Ever wondered why Philadelphia boasts a monument to the Bard? The Shakespeare Memorial stands here as a tribute to William Shakespeare’s genius. Its story began in 1892. Artist John Sartain proposed the idea to the Fairmount Park Art Association. He wanted to honor Shakespeare with a monument funded by public and private donations.
The 300th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death in 1916 sparked renewed interest. Philadelphia realized it needed a Shakespearean tribute. By 1917 enough money was raised for the memorial. The Benjamin Franklin Parkway was being developed. Alexander Stirling Calder was commissioned for the project. He was known for the Swann Memorial Fountain and the Calder Statues.
Originally the Shakespeare Memorial stood in front of the Free Library. The sculpture was cast in 1926 by the Roman Bronze Works. It was dedicated on April 23 1929. This date coincided with Shakespeare’s birthday. Expressway construction led to its relocation in 1953. Now it stands in its current location.
Look closely at the sculpture. It represents Shakespeare’s themes of Comedy and Tragedy. You see two figures here. Hamlet is in a moment of introspection. His head rests against a knife. Touchstone from “As You Like It” is laughing at Hamlet’s feet.
Consider the base of the Shakespeare Memorial. You will find a famous quote from “As You Like It”. It says “All the world’s a stage and all the men and women merely players.” This encapsulates Shakespeare’s view of life and human experience.
The Fairmount Park Art Association and the Shakespeare Memorial Committee carefully chose the original site. Architects Gilbert McIlvaine Paul Cret and Jacques Grber provided input. This ensured the Shakespeare Memorial had a fitting home.
Imagine the voices that have echoed around this Shakespeare Memorial. Phillip H Wagner Dean of the Shakspere Society of Philadelphia Sarah Garonzik former Executive Producing Director of The Philadelphia Theatre Company and Damon Bonetti a Philadelphia Shakespeare Festival actor are among those voices.
This Shakespeare Memorial isn’t just a sculpture. It is a symbol of Philadelphia’s appreciation for Shakespeare. It reminds us of the timelessness and universality of his work. It invites us to reflect on comedy tragedy and the human condition. Take a moment to appreciate this tribute to a literary giant. It shows how Shakespeare’s words continue to resonate with us all.