In partnership with Mural Arts Philadelphia and Drexel University, Brandywine Realty Trust celebrated “Art at the Yards,” a dedication of new public art and green space in Schuylkill Yards.
The new space includes a pedestrian-only path at 3151 Market Street in University City, featuring a culmination of thoughtfully crafted and curated pieces of art, made to celebrate the community’s connection within West Philadelphia while uplifting local artists and recognizing their abilities and creativity.
“Public art is an essential part of our Philadelphia neighborhoods, and we are excited to work with Brandywine Realty Trust to create Best Philly: Mural Row at Schuylkill Yards benefiting the University City community,” said Jane Golden, Executive Director, Mural Arts Philadelphia. “We are proud to offer an opportunity for six Philadelphia artists to create murals that reflect life and work in this part of the city.”
The new row of murals, running between the East wall of Market Street and JFK Blvd., is known as Best Philly and plays off local sayings like “West Philly is the Best Philly” or “West is best.” The series of mini-murals saw six Philly artists create two murals each, reflecting the positive aspects of work and life in the area.
Curated by Conrad Benner, the series features local artists Isabella Akhtarshenas, Branche Coverdale, Dora Cuenca, Akira Gordon, Manuela Guillén, and Cindy Lozito.
In addition to including these new works of art, Brandywine dedicated Highline Park, the second green space to open at Schuylkill Yards, joining Drexel Square and set to be joined by even more green spaces to come. Formerly a parking lot beneath an elevated rail line, it now lies a half-acre of urban oasis, creating a place for Philadelphians and even their canine friends to enjoy.
Schyukill Yards ranges 14 acres from the Schuylkill River to the Amtrak rail yards and north to Spring Garden Street. Since 2017, when Drexel Park first opened, the neighborhood has seen the inclusion of luxury apartments, new office and lab spaces, and new shops with even more to come.
For more information, visit https://muralarts.org/.
