Welcome Park

A Glimpse into Philadelphia's Past

Welcome Park marks the exact spot where William Penn's Slate Roof House once stood - the place Penn called home from 1699 to 1701. This compact urban retreat sits at the intersection of 2nd and Sansom Streets in Philly's Old City neighborhood, and while it might not be the biggest green space you'll encounter, it more than makes up for its size in historical weight.

Created in 1982 to mark the 300th birthday of Pennsylvania's founding, this thoughtfully designed space comes courtesy of architectural firm Venturi, Rauch and Scott Brown, who transformed it into an open-air museum that tells Penn's story without the need for walls or a roof.

What You'll Find Here

The heart of the park features a marble ground map that lays out Penn's original grid plan for Philadelphia - a fascinating glimpse into how our city was initially imagined. Standing proudly in the center is a miniature bronze statue of William Penn, a smaller version of the iconic figure that watches over the city from atop City Hall.

Around the perimeter, engraved walls take you through Penn's life journey and accomplishments chronologically. Take a moment to read about his Charter of Privileges - a document so forward-thinking that it later influenced the U.S. Constitution itself.

The William Penn statue sits at the center of the park's historic grid pattern

Photo: Ken Lund (CC BY-SA 2.0)

A Peaceful Pocket in the City

Despite its modest footprint, the park offers several benches amid ornamental plantings, creating a quiet space to catch your breath amid the urban bustle. If you're bringing four-legged friends along, just be mindful of the decorative garden areas.

The traditional cobblestone sidewalks add to the historical atmosphere, grounding you in another era. And if you're a history buff, you'll appreciate that you're just a stone's throw from other significant landmarks like the First Bank and Carpenter's Hall.

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Far From Just a Name

There's a beautiful bit of symmetry in the park's name - it honors the ship "Welcome" that carried Penn to American shores, while also extending that same greeting to modern visitors.

Though small enough to miss if you're rushing by, Welcome Park offers a unique window into Philadelphia's foundational story. It's a quiet corner where you can connect with the democratic principles that shaped not just our city, but our nation.