62-654: Rittenhouse Square is a public park in Center City Philadelphia , Pennsylvania that is the center of the eponymous Rittenhouse neighborhood. The square is one of the five original open-space parks planned by William Penn and his surveyor Thomas Holme during the late 17th century. Together with Fitler Square , the Rittenhouse neighborhood and the square comprise the Rittenhouse–Fitler Historic District. Rittenhouse Square
124-490: A complicated, irregularly shaped boundary that includes much but not all of this area and also extends beyond it. The Philadelphia Police Department patrols four districts located within Center City – the 6th, 9th, 3rd, and 17th districts. Among Center City's neighborhoods and districts are Penn's Landing , Old City , Society Hill , South Street , Washington Square West , Market East , Chinatown , Logan Square ,
186-453: A major location. Limitless (2011) – A dive bar scene was filmed at a location near Rittenhouse Square. The Upside (2019) – Features several notable Philadelphia sites, including Rittenhouse Square. Silver Linings Playbook (2012) – Features various Philadelphia locations, including the square. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009) – Some scenes shot in nearby areas include
248-607: A parking lot, is a primary advocate for quality of life issues in Center City. Other community organizations of this type include Logan Square Neighborhood Association, Society Hill Civic Association, South of South Street Neighborhood Association, Washington Square West Civic Association, and the Queen Village Neighbors Association. Center City, Philadelphia Center City includes the central business district and central neighborhoods of Philadelphia , Pennsylvania, United States. It comprises
310-597: A population density of 26,234 per square mile. Center City is bounded by South Street to the south, the Delaware River to the east, the Schuylkill River to the west, and Vine Street to the north. The district occupies the old boundaries of the City of Philadelphia before the city was made coterminous with Philadelphia County in 1854. The Center City District, which has special powers of taxation, has
372-563: A three-foot statue of Penn was affixed to the top of the Comcast Center upon its completion as the city's new tallest building in 2007. On October 29, 2008, the Philadelphia Phillies won the 2008 World Series , ending the " curse ". Seven other skyscrapers now exceed the height of Penn's statue, including One Liberty Place's little sister, Two Liberty Place . The Comcast Center, which was completed in 2007, became
434-975: A traffic camera used by the Philadelphia branch of the Westwood One MetroNetworks traffic service. Across the street from City Hall is the Masonic Temple , the headquarters of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania , a legacy of the Founding Fathers and signers of the Declaration of Independence , many of whom were Freemasons ; these include George Washington and Benjamin Franklin . While Philadelphia's population declined between 1990 and 2000, Center City's population increased by 10% over that same period. In 2007,
496-677: Is a bas-relief bust of J. William White done by R. Tait McKenzie . Billy , the goat was created by Philadelphian Albert Laessle, who also designed the Penguins statue at the Philadelphia Zoo . Residents are in the Albert M. Greenfield School catchment area for grades kindergarten through eight ; all persons assigned to Greenfield are zoned to Benjamin Franklin High School . Previously South Philadelphia High School
558-541: Is a popular dog walking destination for area residents, as was shown in the fictional film In Her Shoes . The Square was discussed in a favorable light by Jane Jacobs in her seminal work, The Death and Life of Great American Cities . The Rittenhouse neighborhood is home to many cultural institutions, including the Curtis Institute of Music , Philadelphia Youth Orchestra , the Ethical Society,
620-580: Is accessible via several forms of public transportation . All SEPTA Regional Rail lines stop at Suburban Station , about six blocks north and east of the Square. The PATCO Speedline , a rapid transit system connecting Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, has its western terminus at 16th and Locust Sts., two blocks east of the Square. The SEPTA 9, 12, 21, and 42 buses westbound run along Walnut Street. The 17 runs northbound along 20th Street and southbound along 19th Street and Rittenhouse Square West and
682-479: Is also located in center city, at 1114 Walnut Street . Mütter Museum , a medical museum, is located in center city at 19 S. 22nd Street. Center City Philadelphia has a vast number of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. McGillin's Olde Ale House , at 1310 Drury Street, is one of the nation's oldest pubs (founded in 1860). Center city streets and bridges include Benjamin Franklin Bridge , which connects
