Topped with an iconic statue of Philadelphia founder William Penn, the 548-foot tower is the tallest masonry structure in the world without a steel frame, and it was the tallest building in Philadelphia until 1987.
How tall is the Philadelphia City Hall building?
- The only structural and exterior metallic parts of the building are the upper portion of the clock tower and the bronze statuary. City Hall was the tallest habitable building in the world from 1894 to 1908, measuring 548 ft (167 m) to the top of the statue of William Penn.
Contents
- 1 Whose statue is on top of City Hall in Philadelphia?
- 2 Who is the statue in front of Independence Hall?
- 3 Can you go to the top of City Hall Philadelphia?
- 4 Who is Billy Penn?
- 5 Why is the top of Philadelphia City Hall White?
- 6 What is the famous statue in Philadelphia?
- 7 Why is the City Hall important?
- 8 What is inside a town hall?
- 9 What name did William Penn have for what he was doing in Philadelphia?
Whose statue is on top of City Hall in Philadelphia?
At over thirty-six feet tall and weighing more than 53,000 pounds, Alexander Milne Calder’s sculpture William Penn atop City Hall is one of Philadelphia’s most prominent landmarks. Completed in 1892 as a city public works project, the work was hoisted to the top of City Hall in 1894.
Who is the statue in front of Independence Hall?
This bronze statue of John Barry (1745-1803) in Independence Square was sculpted by Samuel Murray (1869-1941), the artist who produced the statue of George Washington in front of Independence Hall. The statue was commissioned by the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Philadelphia, who then donated the statue to the City.
Can you go to the top of City Hall Philadelphia?
The City Hall Tower Tour offers a panoramic view of Philadelphia’s landscape from 548 feet above ground. Ascend to the top of the historic building via elevator to enjoy a spectacular view of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and city skyline from the city’s highest open-air observation deck.
Who is Billy Penn?
Billy Penn at WHYY is a local news team that informs and entertains people living in Philadelphia, the greatest city in the world. Founded in 2014 as a startup, in 2019 we joined WHYY, the region’s NPR and PBS public media affiliate.
Why is the top of Philadelphia City Hall White?
Officials of the city’s Art Commission chose the light-gray hue and thought about “warming up the color” to match the stone of the main building, Hine wrote. But they could not find a way to do it. So the light-gray paint went on the copper plates before being topped on the refurbished tower.
What is the famous statue in Philadelphia?
The statue of William Penn atop Philadelphia’s City Hall is one of 250 sculptures — and the biggest — created by Alexander Milne Calder to adorn the French Empire-style building inside and out.
Why is the City Hall important?
City Halls serve a critical role in hosting municipal offices and services, but they are almost as important architecturally, as they leave a visual legacy for the city they represent.
What is inside a town hall?
It usually houses the city or town council, its associated departments, and their employees. It also usually functions as the base of the mayor of a city, town, borough, county or shire. The hall may be used for council meetings and other significant events.
What name did William Penn have for what he was doing in Philadelphia?
After the building plans for Philadelphia (“Brotherly Love”) had been completed, and Penn’s political ideas had been put into a workable form, Penn explored the interior. He befriended the local Indians (primarily of the Leni Lenape (aka Delaware) tribe), and ensured that they were paid fairly for their lands.
