Dream Garden Curtis Center
A breathtaking 15-foot glass mosaic by Maxfield Parrish and Tiffany Studios, offering a serene artistic escape in Center City.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Dream Garden Curtis Center
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking 15-foot glass mosaic by Maxfield Parrish and Tiffany Studios, offering a serene artistic escape in Center City.
"Absolutely stunning! And such a calm atmosphere. A great side quest to a walk around the major historic sites."
🤫 Hidden Gem Alert
Often overlooked, this art piece is a true 'hidden gem' in Center City.
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
The mosaic is stunning! Great for photos, especially when the light hits it right.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Dream Garden Mosaic
Curtis Center Lobby
A mesmerizing 15-foot-high, 49-foot-wide glass mosaic by Maxfield Parrish and Tiffany Studios.
Parrish Blue
Dream Garden Mosaic
Experience the iconic 'Parrish Blue' hue, a signature color derived from the artist Maxfield Parrish.
Tiffany Studios Craftsmanship
Dream Garden Mosaic
Marvel at the intricate detail of over 100,000 hand-fired glass pieces by master artisans.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Discover the Dream Garden
A Tranquil Escape
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤫 Hidden Gem Alert
Often overlooked, this art piece is a true 'hidden gem' in Center City.
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
The mosaic is stunning! Great for photos, especially when the light hits it right.
dream garden
The Curtis
📚 Relax and Unwind
Bring a book! It's a calm atmosphere to escape the city bustle.
📍 Location Insight
Find it inside the Curtis Center lobby, near 6th & Walnut.
Art in Philadelphia, the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤫 Hidden Gem Alert
Often overlooked, this art piece is a true 'hidden gem' in Center City.
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
The mosaic is stunning! Great for photos, especially when the light hits it right.
📚 Relax and Unwind
Bring a book! It's a calm atmosphere to escape the city bustle.
📍 Location Insight
Find it inside the Curtis Center lobby, near 6th & Walnut.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Dream Garden as a stunning and serene hidden gem within the Curtis Center. Its breathtaking glass mosaic, crafted by Maxfield Parrish and Tiffany Studios, is a highlight for its vibrant colors and intricate detail. Many find it a peaceful escape and a worthwhile artistic discovery.
"Gorgeous inside and out.
Stand at the top of the 6th Street Steps, then look at the back of an old 100 dollar bill. You'll be standing where the picture was take from.
Look towards Independence Hall."
val hardy
"My favorite building in this area. Love the reproducing piano and 2 rests.uaunts and more a coffee shop 🌹"
Kenni Crane
"Beautiful location to hop inside and get out of the sun! The tile mural was beautiful!"
Brynn T
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Dream Garden is located inside the Curtis Center at 6th and Walnut Streets in Philadelphia's Center City. It's easily accessible by public transportation, with several SEPTA bus routes stopping nearby. If driving, there are parking garages in the vicinity, though they can be pricey.
Yes, there are several parking garages around the Curtis Center. Be prepared for city parking rates, which can be on the higher side.
Several SEPTA bus routes stop within a few blocks of the Curtis Center. The nearest subway stations are Jefferson Station and 5th Street Station, both a short walk away.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Dream Garden and the Curtis Center lobby is free. It's a public space accessible to all visitors.
The Curtis Center lobby is generally open during business hours on weekdays. It's best to check their official website or call ahead for the most up-to-date hours, as they can vary.
The Curtis Center is generally accessible. The lobby where the Dream Garden is located should be accessible for most visitors.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
The Dream Garden is a magnificent 15-foot-high, 49-foot-wide glass mosaic created by Maxfield Parrish and crafted by Tiffany Studios. It features over 100,000 pieces of hand-fired glass.
'Parrish Blue' is a distinctive shade of blue named after the artist Maxfield Parrish, known for its unique vibrancy and depth, which is prominently featured in the Dream Garden.
Most visitors spend about 15-30 minutes admiring the mosaic and soaking in the atmosphere. It's a perfect spot for a brief, peaceful interlude.
Yes, photography is generally allowed in the Curtis Center lobby for personal use. Be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash photography if it might disturb others.
Yes, the Curtis Center also houses a coffee shop and sometimes features other art or historical elements. Exploring the atrium down the hall is also recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
The best time for photos is often during the day when natural light can illuminate the glass mosaic beautifully. Mid-morning or early afternoon can offer good lighting conditions.
While generally permitted, avoid using flash photography as it can detract from the mosaic's subtle beauty and potentially disturb other visitors.
Try capturing the scale of the mosaic by including a person for reference, or focus on the intricate details of the glass pieces. Wide-angle lenses can help capture the full scope.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider it a quick, engaging 'detour' while visiting nearby historic sites. The calm atmosphere of the Curtis Center lobby also provides a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the city, allowing everyone to recharge before continuing their adventures. It's a memorable visual experience that kids often talk about.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
Pay close attention to the intricate details, the masterful use of color (especially the famed 'Parrish Blue'), and the sheer scale of the work. It's a chance to appreciate the craftsmanship and artistic vision that went into creating such a luminous and enduring piece. It's often cited as one of the most underrated art pieces in the city.
🚶 Day-Trippers
It's the perfect 'side quest' to complement your visits to Independence Hall or the Liberty Bell. You can easily pop in, admire the stunning mosaic, take some photos, and be back on your way to exploring other attractions within minutes. It's a delightful, free cultural experience that adds a unique touch to your itinerary.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Artistry of the Dream Garden
This masterpiece is more than just a decorative element; it's a testament to the artistic innovation of the early 20th century. The way the light interacts with the glass creates a dynamic visual experience, with colors shifting and shimmering throughout the day. Many visitors describe it as feeling 'alive,' a testament to the skill and artistry involved. It's a piece that rewards close observation, revealing new details and nuances the longer you look.
Located within the Curtis Center, a building that itself blends historic charm with modern elegance, the Dream Garden serves as a stunning focal point. It's often described as a 'hidden gem,' an unexpected treasure tucked away in the heart of Center City Philadelphia. Its presence offers a moment of quiet contemplation and artistic appreciation amidst the bustling city streets, making it a must-see for art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
Maxfield Parrish and Tiffany Studios: A Creative Partnership
Tiffany Studios, founded by Louis Comfort Tiffany, was synonymous with exquisite stained glass, lamps, and mosaics. Their artisans were masters of glass manipulation, capable of creating intricate and luminous works of art. The collaboration with Parrish allowed Tiffany Studios to showcase their unparalleled craftsmanship on a grand scale, bringing Parrish's unique aesthetic to life in a way that was both innovative and breathtaking.
The synergy between Parrish's artistic direction and Tiffany's technical mastery resulted in a work of enduring beauty. The Dream Garden stands as a powerful symbol of their combined genius, a piece that continues to captivate viewers with its color, light, and intricate detail, solidifying its place as a significant work of public art.
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