Artwork Details
- Title
- Philadelphia Beacons
- Artist
- Ray King (b. 1950)
- Year
- 1999
- Medium
- Electra polished stainless steel, laminated glass sheets, on black granite bases
- Dimensions
- Height 41′; width 6′
Artwork Description
Four 19-ton glass and steel torches tower more than 40 feet on each corner of Broad Street and Washington Avenue. The holographic film on the sculpture’s glass panels reflect light from the sun during the day, and the artwork is illuminated at night. Designed by Philadelphia-based artist Ray King, Philadelphia Beacons stand as a gateway in South Philadelphia to the Avenue of the Arts. King is known for his work with light and sculpture.
This public artwork was commissioned by Creative Philadelphia (formerly the City’s Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy), which selected Ray King from more than 450 applicants in 1994. However, due to a legal dispute, the Beacons were not installed until 1999.
Artwork Credits
Commissioned by the Avenue of the Arts, Inc. with Creative Philadelphia (formerly the City’s Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy)
Owned by the City of Philadelphia