I never pass by the Giant Frog sculpture on the Northeast side of Rittenhouse Square without stopping to say hello or to pat his head. He’s become almost a pal - I’m so fond of him. Sometimes he’s been decorated with colored chalk by an enterprising child (he is clearly loved by children of all ages) but remains solid and regal nevertheless, as he oversees the park with his bulging eyes.
The sculptor, Cornelia Van A, Chapin (1893-1972) was from Waterford, Connecticut and is remembered mostly for her stone carvings of birds and animals which she typically sculpted directly from life without first sketching or modeling her pieces (pretty impressive!) Her Giant Frog was purchased for the park by Philadelphia’s Association for Public Art in 1941.
He is a serious frog and one can feel the artist’s respect for him in the solid granite and in his size. Sometimes I refer to him as the Frog King of Rittenhouse.
Rittenhouse Square
USD
no-price
Find your way with 156 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Tuna Bar near the Ben Franklin Bridge is my go-to raw bar in the Old City in Philadelphia for exciting sushi rolls and Japanese-style appetizers!
by
"Long in the Tooth Record Store" in Philadelphia is a family-owned business that reminds me of one of my favorite films, High Fidelity...
by
Philadelphia’s Mural Arts has helped create literally thousands of gorgeous murals all over. I'm in love with the new abstract mural by Tim McFarlane...
by
The James G. Kaskey Memorial Park in Philly (known by locals as the Bio Pond) was University of Penn’s first botanic garden. Makes for a romantic date...
by
"Stina Pizzeria" in Philadelphia offers an enticing blend of pizza but also the best spanakopita I've ever tasted and other Mediterranean-inspired dishes...
by
"The Modern Republic" in Philadelphia is a midcentury modern home decor shop that is colorful, ebullient, high-ceilinged, and tastefully curated!
by
"Lil Nas X Mural Gayborhood" in Philadelphia is 36-feet-large and portrays the early 21st-century LGBTQ+ icon that's conquered the world...
by
When you see it for the first time you are struck by its size.
by
"Contrafuerte" in Philadelphia is Miguel Antonio Horn's latest sculpture which comprises of eight entangled nude bodies holding a small concrete bridge...
by
Beer lovers have lots to celebrate in Philadelphia! Enter "ARS Brewery", a South Philly Garage Brewery (complete in an old garage and visible distillery).
by
These old farm ruins outside Northern Philadelphia are covered in graffiti and belong to a now-abandoned prison...
by
"Two Persons Coffee" in Philadelphia is in a building that used to be a public vocational school, and its furniture was salvaged to complement the cafe...
by
156 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 156 Insider Tips