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Released: 3/27/2018 

DRPA and Mural Arts Philadelphia Partner on 5th Street Tunnel Mural Projects

The Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA), in partnership with Mural Arts Philadelphia announced today that six local artists have been named finalists for the designs of two planned murals to be commissioned for the Philadelphia 5th Street Vehicular and Pedestrian Tunnels, located beneath the Ben Franklin Bridge Philadelphia Approach.

The Vehicular Tunnel Mural will occupy a 1,500-square-foot area approximately halfway through the tunnel, and the Pedestrian Tunnel Mural will occupy two 1,000-square-foot areas in the underpass. In addition to serving as visual enhancements for the surrounding community, the murals will also serve to deter incidents of graffiti and other vandalism.

“When we began this project, we were excited and optimistic about the types of designs that we would receive,” said Valerie P. Bradford, DRPA Bridge Director for the Ben Franklin and Betsy Ross Bridges.

“But I can say, decisively, that the artwork and renderings we have received from the very talented artists engaged by Mural Arts Philadelphia, have exceeded all expectations.”

“At Mural Arts, we believe that everyone deserves beauty, even in unexpected places, which is why we’re so thrilled to partner with the DRPA to bring color and life to the 5th Street tunnels, which are traversed by hundreds of people every day,” said Jane Golden, Executive Director of Mural Arts Philadelphia. “We’re also very excited to give six local artists the opportunity to envision bold designs for these tunnels, and to extend the opportunity to Philadelphians—the very people who will enjoy these artworks—to weigh in and express their thoughts.”

Members of the community will have the opportunity to weigh-in with their thoughts about the six finalist designs. Public comment will play a role in the final decision on which murals will be commissioned. Mural designs will be on display at the following locations:

The Shops at Liberty Place – Main Rotunda
1625 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Wednesday, March 28th, Time: 11 am – 2 pm

First Friday in Old City
Hamilton Family Art Center
62 N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
Friday, April 6th, Time: 5 – 7 pm

Delaware River Port Authority Headquarters
One Port Center, 2 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ
March 30th – April 27th, 9 am – 5 pm daily

Renderings will also be available on the Mural Arts / DRPA Project website at www.muralarts.org/drpa. Visitors will be able to leave comments on the site. Community input will play a factor in the final decision.

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