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#1732772284661744-414: Is also located in center city, at 1114 Walnut Street . Mütter Museum , a medical museum, is located in center city at 19 S. 22nd Street. Center City Philadelphia has a vast number of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. McGillin's Olde Ale House , at 1310 Drury Street, is one of the nation's oldest pubs (founded in 1860). Center city streets and bridges include Benjamin Franklin Bridge , which connects
806-559: Is bounded by South Street to the south, the Delaware River to the east, the Schuylkill River to the west, and Vine Street to the north. The district occupies the old boundaries of the City of Philadelphia before the city was made coterminous with Philadelphia County in 1854. The Center City District, which has special powers of taxation, has a complicated, irregularly shaped boundary that includes much but not all of this area and also extends beyond it. The Philadelphia Police Department patrols four districts located within Center City –
868-413: Is home to most of Philadelphia's tallest buildings, including Philadelphia's City Hall , the second-tallest masonry building in the world and, until 1987, the tallest in Philadelphia, as well as the tallest building in the world for fourteen years (1894–1908). In March 1987, One Liberty Place broke the gentlemen's agreement not to exceed the height of the statue of William Penn atop City Hall. Upon
930-825: Is home to some of the nation and world's leading cultural institutions. Avenue of the Arts , a city-designated cultural district, includes Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts , which houses the Philadelphia Orchestra (a Big Five orchestra ) and the Academy of Music , home of the Philadelphia Ballet and Opera Philadelphia . The avenue is home to multiple theatres, including the Miller , Suzanne Roberts , and Wilma theatres. Forrest Theatre
992-459: Is home to some of the nation and world's leading cultural institutions. Avenue of the Arts , a city-designated cultural district, includes Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts , which houses the Philadelphia Orchestra (a Big Five orchestra ) and the Academy of Music , home of the Philadelphia Ballet and Opera Philadelphia . The avenue is home to multiple theatres, including the Miller , Suzanne Roberts , and Wilma theatres. Forrest Theatre
1054-627: Is in the U.S. Custom House, a part of the Independence National Historical Park , in Old City , Center City. The William J. Green Jr. Federal Building houses the Federal Bureau of Investigation Philadelphia Field Office . The Consulate-General of Italy in Philadelphia is located in the 1026 Public Ledger Building at 150 South Independence Mall West. The Consulate-General of Panama in Philadelphia
1116-415: Is in the U.S. Custom House, a part of the Independence National Historical Park , in Old City , Center City. The William J. Green Jr. Federal Building houses the Federal Bureau of Investigation Philadelphia Field Office . The Consulate-General of Italy in Philadelphia is located in the 1026 Public Ledger Building at 150 South Independence Mall West. The Consulate-General of Panama in Philadelphia
1178-657: Is located in Suite 1 at 124 Chestnut Street. The Consulate of Mexico in Philadelphia is located in Suite 310 of the Bourse Building off of Independence Mall. The Consulate-General of the Dominican Republic in Philadelphia was located in Suite 216 in the Lafayette Building at 437 Chestnut Street. It closed on November 7, 2005. The Consulate-General of Israel in Philadelphia was located on
1240-403: Is located in Suite 1 at 124 Chestnut Street. The Consulate of Mexico in Philadelphia is located in Suite 310 of the Bourse Building off of Independence Mall. The Consulate-General of the Dominican Republic in Philadelphia was located in Suite 216 in the Lafayette Building at 437 Chestnut Street. It closed on November 7, 2005. The Consulate-General of Israel in Philadelphia was located on
1302-495: Is maintained by the non-profit group The Friends of Rittenhouse Square. The square cuts off 19th Street at Walnut Street and also at a half-block above Manning Street. Its boundaries are 18th Street to the east, Walnut Street to the north, and Rittenhouse Square West, a north–south boundary street, and Rittenhouse Square South, an east–west boundary street, making the park approximately two short blocks on each side. Locust Street borders Rittenhouse Square to both its east and west in
