News & Views

Schuylkill Yards advances neighborhood vision with new public art and park

Written by Brandywine Realty Trust | Aug 4, 2025 12:00:00 PM

 

“Art at the Yards” Celebrates Brandywine Realty Trust’s Partnerships with
Mural Arts Philadelphia and Local Artists David Guinn and Anthony Bayne, Senior

PHILADELPHIA, August 4, 2025Brandywine Realty Trust (NYSE: BDN) celebrated “Art at the Yards,” a dedication of public art and green space in Schuylkill Yards. Each piece of artwork was thoughtfully crafted and curated to foster community connection within West Philadelphia and celebrate local creativity. These selections highlight how art and innovation thrive side by side in Schuylkill Yards.

“At Brandywine, we believe places are defined by the culture and people who bring them to life. That’s why public art and green spaces are essential to Schuylkill Yards,” said Jerry Sweeney, CEO of Brandywine Realty Trust. “With today’s unveiling, we are taking another major step in Schuylkill Yards’ shift from development to true destination.

“Public art is an essential part of our Philadelphia neighborhoods, and we are excited to work with Brandywine Realty Trust to create Best Philly: Mural Row at Schuylkill Yards benefiting the University City community,” said Jane Golden, Executive Director, Mural Arts Philadelphia. “We are proud to offer an opportunity for six Philadelphia artists to create murals that reflect life and work in this part of the city.”

Mural Arts Philadelphia: Best Philly Mural Row

Brandywine partnered with Mural Arts Philadelphia and Drexel University to curate twelve murals that comprise Best Philly, a row of murals that runs between Market Street and JFK Boulevard. Best Philly plays off local sayings “West Philly is the Best Philly” or “West is best.,” and encouraged six local artists to illustrate what work and life look like in and around Schuylkill Yards. The resulting projects shine a spotlight on groundbreaking cancer research, educational institutions that are shaping the next generation, and communities where neighbors take care of one another.

Artists include (from JFK Blvd. to Market St.): Manuela Guillén, Akira Gordon, Cindy Lozito, Branche Coverdale, Isabella Akhtarshenas, and Dora Cuenca.

Best Philly Mural Row is on the east wall of the pedestrian walkway between 3151 Market Street and 3001 JFK Blvd. Detailed information about Best Philly is available here.

David Guinn Studio: Schuylkill Falls

Known for transforming urban landscapes into works of art, David Guinn designed an integrated paint and light mural along JFK Blvd. connecting Bulletin Building and recently-completed 3151 Market. Pedestrians will trigger changes at three points along the length of the interactive mural, and runners will cause a shift in the lighting over the full length of the wall. Guinn drew inspiration from the Fairmount Dam near the Philadelphia Museum of Art on the Schuylkill River to create this piece, and the geometric rocks and foliage reflect the landscape architecture of Highline Park directly across JFK Blvd.

Schuylkill Falls is on the south façade of 3101 Market St., running along JFK Boulevard across the street from 3025 JFK.

Anthony Bayne, Senior: Galaxyscape Zone

Self-taught West Philadelphia artist Anthony Bayne, Sr. created Galaxyscape Zone outside his garage on Chestnut Street. After years of watching this piece evolve in the neighborhood, Brandywine saw an opportunity to bring his work to a larger audience in a purpose-built space. Now the sculpture is on permanent public display as the focal point of Highline Park.

Galaxyscape Zone anchors Highline Park, adjacent to the dog run and community green.

Schuylkill Yards Adds More Green Space with Highline Park

In addition to celebrating these artists, Brandywine dedicated Highline Park. Schuylkill Yards started with a park – Drexel Square – and Brandywine’s master plan includes several additional green spaces that will fulfill the company’s vision of integrating nature, art and recreation into the fabric of the neighborhood. What was once a parking lot beneath an elevated rail line is now a half-acre urban oasis designed for students, professionals, commuters, residents and even their canine friends, with the inclusion of a dog park within the park.

Since the opening of Drexel Square in 2017, the neighborhood has grown to include luxury apartments at Avira and new office and lab space at the Bulletin Building, 3025 JFK and 3151 Market. Along with new shops like Fine Wine & Good Spirits, upcoming additions include Starbucks, Gather Food Hall, and more to come.

About Brandywine Realty Trust

Brandywine Realty Trust (NYSE: BDN) is one of the largest, publicly traded, full-service, integrated real estate companies in the United States with a core focus in Philadelphia, PA and Austin, TX.  Organized as a real estate investment trust (REIT), we own, develop, lease and manage an urban, town center and transit-oriented portfolio comprising 122 properties and 19.0 million square feet as of June 30, 2025. Our purpose is to shape, connect and inspire the world around us through our expertise, the relationships we foster, the communities in which we live and work, and the history we build together. For more information, please visit www.brandywinerealty.com.

About Mural Arts Philadelphia

Mural Arts Philadelphia is the nation’s largest public art program, dedicated to the belief that art ignites change. Mural Arts has united artists and communities through a collaborative and equitable process, creating over 4,000 artworks that have transformed public spaces and individual lives. Mural Arts aims to empower people, stimulate dialogue, and build bridges to mutual understanding through projects that attract artists from Philadelphia and around the world and programs that focus on youth education, restorative justice, mental health and wellness, and public art preservation. Popular mural tours offer a firsthand glimpse into the inspiring stories behind Mural Arts' iconic and unparalleled collection, earning Philadelphia worldwide recognition as the "Mural Capital of the World." Philadelphia was recently named the number one city for Best Street Art by USA Today. For more information, call 215-685-0750 or visit muralarts.org.