Logan Circle

Historic Origins

Set in the heart of Philadelphia lies Logan Circle, originally mapped as Northwest Square in William Penn's 1682 city blueprint. This green oasis was later renamed in 1825 to honor James Logan, an 18th-century Philadelphia mayor and William Penn's right-hand man.

It's fascinating how spaces transform over time - this park once served rather grim purposes as a burial ground and even hosted public executions until 1823. Eventually, though, the city reclaimed it as a proper public park, adding charming walkways, greenery, and decorative iron railings.

This is the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul

Photo: ajay_suresh (CC BY 2.0)

Distinctive Features

Covering about 7 acres, Logan Circle sits at the meeting point of the grand Benjamin Franklin Parkway and 19th Street. At its heart stands the magnificent Swann Memorial Fountain, a 1924 creation by Wilson Eyre and Alexander Stirling Calder.

The fountain tells a story through its bronze sculptures - Native American figures that represent Philadelphia's major waterways: the Delaware River, the Schuylkill River, and Wissahickon Creek. When the weather warms up, the fountain's cascading water creates a cool microclimate that provides relief on hot city days.

Surrounding this central feature are seasonal flower beds that add vibrant color, especially when spring tulips bloom. The mature trees scattered throughout provide welcome shade for anyone looking to escape the summer heat.

The Benjamin Franklin National Memorial is directly adjacent to the park

Photo: ajay_suresh (CC BY 2.0)

Urban Development

The early 20th century brought significant changes to the park during the City Beautiful movement. The redesign transformed it into a traffic circle, borrowing elements from European urban planning traditions.

This thoughtful renovation integrated Logan Circle into the broader vision for Benjamin Franklin Parkway, creating an impressive boulevard that connects City Hall to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The circle offers good vantage points for capturing both these Philadelphia landmarks.

A view from the park towards southeast shows Philadelphia City Hall in the distance

Photo: Jack and Dianne (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Community Space

Today, Logan Circle functions as a green urban retreat, surrounded by important cultural institutions: the Franklin Institute, the Academy of Natural Sciences, the Free Library of Philadelphia, and the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul.

The circle has become a popular gathering spot where locals come to take a break from the city. On warm days, the fountain transforms into an impromptu splash zone where kids (and let's be honest, adults too) cool off and play. The grassy areas invite you to sprawl out with a book or simply watch the world go by.

Many people use the circle as a natural resting point while exploring the museum-rich Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Benches scattered throughout provide places to sit and enjoy this historic urban space.

Throughout the year, Logan Circle hosts various public events and celebrations, continuing its long tradition as a civic space in Philadelphia.