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#17327722846611364-557: The 2008 World Series , ending the " curse ". Seven other skyscrapers now exceed the height of Penn's statue, including One Liberty Place's little sister, Two Liberty Place . The Comcast Center, which was completed in 2007, became the tallest building in Pennsylvania , 30 feet taller than One Liberty Place. In 2018, the Comcast Technology Center opened, which is now the tallest building in Philadelphia and
1426-633: The BNY Mellon Center . Cigna has its corporate headquarters in 2 Liberty Place . Aramark is headquartered in Center City on the east bank of the Schuylkill River on Market Street. Comcast is headquartered in the Comcast Center . The law firm Cozen O'Connor has its headquarters in Center City. Kogan Page has its U.S. headquarters in Center City. Lincoln National Corporation moved its headquarters from Fort Wayne, Indiana to Philadelphia in 1999. In Philadelphia Lincoln
1488-477: The Declaration of Independence , many of whom were Freemasons ; these include George Washington and Benjamin Franklin . While Philadelphia's population declined between 1990 and 2000, Center City's population increased by 10% over that same period. In 2007, the city designated the area bound by 11th Street, Broad Street, Chestnut Street and Pine Street as the Gayborhood . Sunoco has its headquarters in
1550-609: The Museum District (located along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway ), Rittenhouse Square , Fitler Square , the Avenue of the Arts (South Broad Street), and Jewelers' Row . Center City is home to most of Philadelphia's tallest buildings, including Philadelphia's City Hall , the second-tallest masonry building in the world and, until 1987, the tallest in Philadelphia, as well as the tallest building in
1612-746: The Parkway Central Library at 1901 Vine Street, the Independence Branch at 18 South 7th Street, the Philadelphia City Institute on the first floor and lower level of an apartment complex at 1905 Locust Street , and the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped at 919 Walnut Street. Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools is headquartered in Center City. Center City Philadelphia
1674-412: The Parkway Central Library at 1901 Vine Street, the Independence Branch at 18 South 7th Street, the Philadelphia City Institute on the first floor and lower level of an apartment complex at 1905 Locust Street , and the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped at 919 Walnut Street. Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools is headquartered in Center City. Center City Philadelphia
1736-663: The Philadelphia Art Alliance , the Rosenbach Museum & Library , Plays & Players , the Wine School of Philadelphia, and the Civil War and Underground Railroad Museum. Delancey Place is a quiet, historical street lined with Civil War-era mansions and the setting for Hollywood movies, located only two blocks south of the square. The square is home to many works of public art. Among them
1798-648: The central business district and central neighborhoods of Philadelphia , Pennsylvania, United States. It comprises the area that made up the City of Philadelphia prior to the Act of Consolidation, 1854 , which extended the city borders to be coterminous with Philadelphia County . The area has grown to the second-most densely populated downtown area in the United States (after Midtown Manhattan in New York City), with an estimated 202,000 residents in 2020 and
1860-467: The tallest building in Pennsylvania , 30 feet taller than One Liberty Place. In 2018, the Comcast Technology Center opened, which is now the tallest building in Philadelphia and the tallest building in the United States outside of Manhattan and Chicago. 1441 Chestnut, which is currently under construction, is also slated to be taller than City Hall. The first publicly accessible vantage point higher than City Hall opened at One Liberty Observation Deck on
1922-568: The 18th Floor at 1880 John F. Kennedy Boulevard. Israel closed the Philadelphia consulate in 2016. Residents of Center City are included within the School District of Philadelphia . From the 1940s to the opening of what is now known as the Greenfield School in 1954, many residents attended public schools in other areas and private schools due to the low number of public schools in Center City. In 2005, in an attempt to slow
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1984-436: The 18th Floor at 1880 John F. Kennedy Boulevard. Israel closed the Philadelphia consulate in 2016. Residents of Center City are included within the School District of Philadelphia . From the 1940s to the opening of what is now known as the Greenfield School in 1954, many residents attended public schools in other areas and private schools due to the low number of public schools in Center City. In 2005, in an attempt to slow
