Cherry Street Pier is a former municipal pier on Philadelphia’s Delaware River waterfront, at 121 N Christopher Columbus Blvd. Its industrial interior now holds artist studios, galleries, installations and pop-up markets, while the outdoor Garden has pocket gardens, seating and food and drink. Walk to the river-facing end for a close look at the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, with New Jersey beyond it. Check the event calendar before you go: markets, performances and family activities change, and the pier can get crowded during festivals.
A pier repurposed for public use
Cherry Street Pier occupies a former municipal pier built in 1919. The large waterfront structure has been adapted for studios, exhibitions, markets and public events, retaining its industrial character. Old rail tracks run through the interior, and ironwork overhead recalls the building’s working past.
The space is divided into areas for different uses. Artist studios occupy repurposed shipping containers, while an open area hosts installations and public events. Galleries display changing work, and pop-up markets bring in local makers and artists. What is on view depends on the schedule, so check the pier’s event calendar before setting out.
Art, studios and events
The studios give the pier a working-art feel: visitors can encounter local artists’ spaces alongside exhibitions and installations. Markets and cultural gatherings add other reasons to explore, with some events including live music, performances, craft activities or artist talks. Family programming is part of the calendar, too.
The pier’s roomy interior can accommodate conventions and larger events, but those occasions draw crowds. If you would rather browse at an easier pace, check what is scheduled and plan around major gatherings. The calendar also helps you find a particular market, exhibition or performance rather than arriving without knowing what is taking place.
The Garden and the riverfront
The outdoor Garden pairs planted areas and seating with food and drink options. Food vendors have served dishes including birria and chicken tinga tacos, nachos and taco salad; vendors and menus can change. The Garden is a place to sit between gallery stops or spend longer over food and a drink, but check what is open if dining is central to your visit.
For the closest view of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, continue toward the river-facing end of the pier. The bridge is about 100 feet from that end, and New Jersey is visible across the Delaware. The waterfront setting also makes the pier a spot to pause for photos or a walk along the river. At sunset, string lights add to the Garden’s evening atmosphere.
Häufige Fragen
Is Cherry Street Pier free to visit?
Walking in and exploring the pier is free.
What can you do at Cherry Street Pier?
Explore artist studios, galleries and installations, browse pop-up markets, or visit the Garden for outdoor seating and food and drink. Events and programming vary.
Where can you see the Benjamin Franklin Bridge from the pier?
Walk to the river-facing end of Cherry Street Pier for a close view of the bridge.
Can you eat at Cherry Street Pier?
Food and drink options are available, including vendors in the Garden. Check what is operating on the day of your visit.
