Shakespeare Memorial, Philadelphia
The Shakespeare Memorial in Philadelphia stands as a testament to the city's appreciation of the Bard's literary genius. Conceived in 1892 by artist John Sartain, a member of the Fairmount Park Art Association (now known as the Association for Public Art), the idea was to honor William Shakespeare through a monument funded by public and private subscriptions. However, it wasn't until the 300th anniversary of Shakespeare's death in 1916 that this concept gained significant momentum, highlighting Philadelphia's need for a Shakespearean tribute.
By 1917, sufficient funds had been raised for the memorial. The development of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway during this time led to the commissioning of Alexander Stirling Calder for the project. Calder, renowned for his other local works such as the Swann Memorial Fountain and the Calder Statues, was chosen to bring this vision to life.
The original location for the memorial was in front of the Free Library. The sculpture was cast in 1926 by the Roman Bronze Works and was officially dedicated on April 23, 1929, coinciding with Shakespeare鈥檚 birthday. However, due to expressway construction, the memorial was relocated in 1953 to its current position.
The sculpture itself is a poignant representation of Shakespeare's themes of Comedy and Tragedy. It features two figures: Hamlet, depicted in a moment of introspection with his head resting against a knife, and Touchstone, the jester from "As You Like It," captured in a moment of laughter at Hamlet's feet. The base of the sculpture bears the famous quote from "As You Like It": 鈥淎ll the world鈥檚 a stage and all the men and women merely players,鈥� encapsulating the essence of Shakespeare's perception of life and human experience.
By 1917, sufficient funds had been raised for the memorial. The development of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway during this time led to the commissioning of Alexander Stirling Calder for the project. Calder, renowned for his other local works such as the Swann Memorial Fountain and the Calder Statues, was chosen to bring this vision to life.
The original location for the memorial was in front of the Free Library. The sculpture was cast in 1926 by the Roman Bronze Works and was officially dedicated on April 23, 1929, coinciding with Shakespeare鈥檚 birthday. However, due to expressway construction, the memorial was relocated in 1953 to its current position.
The sculpture itself is a poignant representation of Shakespeare's themes of Comedy and Tragedy. It features two figures: Hamlet, depicted in a moment of introspection with his head resting against a knife, and Touchstone, the jester from "As You Like It," captured in a moment of laughter at Hamlet's feet. The base of the sculpture bears the famous quote from "As You Like It": 鈥淎ll the world鈥檚 a stage and all the men and women merely players,鈥� encapsulating the essence of Shakespeare's perception of life and human experience.
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Shakespeare Memorial on Map
Sight Name: Shakespeare Memorial
Sight Location: Philadelphia, USA (See walking tours in Philadelphia)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Philadelphia, USA (See walking tours in Philadelphia)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Create Your Own Walk in Philadelphia
Creating your own self-guided walk in Philadelphia is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
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The sixth largest city in the United States and the largest in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia is a dynamic city heaped with old-world charm and contemporary infrastructure. Notable for its rich history, primarily as the birthplace of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
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Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
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Rocky Movie Sites Walking Tour
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Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.3 Km or 3.9 Miles
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Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.3 Km or 3.9 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
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