2046-544: The 2 runs northbound along 16th Street and southbound along 17th Street. The SEPTA Subway–Surface Trolley Lines have a station at 19th and Market Streets, two blocks north of the Square. The Walnut–Locust station on the Broad Street Subway is four blocks east. Trading Places (1983) – Billy Ray Valentine (Eddie Murphy) pretends to be a blind cripple in the park. In Her Shoes (2005) – Scenes were filmed throughout Philadelphia, with Rittenhouse Square as
2108-486: The 57th floor of One Liberty Place in 2015. Other Center City skyscrapers include the BNY Mellon Center and the Three Logan Square , which houses a traffic camera used by the Philadelphia branch of the Westwood One MetroNetworks traffic service. Across the street from City Hall is the Masonic Temple , the headquarters of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania , a legacy of the Founding Fathers and signers of
2170-417: The 6th, 9th, 3rd, and 17th districts. Among Center City's neighborhoods and districts are Penn's Landing , Old City , Society Hill , South Street , Washington Square West , Market East , Chinatown , Logan Square , the Museum District (located along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway ), Rittenhouse Square , Fitler Square , the Avenue of the Arts (South Broad Street), and Jewelers' Row . Center City
2232-527: The Center City area, located outside of Center City, include: Other high schools include: Combined middle and high schools include: Charter schools not operated by the School District of Philadelphia include: The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia operates the following Roman Catholic parochial schools in the Center City area [1] : Other private schools in the Center City area include: The Free Library of Philadelphia operates
2294-462: The Center City area, located outside of Center City, include: Other high schools include: Combined middle and high schools include: Charter schools not operated by the School District of Philadelphia include: The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia operates the following Roman Catholic parochial schools in the Center City area [1] : Other private schools in the Center City area include: The Free Library of Philadelphia operates
2356-507: The Square to resemble Paris and the French gardens, adding classical entryways and stone additions to railings, pools, and fountains. After World War II , Rittenhouse Square's Victorian mansions began to be replaced with high-rise residential and office buildings such as Claridge and Savoy. Vacant lots were converted to apartments and hotels. Still, some prominent Italianate and Art Deco buildings remain, and Rittenhouse Square has changed
2418-425: The area around the park. The Wrestler (2008) – Key scenes use the park as a backdrop. Creed (2015) – Honors the “Rocky” legacy with scenes near the square. Twelve Monkeys (1995) – Bruce Willis's character visits various Philly landmarks, including near the park. Philadelphia (1993) – Tom Hanks's Oscar-winning role features scenes in and near the square. National Treasure (2004) – Some scenes show
2480-418: The area that made up the City of Philadelphia prior to the Act of Consolidation, 1854 , which extended the city borders to be coterminous with Philadelphia County . The area has grown to the second-most densely populated downtown area in the United States (after Midtown Manhattan in New York City), with an estimated 202,000 residents in 2020 and a population density of 26,234 per square mile. Center City
2542-653: The city designated the area bound by 11th Street, Broad Street, Chestnut Street and Pine Street as the Gayborhood . Sunoco has its headquarters in the BNY Mellon Center . Cigna has its corporate headquarters in 2 Liberty Place . Aramark is headquartered in Center City on the east bank of the Schuylkill River on Market Street. Comcast is headquartered in the Comcast Center . The law firm Cozen O'Connor has its headquarters in Center City. Kogan Page has its U.S. headquarters in Center City. Lincoln National Corporation moved its headquarters from Fort Wayne, Indiana to Philadelphia in 1999. In Philadelphia Lincoln
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2604-592: The city with Camden, New Jersey , and Benjamin Franklin Parkway , a one-mile long parkway that runs from Philadelphia City Hall to the Philadelphia Museum of Art . Three major center city streets are Broad , Market , and South Streets. There is a 500,000+ sq ft underground pedestrian concourse that connects many of the center city Septa stations to businesses and office buildings. Primarily running under Market Street and Broad Street ,
