Where to Watch Cai Guo-Qiang: Fireflies

Cai Guo-Qiang: Fireflies can be experienced from many different vantage points, with great locations along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway to enjoy the glowing pedicabs as they glide by. See below for a list of spots to view this once-in-a-lifetime public art project in lieu of taking a ride. Fireflies runs September 15 – October 8, 2017, Thursdays through Sundays from 6-10pm.

Fireflies is a major public artwork for Philadelphia by Cai Guo-Qiang, commissioned by the Association for Public Art with Fung Collaboratives on the occasion of the Parkway Centennial. Twenty-seven customized pedicabs with hundreds of luminous colorful lanterns will traverse the Parkway at night, drawing on memories of the traditional lantern festivals of the artist’s childhood.

Free rides in the pedicabs begin September 15th, with one-way trips from Iroquois Park to Sister Cities Park and Sister Cities Park to Iroquois Park. Walk-ups are welcome and online reservations can be made here.

Click map to view in Google Maps

Iroquois Park “Project Hub” for Fireflies

24th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue

An official Fireflies headquarters on the Parkway, head to Iroquois Park and enjoy the illuminated pedicabs passing by. Nearly-nightly food trucks will be on site and picnicking is encouraged. Limited seating will be available. A new film about artist Cai Guo-Qiang will also be showing. Follow aPA on Twitter for the most up-to-date happenings at the Iroquois Park Hub!

Open Thursdays to Sundays, September 15th – October 8th, 6-10PM

Iroquois Park at night — Iroquois Park. Photo by Jeff Fusco Photography.

Sister Cities Park “Project Hub” for Fireflies

18th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway

An official Fireflies headquarters on the Parkway, head to Sister Cities Park and watch the illuminated pedicabs pass through Logan Square. The Logan Square Café (on site) will have extended hours with food and drink, and picnicking is encouraged. Limited seating will be available. A new film about artist Cai Guo-Qiang will also be showing. Follow aPA on Twitter for the most up-to-date happenings at the Sister Cities Hub!

Open Thursdays to Sundays, September 15th – October 8th, 6PM – 10PM

Sister Cities Park at night — Sister Cities Park. Photo by Jeff Fusco Photography.

Parks On Tap Beer Garden at Shakespeare Park

1951 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

The official beer garden of Cai Guo-Qiang: Fireflies! Parks on Tap at Shakespeare Park, home of Alexander Stirling Calder’s Shakespeare Memorial, provides fresh food, beer on tap, wine, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages in a festive outdoor environment featuring comfortable seating, clean restrooms and a variety of family-friendly activities. A portion of the proceeds benefits Philadelphia’s parks.

Thursdays through Sundays, September 15th through October 8th, 5PM – 10PM

Parks on Tap beer garden at night — Parks on Tap beer garden at Shakespeare Park. Photo by Jeff Fusco Photography.

Assembly Rooftop Lounge at The Logan Hotel

1840 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

The official hotel of Cai Guo-Qiang: Fireflies! Conveniently located across from Sister Cities Park, check out this bird’s-eye view of Logan Square and Swann Memorial Fountain. See Fireflies from above as they move up and down the Parkway. Food and drinks available.

Monday – Thursday, 4PM – Close
Friday – Sunday, 3PM – Close

Cai Guo-Qiang: Fireflies on the Parkway at night — View from Assembly Rooftop Lounge. Photo by Jeff Fusco Photography.

Walk along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway

For an up-close look at Fireflies, take a stroll along the Parkway! Discover the Parkway’s impressive public art collection while you’re there, including sculptures by Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, Alexander Calder, Mark di Suvero, and Roxy Paine. Don’t forget to check out events at the cultural institutions nearby, including the Barnes Foundation, The Franklin Institute and Philadelphia Museum of Art, as well as Parkway 100 events.

Open 24/7