From Traffic Circle to Summer Stage
Nestled amidst the grandeur of Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway, just in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Rocky Steps, Eakins Oval holds a special place in the city’s heart. Its history, intertwined with urban planning and artistic tribute, paved the way for its transformation into a vibrant summertime hub.
The Oval’s story begins in 1917 with French architect Jacques Gréber’s vision for the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. He envisioned a grand boulevard connecting the Philadelphia Museum of Art with City Hall, and Eakins Oval became a key element in this design.
Photo from the Oval Instagram page.
The Oval’s name pays homage to Thomas Eakins (1844-1916), a celebrated Philadelphian painter, sculptor, and educator. Eakins’s realist style captured the essence of Philadelphia life, making him a fitting namesake for this prominent public space.
The centerpiece of the Oval is the Washington Monument fountain. Originally dedicated in 1897, it stood at the Green Street entrance to Fairmount Park. In 1928, with the completion of the Parkway, the fountain found its permanent home at Eakins Oval, overlooking the museum.
Eakins Oval wasn’t always the lively venue it is today. For a time, it served as a surface parking lot, offering little public appeal. However, a transformation began, and the Oval was redesigned to prioritize pedestrian enjoyment. The annual Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade enlivens the Oval with spectacle. Renowned music festivals like Live 8 Philadelphia and the Made in America Festival have brought world-class music to this iconic setting. Even major sporting events like the 2017 NFL Draft have found their home at Eakins Oval.
And in summertime the Oval comes alive with sun-shiny energy and nighttime fun. The quiet space becomes a stage for a variety of events, including pop-up markets, yoga, mini golf, sing-alongs, movie nights, and concerts. And this all comes with tasty treats from a variety of food trucks and local restaurants, all surrounding a beer garden featuring some of Philly’s local brews. This summer, Saturday evenings even feature a concert series of bands curated by the city’s favorite seven piece dance-in-the-street-til-your-feet-ache brass band, Snacktime!
The Oval’s summer events run Thursdays through Sundays, from July 11 through August 25. Check out this summer’s calendar of events here.
Photo from the Oval Instagram page.
The best way to get to Eakins Oval is to take a walk down the beautiful Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The Oval is only a mile from City Hall and Love Park. During the day, you can take the PHLASH bus to stop #9. You could also pick up a SEPTA bus, hire an Indego bike, or jump in a Lyft or Uber.
Eakins Oval’s journey reflects Philadelphia’s dedication to evolving public spaces. Once a traffic circle, it’s now a bustling stage for outdoor activities, as well as a testament to the city’s commitment to art, culture, community, and a good party. Come ready to celebrate summer in The City of Brotherly Love.
Written by Jenna, a local expert guide for Philly Crawling. A recent escapee from the corporate world, she enjoys volunteering and spending time with family. She’s a pet lover, self-proclaimed beer geek, travel enthusiast, and aspiring foodie. Join Jenna for history and beer on Philly Crawling’s Liberty Pub Crawl.