designers, and makers set up shop, offering everything from paintings and photography to ceramics, jewelry, prints, and wearable art. The vibe was equal parts block party and open-air gallery, drawing a steady stream of seasoned collectors, curious first-timers, and neighborhood regulars to the gallery on American Street.
Debut’s his new exhibition, behind the Philadelphia Museum of Art, called: Radical Americana project, “Charm Offensive @ Reilly Memorial”, it will be up for two days only! April 18 & 19, a temporary public art intervention at the Reilly Memorial in Fairmount Park, reworking the six bronze Revolutionary War figures through large-scale jewelry, drawing on the language of military decoration — medals, ribbons, insignia — and shifting how the monument reads.
What makes this event stand out and keeps people coming back every year is its mission-driven edge. Every dollar from art sales goes directly to the artists, reinforcing InLiquid’s long-standing role as a connector between creators and the public
The event continues to anchor the growing North American Street arts corridor, linking studios, galleries, and creative businesses into one walkable cultural experience. Over the years, it has evolved into a signature spring time tradition that not only supports artists but helps cultivate the next generation of collectors.
Next up at InLiquid: Brownin’, a powerful new group exhibition opening April 9 at the InLiquid Gallery.
Curated in collaboration with Zindzi Harley, the show brings together five Philadelphia-based artists whose work centers on the Black figure, offering a layered and intentional exploration of identity, representation, and beauty.
Running April 9 through May 23, the exhibition kicks off with an opening reception on April 9 from 6 to 9 pm, followed by a second reception on May 14.
Daniel McLaughlin, Mission Taqueria and Tiger Jaser, Board President of Philadelphia Sketch Club Visual
At its core, Brownin’ challenges narrow definitions of beauty and replaces them with something more expansive and authentic. As Harley puts it, “This exhibition explores and exalts the musings of melanated communities and explodes the myth of a singular Black beauty.”
The featured artists • Caff Adeus • Marcus Branch • Mikel Elam • Akria Gordon • Yannick Lowery
Expect a mix of portraiture and figurative work that feels both personal and culturally resonant, continuing InLiquid’s mission of elevating Philadelphia artists while making contemporary art accessible to a wider audience.
Many of my readers are writing asking if the tents set up on the Parkway this week are for the No Kings March on Saturday, they are not. They are for the Love Run Half Marathon on Sunday March 29th. They will also be utilizing MLK Drive til Noon. See for more road closures and map.
Here’s an additional list of events on the Parkway which will impact traffic this spring.
Parkway April 4th Hot Chocolate Run – Benjamin Franklin Parkway and Fairmount Park April 26th Greek Independence Day Parade – Benjamin Franklin Parkway May 2nd Walk MS – Benjamin Franklin Parkway
What’s Happening on the Drives this Spring
Events happening on Kelly Drive this Spring
March 22nd Flick Regatta Series – Kelly Drive and Schuylkill River March 29th Flick Regatta Series – Kelly Drive and Schuylkill River April 12th Flick Regatta Series – Kelly Drive and Schuylkill River April 19th Flick Regatta Series – Kelly Drive and Schuylkill River April 26th Fairmount Arts Crawl – Fairmount Ave May 2nd and 3rd City Championship Regatta – Kelly Drive and Schuylkill River May 3rd Broad Street Run – Broad Street May 15th and 16th Stotesbury Regatta – Kelly Drive and Schuylkill River
Thanks to the Parkway Council for providing this list, which I will update for the Philly 250th Events and summer events roll out.
MLK DRIVE CLOSINGS
Beginning on Saturday, March 28, 2026, the City will close Martin Luther King Drive to motor vehicle traffic between the East Falls Bridge and the MLK Bridge/Eakins Oval on weekends to increase recreational access for the public.
Closures will begin this weekend – March 28-29, 2026 – and will be in place every Saturday at 7 a.m. through Monday at 7 a.m. until November 29 for runners, cyclists, and walkers to enjoy traffic-free access.
