Just a few blocks from Philadelphia’s Independence Hall you will find one of the most beautiful works of art that you will find in the entire city. Maxfield Parish’s Dream Garden is tucked away in an office building called the Curtis Center. You enter the building on 6th Street, between Chestnut and Walnut and the beautiful mosaic greets you as you walk through the door.
Now I have lived in Philadelphia my entire life, but until just recently I was not aware of the Dream Garden.
When you see it for the first time you are struck by its size. The Dream Garden was commissioned by the original owner of the building in 1916, who was looking to make art available to the public. After striking out with three artists, he finally approached Philadelphia’s own Maxfield Parish. Once Parish had his design, he worked in conjunction with Tiffany of New York who produced over 100,000 pieces of glass to create the final art. It was assembled at Tiffany’s studio and then shipped to Philadelphia for a six-month installation.
Sadly, with the death of the owner of the Dream Garden in 1998, it was almost sold to a an out of town buyer. Thankfully, the Pew Charitable trusts made a grant of $3.5 million to purchase the Dream garden so it would remain in its original location, open to both art enthusiasts as well as passers-by who want to take in one of Philadelphia’s hidden treasures.
Find your way with 156 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
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"Kim's BBQ Restaurant" Philadelphia is one of the most authentic Korean BBQ restaurants in America. I like to order their O-Same Bulgogi and Mauen Kalbi...
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"Milkcrate Cafe" in Philadelphia is a bright corner coffee spot that plays great tunes and dishes out healthy sandwiches and new and used vinyl records!
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“Philly Vintage Bazaar” is a vintage clothes shop that gets everything right!
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"The Percy Street Project" is a public art installation in Philadelphia planned to span the entire 1300 block. Come at night to see 'The Electric Street'.
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"Nunu" is an Asian fusion bar/restaurant in Philadelphia. I love it best on a cold day when I'm craving a cocktail and warm snacks. Perfect for dates!
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"Suraya" just might be the best restaurant in Philadelphia right now. If you love the flavors of the Levant, that you're going to love it, too...
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My favorite thing about the "Philadelphia Insectarium & Butterfly Pavilion" by far is that it's very community-focused: I was toured by a local 4th grader!
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"Spruce Street Harbor Park" is a true gift of the city of Philadelphia to its citizens, an ode to summer itself... I'll be there in a hammock!
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The "Navy Yard Food Truck Lineup" in Philadelphia appears every Tuesday & Thursday, come rain or shine! Great opportunity to try a few of them at once...
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