Amtrak is continuing its celebrated Art at Amtrak public art initiative in Philadelphia, nearly a year after unveiling the impressive Euphonic & Chromatic Drift vinyl mural at William H. Gray, III 30th Street Station. This time, they’ve partnered with Brandywine Realty Trust to commission a new site-specific art installation titled “Flourish.”
Created by Philadelphia artist Roxana Azar, “Flourish” takes center stage on the Cira Skybridge, a striking glass pedestrian bridge spanning Arch Street and connecting the Cira Centre office building to Gray 30th Street Station. The vibrant piece will also be showcased within the station, adding to the already rich cultural tapestry enjoyed by travelers and visitors.
This new addition further cements Amtrak’s commitment to weaving art into the fabric of everyday travel experiences. “The Art at Amtrak program’s vision to spark surprise and engagement through art in public places proudly continues with our newest public art installation in Philadelphia,” said Art at Amtrak Director Sharon Tepper. “By showcasing the work of a local artist, Amtrak is transforming and enhancing the Cira Skybridge, enriching the daily lives of the many travelers, local residents and employees who utilize it, and provoking thought and emotion through this dynamic visual experience.”
The latest installation follows a series of engaging free public performances by PHILADANCO! earlier this year. These performances captivated both travelers and visitors at the station, offering a unique blend of culture and creativity.
As a major transportation hub, Gray 30th Street Station is the third busiest station in Amtrak’s national network. It sees over 4 million Amtrak passengers and more than 12 million commuters via SEPTA and NJ TRANSIT each year, with over 100,000 people passing through its doors on any given weekday.
Strategically located at the intersection of innovation and infrastructure, Gray 30th Street Station and the adjacent Cira Centre serve as gateways to the Schuylkill Yards district. This $3.5 billion development, master-planned by Brandywine Realty Trust in partnership with Drexel University, is transforming the area into a vibrant ecosystem of innovation and development.
“As longtime partners with Amtrak since the inception of Cira Centre almost two decades ago, we are thrilled to collaborate once more to offer a dynamic art experience for our building tenants and station visitors,” said Brandywine Executive Vice President and Senior Managing Director Jeff DeVuono. “This installation captures the vibrant energy and momentum of our evolving Schuylkill Yards neighborhood, one of the most exciting master-planned developments in the country, greatly enhanced by its prime location just outside the historic William H. Gray III 30th Street Station.”
The new art installation is set to debut in September, adding to the vibrant offerings of the Art at Amtrak program at Gray 30th Street Station. Alongside this artistic initiative, Amtrak is currently undertaking a large-scale restoration and modernization project at the station. This renovation aims to enhance the station’s infrastructure, providing a more modern and welcoming experience for the millions of passengers and commuters who pass through each year.
