New Design for the International Sculpture Garden at Penn's Landing
August 18, 2006

The International Sculpture Garden, a tranquil and beautiful spot on the Delaware River, was conceived in the 1960s by the Fairmount Park Art Association as part of the anticipated U.S. Bicentennial celebration. The open-air installation celebrates and demonstrates the impact of other cultures on the American experience with a focus on ancient and ethnographic artworks. The sculpture collection includes a group of significant objects from diverse cultures.

Because conditions surrounding the garden have changed dramatically in recent years, a new landscape plan for this two-acre area was created. The new design, by celebrated landscape designer Margie Ruddick, emphasizes the beauty and meaning of the sculptures. The design will accomodate several new sculpture additions as well as space for future acquisitions.

Planned features of the design include granite seating and brick pathways, a grassy knoll to frame two granite Korean figures, a lushly planted pool with running water for an installation of Indonesian water spouts, contextual planted material for each sculpture, lighting, and distinctive entry signage. Work on the garden is scheduled to begin in fall 2006, with sculpture installation in spring 2007.

The redesign of the International Sculpture Garden is a project of the Penn's Landing Corporation with the Art Association. The Art Association is grateful for the support of the Dolfinger-McMahon Foundation and the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation.

Redesign Team
Project Manager: Penn's Landing Corporation
Sculpture: Fairmount Park Art Association
Landscape Design: Margie Ruddick Landscape
Engineering: Langan Engineering and Environmental Services
Electrical Engineers: Wick Fisher White
Lighting: Lighting Design Collaborative
Conservation: Millner+Carr Conservation