This season, there will be multiple holiday weekend extended closures on MLK Drive, including:
Good Friday/Easter (Friday, April 3 to Sunday, April 5)
Memorial Day (Saturday, May 23 to Monday, May 25)
Juneteenth (Friday, June 19 to Sunday, June 21)
Labor Day (Saturday, September 5 to Monday, September 7)
Indigenous Peoples Day (Saturday, October 10 to Monday, October 12)
Thanksgiving (Thursday, November 26 to Sunday, November 29)
Hours for all days listed above are 7 a.m. through 7 a.m.
Times MLK won’t be closed on the weekends.
For planning purposes, this year’s Roots Picnic will be held on May 30-31, 2026, and the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta will be held on the weekend of October 24 and 25, 2026. Please note that MLK Drive will not be closed to vehicles on these weekends due to operational access needs. The side path on MLK Drive will remain accessible to trail users.
The Forgotten Freedom: American Assembly at 250 made a powerful debut at the National Liberty Museum with an exclusive preview that blended history, culture, and civic pride in a way that felt especially timely as Philadelphia looks toward 2026.
Costantino Spinosa, Director of Museum Experience of National Liberty Museum, Dr. Alaine Arnott, President and CEO of the National Liberty Museum and Wilbert Montgomery, American former professional football player who was a running back for nine years with the Philadelphia Eagles and the Detroit Lions of the National Football League
Guests were among the first to experience the museum’s ambitious new exhibition series exploring one of the nation’s most essential yet often overlooked rights, the freedom of assembly.
Created for America’s 250th anniversary, the immersive presentation unfolds across three interconnected exhibitions, tracing how collective moments, from the founding era to modern pop culture, have shaped the American story.
The preview offered a sweeping narrative through artifacts and storytelling that connected the nation’s earliest gatherings with iconic cultural flashpoints such as Woodstock and Live Aid, alongside influential figures including Jackie Robinson and Michael Jordan, whose impact extended far beyond sports.
John Colabelli, Publisher. of Philadelphia Style Magazine, Brian Tierney, CEO of Brian Communications and Ron Jaworski known to the world as JAWS, is a former professional American football quarterback and a notable sports analyst, best known for his long career in the NFL, particularly as the starting quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles
Beau McCall shows Dr Matt Kenyatta his art as Souleo looks on
Contemporary artworks added depth and immediacy, prompting reflection on how communities continue to assemble and advocate today.
Bill Carroll, ChiChit Carroll and Michael Milborn
Dr Nicholas L. DePace, MD, (Who operates the DePace Sports Museum) Honorable Judge Jacquelyn Frazier-Lyde and Joseph M. Marrone, Esquire
The Kelce Brothers Jerseys are on display
See a 1936 Olympic Torch, a Taylor Swift ‘Eras’ Tour fan jacket, game-worn jerseys from Jason and Travis Kelce, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Jalen Hurts
Theresa and Derek Clark
Ken Goldin, Founder & CEO Goldin Auctions lent the preview party an original
Declaration of Independence document from New Hampshire. That was so cool to see in person, and was only displayed at the preview party.
Christy Adams, Joe Lyde, Joe Fraizer Foundation and George Bochetto
Guests enjoyed elevated bites from 12th Street Catering, inventive cocktails by mixologist Sean Clarke, and live music from Bachelor Boys Band, while a lively silent auction supported the museum’s ongoing educational mission.
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Stylish, engaged, and clearly energized by the storytelling, attendees lingered throughout the galleries, reflecting on the enduring relevance of assembly in American life. As Philadelphia prepares to take center stage for the Semiquincentennial, The Forgotten Freedom: American Assembly at 250 feels not only thoughtful and visually compelling, but deeply aligned with the civic moment the city is about to embrace. To learn more information about the National Liberty Museum (321 Chestnut St.) and its latest exhibit, visit libertymuseum.org
See additional photos in CBSPhilly and in an upcoming issue of Phila Style Magazine.
Recently I was talking with my friends Amira and Jermaine about a photo I took at Love Park around 2000. Amira looked at it and said it reminded her of Stevie Williams. I shared it on Instagram and, amazingly, Stevie himself commented. After all these years, the photo and the skater were finally reunited. When I took the picture, someone nearby told me he was a notable skateboarder, but I never caught his name. I even went back to Love Park many times hoping to find him again and tried to recreate the shot, but I never could. Some moments really only happen once. The March Issue of Philly Mag dropped and features Stevie Williams as one of the 25 Most Philly Athletes
I think the shot might belong in my greeting card collection at The Ground Coffee Shop. They just launched their new spring menu too.
