Benjamin Franklin Parkway

between Philadelphia City Hall and Phila. Museum of Art
Philadelphia, PA

Submitted by: J.B. Means

Mile-long flag-bedecked boulevard of monumental proportions.

For more images of Benjamin Franklin Parkway or other places, try searching our Image Collection

Why It Works

"The Boulevard" (as it is known locally) diagonally connects several of the city's most prominent public buildings between Logan Square and the huge Greek-revival museum. Interspersed with public art (statuary, gateways, etc.) and the Swan Fountain at Logan Square, the Boulevard embraces the Catholic Basilica, Academy of Natural Sciences, Franklin Institute, Rodin Museum, and Free Library.

What Makes Benjamin Franklin Parkway a Great Place?

Being a part of "Center City" Philadelphia and adjacent to a major commuter rail station (Suburban Station), it enjoys a great deal of pedestrian traffic because of the institutions that line it.

The Parkway is even more visually impressive than Philadelphia's more famous Independence Mall area -- tree-lined, with flags of nations, and a favorite resting and lunching area for the immediate area's thousands of office workers.

The Boulevard is used by people of all ages who love the grand vistas it affords and the restful strolling it encourages.

Almost all buildings on the Boulevard, even the non-public ones such as hotels and apartment houses, are exceptionally well maintained and visually distinctive, making a pleasant retreat from the hustle of downtown Philly. In nice weather, it is a popular area for strolling at all hours (or lunching at midday).

History & Background

Benjamin Franklin Blvd. is the grandest thoroughfare in Philadelphia, yet it is designed at least as much for the pedestrian as for the car, and serves as one of the city's cultural cores.

Back to top of page

User Comments:

08/24/09 Judi Rogers said:
The Benjamin Franklin Parkway is indeed a great public space. Locally, it is known primarily as "the Parkway," but is being branded as the Parkway Museums District. World class cultural and educational institutions, in a lovely park setting - what oould be better?

> Add your own commentabout Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Back to top of page