Philadelphia Unveils 22 Mini Liberty Bells, Each One a Tribute to Local Neighborhoods
As part of its 250th anniversary celebration this summer, Philadelphia has unveiled 22 fiberglass mini Liberty Bell replicas designed by local artists. The bells are being placed at popular corridors across the city, serving as a tribute to the neighborhoods they represent.
In Germantown, Emily Birdie Busch's 'Who's Your North Star?' explores the neighborhood's abolitionist history through a quilt pattern inspired by the Underground Railroad. Meanwhile, in Hunting Park, Andrew Daniels' 'United Hunting Park' features community spots like the local swimming pool and personal touches such as his grandmother's house.
The Wynnefield bell, titled 'Stories Tolled,' represents the diversity of its namesake neighborhood. Artist Abigail Reeth incorporated elements from St. Joseph's University, a veterans memorial, and Samuel Gompers Elementary School into her design. She also included community activities like jazz nights at Triangle Park and lilac blossoms for neighborhood gardeners.
Fox Chase artist Sean Martorana created geometric shapes inspired by architecture and bridges for his 'Heartbeat of the Fox' bell. The 30th Street Station replica features functional designs on each side, noting whether it faces north, south, east, or west to help travelers get around.
The Point Breeze and Mayfair bells were designed by Symone Salib and Alana Bogard and Madeleine Smith, respectively. Their creations are a celebration of the neighborhoods' unique character and identity.
Each bell is not only a visually striking tribute but also a testament to the community spirit that defines Philadelphia's diverse neighborhoods. With their installation, city officials hope to bring people together and celebrate the city's rich history and cultural heritage.
As part of its 250th anniversary celebration this summer, Philadelphia has unveiled 22 fiberglass mini Liberty Bell replicas designed by local artists. The bells are being placed at popular corridors across the city, serving as a tribute to the neighborhoods they represent.
In Germantown, Emily Birdie Busch's 'Who's Your North Star?' explores the neighborhood's abolitionist history through a quilt pattern inspired by the Underground Railroad. Meanwhile, in Hunting Park, Andrew Daniels' 'United Hunting Park' features community spots like the local swimming pool and personal touches such as his grandmother's house.
The Wynnefield bell, titled 'Stories Tolled,' represents the diversity of its namesake neighborhood. Artist Abigail Reeth incorporated elements from St. Joseph's University, a veterans memorial, and Samuel Gompers Elementary School into her design. She also included community activities like jazz nights at Triangle Park and lilac blossoms for neighborhood gardeners.
Fox Chase artist Sean Martorana created geometric shapes inspired by architecture and bridges for his 'Heartbeat of the Fox' bell. The 30th Street Station replica features functional designs on each side, noting whether it faces north, south, east, or west to help travelers get around.
The Point Breeze and Mayfair bells were designed by Symone Salib and Alana Bogard and Madeleine Smith, respectively. Their creations are a celebration of the neighborhoods' unique character and identity.
Each bell is not only a visually striking tribute but also a testament to the community spirit that defines Philadelphia's diverse neighborhoods. With their installation, city officials hope to bring people together and celebrate the city's rich history and cultural heritage.
like who wouldve thought u could rep a whole neighborhood on one bell 
especially the one in hunting park, its so heartwarming to see a bell with a pic of ur granny lololol. i think its a genius idea tho, like who needs a big ol liberty bell when u can have mini ones that show how diverse philly is? & btw i love the designs, the quilt pattern in germantown was so fire 
and sean martorana's heartbeat bell is literally the most aesthetic thing i've seen all week 
Each mini Liberty Bell replica is like a little snapshot of its neighborhood's story. I mean, can you imagine walking through the city and hearing a bell that tells you about your own 'Who's Your North Star?'? 
It's so cool how Emily Busch's quilt pattern inspired by the Underground Railroad adds an extra layer to Germantown's history.
And Abigail Reeth's 'Stories Tolled' is so thoughtful, incorporating community spots and lilac blossoms... it just feels like a warm hug for Wynnefield.
It's gonna be such a fun 250th anniversary celebration!
i'm lovin' these mini liberty bells, they're so cute!!! 
each one is like a little slice of neighborhood culture, you know? like emily birdie busch's quilt pattern in germantown is giving me all the feels 
and sean martorana's geometric shapes for fox chase are just so sleek 
i'm also low-key impressed that the 30th street station replica has functional designs on each side, that's some genius engineering 
anyway, i think it's awesome that philadelphia is celebrating its neighborhoods with these mini bells, they're like little tributes to the community spirit 
. it's amazing how these little bells are bringing people together, celebrating their community spirit 
. Can you imagine walking around Philly and hearing the "tolling" of all those little bells ringing out? 
It's gonna be such a great way to bring people together and showcase the city's diversity 
. and sean martorana's 'heartbeat of the fox' bell is literally so sleek and modern 
gardens lilac blossoms jazz nights at triangle park... it just feels like a big ol' group hug 
for the city and its neighborhoods 
22 mini liberty bells scattered all over the city is literally a beautiful tribute to each neighborhood & its own unique story 
i love how emily birdie busch's bell in germantown incorporates the abolitionist history of the area 
and abigail reeth's Wynnefield bell is like a little celebration of community spirit 
... How many of these 'mini Liberty Bells' are actually replicas? Are they made from actual metal or is it just fiberglass? And what's with all the neighborhood names being slotted in there like that? Can't they just have a real bell for once?
... Who decides these themes and what makes them 'inspired by' this or that thing? Is Emily Birdie Busch really an expert on abolitionist history just because she made a quilt pattern about it? I need some sources on this stuff before I start praising their artistic skills 
... How did they come up with that design and what makes it 'inspired by' bridges? Is it just a random thing or is there some actual connection?