I just recently returned from Florida and visiting my mom in the Keys. I was lucky enough to do some bird-watching as well. Excited that March is nearly here and bird watching season begins again. I enjoyed the snow over the weekend, and it’s the kind we normally get, wet and it melts within days. Not like the nightmare ice snow we got in January.
Since returning from Florida, Philadelphia’s spring social season has officially kicked into high gear. A significant moment unfolded this week in the Gayborhood.
The new Pride Visitor Center opened at 12th and Locust Streets, adjacent to Knock. Meg Kane and the Signature 57 family, who have owned Knock for nearly two decades, generously dedicated part of the popular restaurant and bar to create Pennsylvania’s first LGBTQ+ visitor center.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro placed Wednesday’s ribbon cutting into historical perspective, noting that in 1682 William Penn arrived on a ship called Welcome, seeking religious freedom from persecution in England and helping lay the foundation for what would become Pennsylvania.
Tyrell Brown, Philly Pride 365 and Tami Sortman
The evening before the ribbon cutting, Tyrell Brown of Philly Pride 365 and Tami Sortman, President of Washington West, at Knock, with a sneak preview of the space.
Monday I went to the Flower Show at the Convention Center. I know I say this every year, but this year, the show was fantastic. It’s beautiful, thoughtful and smells great.
This year the Marketplace was moved to its own floor instead of being squeezed in with the exhibition displays. It turned out to be a great decision. There’s now plenty of room to browse the vendors while still giving visitors space to fully enjoy the exhibits. I spoke with several vendors in the new Marketplace and, while they said they missed some of the buzz of being on the exhibition floor, many told me their sales were actually better.
I ran into a PhillyChitChat reader at the Flower Show. I always love meeting the people who follow along. 😊 Follow me on my Instagram PhillyChitChat Also check out recent party photos on CBSPhilly.
The official announcement that Philadelphia would host the 2026 MLB All-Star Game was made on April 16, 2019 by Commissioner Rob Manfred at Independence Hall.
The 2026 game, which celebrates the 250th anniversary of American independence, was further highlighted with a logo unveiling on July 18, 2025.
Be at Citizens Bank Park as Philadelphia takes the stage for the 2026 All-Star Week festivities! Events will take place at Citizens Bank Park and the Pennsylvania Convention Center from Saturday, July 11 through Tuesday, July 14.
The annual fan-fest, called the All-Star Village, will take place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center from Saturday, July 11 through Tuesday, July 14.
For events at Citizens Bank Ballpark, currently the events are as follows: Sunday, July 12, All-Star Futures Game and a celebrity event; Monday, July 13, All-Star Workout Day & T-Mobile Home Run Derby; Tuesday, July 14, MLB All-Star Game
All-Star Sunday – July 12
All-Star Sunday brings together the future and the fun of baseball with two marquee events held back-to-back at Citizens Bank Park. The day begins with the All-Star Futures Game, showcasing the next generation of MLB stars, and concludes with MLBX, a fast-paced, 3-on-3 knockout competition featuring the game’s biggest personalities.
All-Star Futures Game (12 PM | Airs on NBC)
The All-Star Futures Game showcases baseball’s top prospects and rising young stars as they take the field on a Major League stage. For many of today’s All-Stars, this game marked their first national introduction – making it a can’t-miss look at the future of MLB.
MLBx (Begins approximately 30-45 minutes following the conclusion of the Futures Game | Airs on Peacock)
MLBx is a fast-paced, 3-on-3 knockout baseball competition featuring teams of Phillies and MLB legends, AUSL stars, and celebrity talent. The event highlights power hitting, athletic defense, strategy, and teamwork, creating an energetic close to All-Star Sunday.
From July 11-14, Capital One All-Star Village at the Pennsylvania Convention Center will welcome fans from around the world, and we’re looking for enthusiastic team members to help bring this unforgettable event to life.
