Dream Garden Philadelphia
Beautiful free art
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.
About this spot
Find your way with 156 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Philadelphia
Contrafuerte
Outdoor sculpture
"Contrafuerte" in Philadelphia is Miguel Antonio Horn's latest sculpture which comprises of eight entangled nude bodies holding a small concrete bridge...
by
Bronwyn
Lepore
Poquessing Creek Trail Ruins
Prison farm ruins
These old farm ruins outside Northern Philadelphia are covered in graffiti and belong to a now-abandoned prison...
by
Holly
Miller
Two Persons Coffee
Excellent coffee zen space
"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
Bronwyn
Lepore
Merchant Exchange
Greek Revival architecture
My favorite building in Philadelphia is the Merchant Exchange, conveniently located across the street from my favorite movie theater...
by
Bronwyn
Lepore
Sally
Friendly, local, tasty food!
"Sally" in Philadelphia is a casual and friendly restaurant that's also been named the Best New Restaurant of 2021...
by
Bronwyn
Lepore
Chris Jazz Cafe
Live jazz and Southern cuisine
"Chris Jazz Cafe" in Philadelphia has been keeping the jazz flames alive in Center City for over 30 years. A night here is an absolute event...
by
Bronwyn
Lepore
Rosenbach Museum
For literature lovers
The "Rosenbach Museum" in Philadelphia will almost make you expect the residents to saunter out in Victorian garb! A must for literature lovers...
by
Bronwyn
Lepore
Herman’s Coffee
Coffee and more
"Herman’s Coffee" is in a former auto repair and car wash garage in Philadelphia. It's much more than just a coffee shop with espresso & yummy pastries...
by
Bronwyn
Lepore
Function Coffee Labs
Pastry bliss
When I tasted one of "Function Coffee Labs" buttery flaky sourdough-based croissants in Philadelphia, I knew I'd found pastry bliss...
by
Bronwyn
Lepore
St. Marks Episcopal Church
Center city oasis
"St. Marks Episcopal Church" in Philadelphia is just beautiful. Even though I'm not religious, I have enjoyed many free classical music concerts here...
by
Bronwyn
Lepore
Sassafras Bar
My favorite bar to meet friends
Considered the Grand Dame of neighborhood bars, "Sassafras Bar" in Philadelphia is dark and cozy, with a beautiful vintage wooden bar... A local favorite!
by
Bronwyn
Lepore
Heading to Philadelphia?
156 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 156 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Philadelphia
Get to know our other Spotters from Philadelphia
As featured on:
