Our Field Trip to City Hall Amy Henderson, Kathleen Stanton, Nicole Barone

Our Field Trip to City HallAmy Henderson, Kathleen Stanton, Nicole Barone

Our Field Trip to City Hall: Amy Henderson, Kathleen Stanton, Nicole Barone

When passing by Philadelphias City Hall, many people do not notice all of the intricate sculpture and art within the building. Yet there are many aspects of everyday life that are represented in the design of this building. Each side and portal of the building represent something different, something within the community.

South FaceCity Halls South Wing represents the Judicial System, since this is the judicial entrance. The top floors of the building are lined with sculptures which represent African figures; progressing down the building, the images begin to change to represent justice, one example being Lady Liberty. The State Seal is also found on the South Face of the building. One may also notice representations of science and agriculture as well.

This pediment represents the Africa Group

The State Seal of Pennsylvania is seen hereLady Liberty at her best

This male and female relief represents agriculture

Majesty of Law and JusticeMoses KeystonePanels of Science

African Female and Male

South PortalThe South Portal is also related to the idea of justice, since this wing is used by the court system. One will find the beautiful Grand Stairway, once again covered with ornate artwork signifying justice. For example, the lion heads signify protection from the evil, and evil is represented by serpents. Justice is represented by a blind-folded woman. Keystones and relief sculptures are found in this portal, as they are throughout the building.

Entrance to the Hidden StairwellThe Hidden StairwellLion and Serpent ReliefBlind Justice ReliefCat and Mouse ReliefHorace Binny KeystoneOwl KeystoneBust of John MacArthur, Jr.

West Face The West Face of City Hall is also known as the prisoners entrance. This side of the building illustrates messages of repentance and prayer for the prisoners. It is designed to help them realize that there are other paths to choose and that they should repent for their actions. This side also faces the west towards the new frontier, which is quite appropriate for those who are walking through the entrance. Sculptures of Native Americans represent the cultures found to the west of the city of Philadelphia.

America GroupRepentance ReliefNative American Female and MaleCity SealMale and Female Commerce ReliefSympathy

West PortalThe West Portal is the smallest and least decorative of the four portals found in City Hall. This was where prisoners were escorted into City Hall by horse drawn vans. The few sculptures found in this portal represent demons and sorrow. Also, a fixture known as Sputniks Light, which was added during the 50s, is an eye-catching fixture, most likely because it does not fit in with the rest of the theme.

DemonNature PanelsLions HeadManSputnik Fixture

North Face of City Hall

The North Face is the grandest entrance, as it was intended to be the ceremonial entrance. To the council rooms. The theme of the faade is Europe.

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