The All-Star Experience Team to help with the various areas above at Capital One All-Star Village. Below are items you will receive for being part of the program: All-Star Experience Team Performance Shirt
All-Star Experience Team Hat
Unlimited access to Capital One All-Star Village
MLB All-Star Cinch Bag
MLB All-Star Game Water Bottle
Commemorative All-Star Experience Team Baseball
This is a paid opportunity. Be part of one of the biggest celebrations in baseball and help us create an incredible All-Star Week in Philadelphia.
For one night only, the Museum for Art in Wood transformed its exhibition gallery into an unexpected dance floor, inviting guests to experience the space in an entirely new way, the second annual Gallery Groove!! With artwork temporarily between exhibitions, the gallery traded sculptures for sound, filling the room with music, movement, and creative energy.
Elisa Medina, David Rosenwasser, Morgan Baily and Eli Robbins
Sosena Solomon, JLy, Joanna Blaz, Crystal Cuevas, Rachel Zimmerman, Founder, Visionary, and Executive Director of InLiquid and Linda Smyth, Casa Vida.
Guests gathered in one of Philadelphia’s most unique cultural spaces to dance, connect, and celebrate art beyond the traditional museum experience.
Nadja Mcgilweski, Ingrid Buckley and Rachel Millomik
Events like this highlight the museum’s mission to keep creativity accessible and engaging while supporting future exhibitions and programming. Proceeds from the evening directly benefit the Museum for Art in Wood’s year round exhibitions, artist residencies, and public programs.
Gabrielle and Fred Kaplan-Mayer
Right now, the timing of the event is especially interesting because the museum is transitioning between exhibitions. Recent and current programming has included:
A Usable Past: Reflections on a Nation and Its Inheritance A thought provoking exhibition bringing together works by multiple artists exploring American history, identity, and cultural legacy through contemporary wood based sculpture.
John Kip and Ren Griffin
American Graffiti: Painting, Dyeing, and Surface Design in Wood An exhibition examining how artists push wood beyond traditional carving, using color, texture, and surface experimentation to expand the medium into contemporary art and design.
Looking ahead, the museum continues rotating exhibitions throughout the year, typically presenting four to five shows annually ranging from functional craft to sculptural contemporary work.
Jennifer-Navva Milliken (r) is the Executive Director and Chief Curator of the Museum for Art in Wood in Philadelphia tells me there are some great upcoming programming which includes artist talks, residency events, and special evenings such as book signings and First Friday gatherings in the long time Old City’s gallery, every First Friday of the month!! I highly recommend you attend. It’s a fun night crawling the galleries on Old City.
SAVE THE DATE: First Friday Opening for Viola Bordon: Muliebrity March 6 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
When you stop in to see the exhibitions, which are all free, check out their store in person or online. I love their unique gifts.
Hope to see you next year for the third annual Gallery Groove!!
The 23rd Annual World Trade Centers Day Celebration was held last Thursday, October 30, at Live Casino. Hosted by World Trade Center Greater Philadelphia (WTCGP), the event celebrates leaders in business, government, and the international community who advance global connections and economic growth.
Jovan Goldstein, JTGoldstein ,Accountants and Business Advisors, Steven Scott Bradley as Chairman of the Board WTCGP and Todd Brown, President/CEO, On Point Enforcement Unit, Inc.
Sheila Hess, Greg Caron, Daecia-jamè Borgia, Jasmine Armstrong and Susan Mills
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker was recognized with the Global Leadership Award, while Harold T. Epps received the Global Equity Award, Karen Dougherty Buchholz, was the recipient of our Walt D’Alessio Legacy Award! and Allen Iverson, was honored with the Global Icon Award.
Karen Dougherty Buchholz, the recipient of our Walt D’Alessio Legacy Award! and Thomas Young is President & CEO of the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia
Karen has played a pivotal role in shaping Philadelphia’s future. She spearheaded the development of the Comcast headquarters campus, championed impact and inclusion through the Joint Diversity Advisory Council and Employee Resource Groups, and continues to inspire the next generation of leaders through the Committee of Seventy Buchholz Fellowship.
