Philadelphia, January 17, 2026
Philadelphia has unveiled 22 Liberty Bell replicas designed by local artists, representing the city’s cultural diversity. As part of the Bells Across PA initiative, these installations aim to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, fostering community pride and engagement while stimulating local economies through public art.
Philadelphia Celebrates Diversity with Liberty Bell Replicas
Philadelphia has unveiled 22 Liberty Bell replicas designed by local artists to reflect the city’s diverse neighborhoods. These fiberglass bells will be installed throughout the city as part of the Bells Across PA initiative, celebrating America’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
By engaging local artists and communities, this innovative project highlights Philadelphia’s rich cultural tapestry. It promotes individual achievement and showcases how civic initiatives can spark community pride while minimizing bureaucracy’s impact. The effort combines creativity with local character, turning each bell into a symbol of the neighborhood it represents.
Locations and Artists
The replicas will be placed in the following neighborhoods:
- Chinatown – Artist: Chenlin Cai, Xingzi Liang; Bell Title: “It Takes a Village”; Location: 10th Street Plaza (10th and Vine Streets)
- City Hall/Center City – Artist: Akira Gordon; Bell Title: “Philly Workforce: Celebrating Our Past, Building the Future”; Location: Municipal Services Building, 1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
- El Centro de Oro – Artist: Symone Salib; Bell Title: “El Centro de Oro”; Location: 2739 N. Fifth St.
- Fox Chase – Artist: Sean Martorana; Bell Title: “Heartbeat of the Fox”; Location: Lions Park, 7959 Oxford Ave.
- Germantown – Artist: Emily Busch; Bell Title: “Who’s Your North Star?”; Location: Joseph E. Coleman Northwest Regional Library, 68 W. Chelten Ave.
- Hunting Park – Artist: Andrew Daniels; Bell Title: “United Hunting Park”; Location: Hunting Park
- Logan Square – Artist: Cindy Lozito; Bell Title: “Connection Between the Stars”; Location: Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th St.
- Mayfair – Artists: Alana Bogard, Madeleine Smith; Bell Title: “Celebrate Mayfair”; Location: 7343 Frankford Ave.
- Mount Airy – Artist: Parris Stancell; Bell Title: “A Tapestry of Hidden History”; Location: United Lutheran Seminary, 7301 Germantown Ave.
- Ogontz – Artist: Tykira Octaviah Mitchell; Bell Title: “Keeping It In the Family”; Location: 7182 Ogontz Ave.
- Olney – Artist: Joanne Gallery; Bell Title: “Where Global is Local”; Location: Greater Olney Library, 5501 N. Fifth St.
- Parkside – Artist: Parris Stancell; Bell Title: “Fun Facts and Historical Treasures of Fairmount Park”; Location: Memorial Hall, 4231 Avenue of the Republic
- Point Breeze – Artist: Symone Salib; Bell Title: “El Centro de Oro”; Location: 2739 N. Fifth St.
- Roxborough – Artist: Sean Martorana; Bell Title: “The Ringing Railroad”; Location: 8150 Ridge Ave.
- South Philadelphia – Artist: Chenlin Cai, Xingzi Liang; Bell Title: “It Takes a Village”; Location: 10th Street Plaza (10th and Vine Streets)
- Southwest Philadelphia – Artist: Akira Gordon; Bell Title: “Philly Workforce: Celebrating Our Past, Building the Future”; Location: Municipal Services Building, 1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
- Torresdale – Artist: Symone Salib; Bell Title: “El Centro de Oro”; Location: 2739 N. Fifth St.
- University City – Artist: Sean Martorana; Bell Title: “Heartbeat of the Fox”; Location: Lions Park, 7959 Oxford Ave.
- West Philadelphia – Artist: Emily Busch; Bell Title: “Who’s Your North Star?”; Location: Joseph E. Coleman Northwest Regional Library, 68 W. Chelten Ave.
- Wynnefield – Artist: Abigail Reeth; Bell Title: “Stories Tolled”; Location: 5600 City Ave.
Project Details
The Bells Across PA project aims to install at least one bell in each of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties. The initiative seeks to place these 22 bells in high-traffic areas to engage residents and visitors. By collaborating with local organizations, the city, the state, and private partners combined efforts and resources, with funding exceeding $100 million for the celebrations surrounding the 250th anniversary. These vibrant replicas are expected to be installed in the spring of 2026, offering a chance for communities to come together in celebration.
Community Impact
Mayor Cherelle Parker emphasized the initiative’s potential to stimulate economic activity along commercial corridors and uplift small businesses. She reiterated the importance of inclusivity in the 250th celebration, stating that Philadelphia’s residents should feel a connection to the festivities, no matter where they live within the city. This collaborative effort promises to enhance local pride and engagement through public art.
Background
The Liberty Bell, an iconic symbol of American independence, has held a significant place in Philadelphia’s history since it was cast in 1752. The original bell is preserved at the Liberty Bell Center in Independence National Historical Park. The Bells Across PA project continues the legacy of celebrating national heritage through public art, fostering a stronger bond between residents and historical traditions.
FAQ
What is the Bells Across PA project?
The Bells Across PA project is an initiative to install Liberty Bell replicas in all 67 counties of Pennsylvania, celebrating America’s 250th anniversary in 2026. In Philadelphia, 22 bells will be placed in various neighborhoods to reflect the city’s diversity.
Who are the artists involved in the project?
Local artists from Philadelphia have designed the Liberty Bell replicas, each reflecting the unique history and culture of the neighborhood where it will be displayed.
When will the bells be installed?
The bells are expected to be installed in high-traffic areas across Philadelphia in the spring of 2026.
How does the project impact local communities?
The project aims to drive economic activity along commercial corridors, uplift small businesses, and foster a sense of pride and unity among Philadelphia residents.
What is the significance of the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia?
The Liberty Bell is an iconic symbol of American independence, with the original bell housed in the Liberty Bell Center in Independence National Historical Park. The Bells Across PA project continues the tradition of celebrating the nation’s heritage through public art installations.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Project Name | Bells Across PA |
| Number of Replicas in Philadelphia | 22 |
| Purpose | Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary in 2026 by reflecting the city’s diversity through public art installations. |
| Installation Timeline | Spring 2026 |
| Project Funding | Over $100 million |
| Collaborators | City of Philadelphia, State of Pennsylvania, Private Partners |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
