Philadelphia Plans Sculptures to Mark Historic Innovations

Twenty-five artists in Philadelphia are working to create 52 sculptures in the shape of the number 1. Each sculpture will represent a Philly “first,” acknowledging the city's history and innovation.

Installation of the sculptures will coincide with the nation's 250th birthday next year. Every week in 2026, a historic innovation developed in the city will be marked with a mini celebration: a live story performance and a painted sculpture.

According to WHYY, all 52 sculptures, each measuring about 5 feet tall, are made of high-density foam and sealed to withstand weather conditions. They will be placed in their designated locations during the first week of January. Every Saturday for one year, one will be spotlighted with an event, described by Visit Philadelphia as “first-ivals.”

Mural Arts Philadelphia assisted in matching artists to the “firsts” based on a master list. Each artist will design and paint decorative motifs over the sculptures.

Some of the “first” milestones that will be recognized include the first constitution, the first art school and museum, and the first gay rights demonstration. Others include the first pencil with an eraser on the end, the first public screening of a movie, and the first ice cream soda, which was made in 1874 during a street fair. According to WHYY, the ice cream soda arose out of desperation when a vendor ran out of regular cream for cream sodas.

One of the more significant items on the list of 52 firsts is the first children's hospital. In 1855, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) opened its doors. 

Each “first-ival” has been scheduled for 2026. Dates and locations are available on Visit Philly's website.