Denzell Wallace and Douglas Wallace
Now in its 23rd year, World Trade Centers Day is celebrated by WTCs across the globe as a symbol of peace, prosperity, and collaboration through international trade. The Philadelphia event also serves as WTCGP’s premier fundraiser, supporting its mission to expand international access for businesses and promote inclusive economic growth throughout the region.
Freeway, Allen Iverson, and Thomas Young is President & CEO of the World Trade Center
One of the greatest to ever wear the No. 3, Allen Iverson was honored with the inaugural Global Icon Award from the World Trade Center Greater Philadelphia
Philly’s own Freeway introduced The Answer as a true cultural icon whose influence has resonated around the world.
In his heartfelt remarks, Iverson said he doesn’t see himself as an icon—just someone who hopes to inspire others. He expressed deep gratitude for his family, friends, and everyone who has supported him along the way, adding that even those no longer in his life helped shape the man he is today.
Erin Colgan, Shavonnia Corbin-Johnson and Charlene Vickers
Allen Iverson was the star of the first NBA game I ever saw (I still remember that game in detail) and also a fellow George Town University alumni. Shavonnia posted. Plus the last time they saw each other they of course did a quick #HoyaSaxa chant👌🏾.
Another honoree David Navazio, President of Gentell (Gentell is the largest vertically-integrated wound care company in the world.) with Thomas Young is President & CEO of the World Trade Center
Rhonda and David Cohen; David was on hand to speak on behalf of Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker who was recognized with the Global Leadership Award.
In December, the former ambassador to Canada, David L. Cohen has been named the 2025 Gold Medal for Distinguished Achievement recipient by The Pennsylvania Society. The honor recognizes his extraordinary leadership and lifelong contributions to public service, business, and civic life in Pennsylvania and beyond. The award will be presented during The Pennsylvania Society’s 127th Annual Dinner on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the Waldorf Astoria New York, a tradition celebrating those who exemplify the Commonwealth’s spirit of excellence and service. I’m definitely going this year, who else will be there?
Jeremiah Dolph, Lisa and Richard Roffman
As the premier fundraiser for the World Trade Center Greater Philadelphia (WTCGP), this event directly supports our mission to expand international access for businesses of all sizes and to promote inclusive economic growth across the region. Head HERE for more information on the organization. 2026 is going to be a big year for Philly as well as the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia!!
And as always, thanks to the sponsors who make all of these great events happen!!
2100 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy in a 2009 photo I took after it was announced the Calder would be built on this location
I’ve been a huge fan of the Calder family ever since the 1990s, when my friend Greta Greenberger, the former tour director of Philadelphia City Hall, introduced me to their work. She even encouraged me to take the classes that led to my becoming an official tour guide. My beat was City Hall, home to 250 Calder sculptures.
When I gave these tours with the Philadelphia Foundation of Architecture, I would highlight the Calder dynasty of artists whose works are embedded in Philadelphia’s landscape. From Alexander Milne Calder’s William Penn crowning City Hall,
to Alexander Stirling Calder’s Swann Memorial Fountain in Logan Circle, to Alexander “Sandy” Calder’s Ghost suspended in the Grand Stair Hall of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, he was best known for his paintings and mobiles which utilized carefully orchestrated weighting to balance, move and suspend each piece in the air.
The newly opened Calder Gardens
Last week, a long-held dream came to life with the official opening of Calder Gardens on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The new sanctuary celebrates the legacy of sculptor Alexander “Sandy” Calder, uniting the visionary architecture of Herzog & de Meuron with the masterful landscapes of Piet Oudolf.
The 1.8-acre site is unlike a traditional museum—its low-slung, curved structure blends into sweeping meadows and gardens filled with more than 250 varieties of perennials and grasses that shift with the seasons, making nature as much a part of the experience as the art itself.
Elan Gentry, guest. Sandy Rower, grandson of Alexander Calder and president and founding director of the foundation, artist Maria Robledo and Holton Rower, grandson of Alexander Calder,
When the Barnes Foundation approached Alexander “Sandy” Rower, Calder’s grandson and president of the Calder Foundation, about creating a museum, his vision was something different: not a museum, but a sanctuary. That idea became Calder Gardens, a one-and-a-half-acre oasis of reflection along Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Pierre and Dominique de Meuron and Jason and Amanda Frantzen – The architects and their wives. I had a nice chat with Jason and Amanda. Jason answered a lot of questions I had about the building and inspiration. Originally it was going to be above ground, but seemed to compete too much with the surrounding area, and hence it was built underground.