2666-455: The city with Camden, New Jersey , and Benjamin Franklin Parkway , a one-mile long parkway that runs from Philadelphia City Hall to the Philadelphia Museum of Art . Three major center city streets are Broad , Market , and South Streets. There is a 500,000+ sq ft underground pedestrian concourse that connects many of the center city Septa stations to businesses and office buildings. Primarily running under Market Street and Broad Street ,
2728-406: The completion of One Liberty Place, no Philadelphia major-league sports team won a world championship for the next two decades, a phenomenon known as the " Curse of Billy Penn ". In an effort to reverse the curse, a three-foot statue of Penn was affixed to the top of the Comcast Center upon its completion as the city's new tallest building in 2007. On October 29, 2008, the Philadelphia Phillies won
2790-511: The concourse spans east to west from 8th street to 18th street and north to south from John F. Kennedy Boulevard to Spruce Street . Amtrak 's primary Philadelphia station, 30th Street Station , is located immediately west of Center City, just across the Schuylkill River. SEPTA Regional Rail trains, New Jersey Transit Atlantic City Line trains, Market-Frankford Line trains, and subway-surface line trolleys also service 30th Street Station, and both Megabus and BoltBus stop on streets adjacent to
2852-511: The concourse spans east to west from 8th street to 18th street and north to south from John F. Kennedy Boulevard to Spruce Street . Amtrak 's primary Philadelphia station, 30th Street Station , is located immediately west of Center City, just across the Schuylkill River. SEPTA Regional Rail trains, New Jersey Transit Atlantic City Line trains, Market-Frankford Line trains, and subway-surface line trolleys also service 30th Street Station, and both Megabus and BoltBus stop on streets adjacent to
2914-626: The exclusive Rittenhouse Club , which added the present facade in c. 1901. From 1876 to 1929, Rittenhouse Square was home to several wealthy families including Pennsylvania Railroad president Alexander Cassatt , real estate entrepreneur William Weightman III , department store founder John Wanamaker , Philadelphia planning commission director Edmund Bacon and his son, actor Kevin Bacon , as well as others. Elegant churches and clubs were constructed by John Notman and Frank Furness . In 1913, French architect Paul Philippe Cret redesigned parts of
2976-517: The flight of middle-class families, the school district and Center City District, an economic development agency, launched a program that promoted public schools in Center City, including Rittenhouse Square and Society Hill , and adjacent areas in Fairmount , Northern Liberties , and South Philadelphia . K-8 schools that have attendance boundaries in Center City and areas around Center City include: Neighborhood high schools for Center City and
3038-461: The flight of middle-class families, the school district and Center City District, an economic development agency, launched a program that promoted public schools in Center City, including Rittenhouse Square and Society Hill , and adjacent areas in Fairmount , Northern Liberties , and South Philadelphia . K-8 schools that have attendance boundaries in Center City and areas around Center City include: Neighborhood high schools for Center City and
3100-779: The least out of the city's initial squares. Journalist and author Jane Jacobs wrote about two main ideas in Cret's redesign: intricacy and centering. In the mid-20th century, the park became known as a safe area for gays and lesbians to meet in Center City . Rittenhouse Square is surrounded by high rise residences, luxury apartments, an office tower, restaurants, and other businesses and residences. Its green grasses and dozens of benches are popular lunch-time destinations for residents and workers in Philadelphia's Center City neighborhood , while its lion and goat statues are popular gathering spots for small children and their parents. The park
3162-451: The middle of the square. Originally called Southwest Square, Rittenhouse Square was renamed in 1825 after David Rittenhouse , a descendant of the first paper-maker in Philadelphia, the German immigrant William Rittenhouse . William Rittenhouse's original paper-mill site is known as Rittenhousetown , located in the rural setting of Fairmount Park along Paper Mill Run . David Rittenhouse
