The Oval+ / What’s Your Parkway, Philly?
2017’s Oval+ created focal points along Benjamin Franklin Parkway from the Philadelphia Museum of Art to Logan Circle, including spots for connecting with nature; enjoying art, culture, and play; or gathering for public dialogue about the future of the Parkway. One “room” invited visitors to explore the lost and hidden Fairmount Park. Another celebrated the familiar and not-so-familiar aspects of Philadelphia culture and recreation. And the third space, centered on a giant ground mural of the city, invites locals and visitors to literally draw onto the city what they imagine their Parkway to be. The new ground mural, designed by PORT Urbanism and painted by Mural Arts Philadelphia, complemented the installations at the Oval. At night, the installations, some extending to 24 feet in height, were illuminated from within, creating a glowing effect.
Other elements included a dynamic maze and a stage to accommodate a changing schedule of public events. Also, to continue the theme, nearby Aviator Park and the newly renovated Shakespeare Park further down the Parkway will be the site of additional Oval+ installations and activities from collaborating organizations like the Franklin Institute and Free Library of Philadelphia.
Inspiration for the 2017 design came from a 2013 study performed by PennPraxis recommending “more park, less way” along this important thoroughfare. Summer at The Oval+ was presented by PNC and supported by funding from ArtPlace America.