Designed by Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron, the building itself sinks into the earth, while the surrounding gardens are the work of Piet Oudolf, the celebrated Dutch plantsman behind the High Line and Lurie Garden. At 80, Oudolf remains passionate about the restorative power of nature, noting, “Beauty is what we need in life next to war and all this craziness.” – From Elle Magazine
Ilana Dean, James Claiborne, Nico Hartzell, all of the Barnes Foundation, with Ann Temkin, formerly with the Phila Art Museum, now with Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York and Wayne Hendrickson, biophysicist at Columbia University
Calder Gardens represents a distinctive partnership: the Calder Foundation provides the curatorial vision, while the Barnes Foundation contributes administrative and operational expertise through an innovative resource-sharing model.
The building—a gently curved structure with a softly shimmering metal-clad north facade and an understated wood south facade reminiscent of Calder’s own bohemian home in Connecticut—was designed by Pritzker Prize–winning firm Herzog & de Meuron.
In this setting where architecture and nature commune, visitors will find a wide range of works by Calder both inside and outside. The artworks on display will change over time and include rarely seen masterpieces, some on public view for the first time.
Andee Friedrich and Suzanne Deal Booth is a philanthropist, vintner, and an advocate for the preservation of cultural heritage
Interesting, in a departure from the traditional museum approach, wherein didactic information is presented alongside works on view, Calder’s mobiles, stabiles, paintings, and drawings will be presented without labels that provide titles, dates, and texts explaining how best to understand and interpret them. By allowing the artworks to speak for themselves, Calder Gardens proposes an open-ended experience that encourages visitors to take their time and react to Calder’s art in their own way and at their own pace.
Joe Neubauer, Sam and Elizabeth Warshawer
“Calder Gardens is a vision born from passion, persistence, and the belief that Philadelphia deserves this cultural treasure,” says Joe Neubauer, founding board member of the Trustees of Calder Gardens and one of Calder Gardens’ greatest supporters. “In a time of global uncertainty, we came together to create a place where art and nature offer healing, inspiration, and connection—brought to life by three world-class artists: Alexander Calder, Herzog & de Meuron, and Piet Oudolf. I’m deeply proud to have helped bring this to our city for generations to come.”
Ali Perelman, Amaya Capellan, and Marsha Perelman, Calder Gardens Board Chair
Calder Gardens comes alive throughout the year with programs inspired by Calder’s experimental spirit.
Jeanette and Joseph Neubauer Philanthropist, do gooders, we’re lucky to have them in Philadelphia.
From artist-led audio walks and live performances to screenings, readings, and community gatherings, each experience transforms the gardens into a space for exchange and renewal—where culture, nature, and imagination meet.
Tucked within Calder Gardens is a quiet nook that pays homage to the Calder lineage, celebrating Alexander Calder alongside his father, Alexander Stirling Calder and grandfather, Alexander Milne Calder, who each left their own artistic mark.
Susan Braeuer Dam, Director of Research and Publications at Calder Foundation and Director of Archives at Calder Foundation
At ground level, visitors can step into an outdoor space where a porous wall invites nature to take over. Over the next five years, it will slowly transform, becoming a living wall of vibrant greenery.
Artist Holton Rower, grandson of Alexander Calder and his artist wife Maria Robledo walk through the newly opened Calder Gardens
Thank you. Walk, don’t run to experience Calder Gardens. If Philadelphia wasn’t already firmly on the map for its world-class art museums, Calder Gardens (and yes, forgive me if I call it a museum) will secure its place as a premier art destination. The building and grounds alone are breathtaking, but inside, the Calder works themselves are nothing short of spectacular. With pieces rotating in and out on loan from the foundation, private collections, and museums around the globe every visit offers something new to discover. Deep gratitude to everyone who shepherded this masterpiece from vision to reality.