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#17327722846613224-669: The park's surroundings. The Sixth Sense (1999) – Locations around Rittenhouse contribute to the film's ambiance. The Age of Innocence (1993) – Historic sites, including Rittenhouse Square, appear for authenticity. The Happening (2008) – M. Night Shyamalan's thriller used several Philly landmarks, including the park. Beloved (1998) – Includes exterior shots around Philadelphia and near Rittenhouse. Marley & Me (2008) – Some scenes were filmed near Broad and Walnut streets, close to Rittenhouse. Law Abiding Citizen (2009) – Intense scenes filmed near Rittenhouse Square. Rocky II (1979) – The iconic training montage features
3286-404: The square's surroundings. Dispatches from Elsewhere (2020) – The series prominently features the square in its episodes. Rittenhouse Square (2022) – A film that pays tribute to the park’s cultural significance. Mannequin (1987) – Features key scenes shot at various Philadelphia locations, including around Rittenhouse Square. Center City, Philadelphia Center City includes
3348-539: The station. As of 2016 Taiwanese airline China Airlines provides a private bus service to and from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City for customers based in the Philadelphia area. This service previously stopped in Center City in front of the Marriott Hotel. The Center City Residents' Association , originally formed in 1947 to prevent Rittenhouse Square from being turned into
3410-412: The station. As of 2016 Taiwanese airline China Airlines provides a private bus service to and from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City for customers based in the Philadelphia area. This service previously stopped in Center City in front of the Marriott Hotel. The Center City Residents' Association , originally formed in 1947 to prevent Rittenhouse Square from being turned into
3472-437: The tallest building in the United States outside of Manhattan and Chicago. 1441 Chestnut, which is currently under construction, is also slated to be taller than City Hall. The first publicly accessible vantage point higher than City Hall opened at One Liberty Observation Deck on the 57th floor of One Liberty Place in 2015. Other Center City skyscrapers include the BNY Mellon Center and the Three Logan Square , which houses
3534-404: The world for fourteen years (1894–1908). In March 1987, One Liberty Place broke the gentlemen's agreement not to exceed the height of the statue of William Penn atop City Hall. Upon the completion of One Liberty Place, no Philadelphia major-league sports team won a world championship for the next two decades, a phenomenon known as the " Curse of Billy Penn ". In an effort to reverse the curse,
3596-569: Was a clockmaker and friend of the American Revolution , as well as a noted astronomer; a lunar crater is named after him. In the early 19th century, as the city grew steadily from the Delaware River to the Schuylkill River , it became obvious that Rittenhouse Square would become a highly desirable address. James Harper , a merchant and brick manufacturer who had recently retired from the United States Congress,
3658-578: Was headquartered in the West Tower of Centre Square in Center City. In 2007, the company moved 400 employees, including its top executives, to Radnor Township from Philadelphia . Center City is home to some of the largest and most prominent buildings in the United States, including: The Philadelphia Fire Department operates five fire stations in Center City: The Federal Bureau of Prisons Northeast Region Office
3720-433: Was headquartered in the West Tower of Centre Square in Center City. In 2007, the company moved 400 employees, including its top executives, to Radnor Township from Philadelphia . Center City is home to some of the largest and most prominent buildings in the United States, including: The Philadelphia Fire Department operates five fire stations in Center City: The Federal Bureau of Prisons Northeast Region Office
3782-458: Was the first person to build on the square, buying most of the north frontage, erecting a stately townhouse for himself at 1811 Walnut Street (c. 1840). Having thus set the patrician residential tone that would subsequently define the Square, he divided the rest of the land into generously proportioned building lots and sold them. Sold after the congressman's death, the Harper house became the home of
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#17327722846613844-412: Was the neighborhood's zoned high school. The Curtis Institute of Music , University of the Arts , and Peirce College are all in the Rittenhouse neighborhood. The Free Library of Philadelphia operates the Philadelphia City Institute on the first floor and lower level of an apartment complex at 1905 Locust Street ; the apartment building is known as 220 West Rittenhouse Square . Rittenhouse Square
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