Dilworth Park is a public space on the west side of Philadelphia City Hall, at 1 S 15th St in Center City. Its fountains, lawn, tree seating and café make it an easy place to pause between sights, with City Hall’s architecture all around you. In warmer months, the fountain and outdoor events draw people in; in winter, the site becomes an ice rink beside seasonal holiday stalls. Suburban Station is directly below the park, so it is also a useful meeting point and a convenient stop on a city walk.
A park at City Hall
Dilworth Park occupies the western side of Philadelphia City Hall, where the city’s municipal offices have been based since 1901. The site was once Centre Square, the center of William Penn’s original city plan. City Hall began rising there in 1871, and the square is now largely taken up by the building and its grounds.
The park gives you an outdoor place to sit and walk beside the elaborate Beaux-Arts building. City Hall’s clock tower is topped by a statue of William Penn, and its exterior carries more than 250 sculptures. Look up as you cross the park, then take a seat among the benches and tree groves for a closer view of the building’s scale and detail.
Fountains, lawn and public events
The park’s computer-programmed fountain is a focal point in warmer weather. Water jets rise and fall across the paved area, where children can splash and visitors can pause in the shade or at nearby tables. The fountain is chlorinated, but its water is not for drinking. A lawn, planted areas and several kinds of seating provide space to rest, eat or watch the passing crowds.
The design also connects the park to the transit station below. Glass entrances lead down to the Broad Street and Market-Frankford subway lines, and the nearby Suburban Station serves regional trains. An art installation called Pulse sends colored mist into the air when SEPTA trains pass underneath. Seasonal programming has included festivals, live music, outdoor films and fitness classes, so the atmosphere can change with the event calendar.
Winter rink and holiday stalls
When temperatures drop, the fountain area is converted into the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink. Skating takes place alongside winter food and drinks, the Wintergarden and seasonal market stalls. Around the holidays, vendors sell work from local makers, including art, home goods, ornaments, sweets, toys and clothing. The market and rink bring more activity to the park, so an early or weekday visit can be a calmer way to look around.
In warmer seasons, the park has also hosted rollerskating and outdoor events. The offerings are seasonal, so check the park’s event information if you are planning around a specific activity. For a quieter stop, use the lawn or benches to rest between Center City sights, or pick up a coffee nearby and spend a few minutes people-watching.
Perguntas frequentes
Where is Dilworth Park?
It is on the west side of Philadelphia City Hall at 1 S 15th St in Center City. Suburban Station is directly below it.
What can you do at Dilworth Park?
You can relax by the fountains, sit on the lawn or attend seasonal events. In winter, the fountain area becomes an ice rink beside holiday market stalls.
When is the holiday market at Dilworth Park?
The holiday market is a seasonal attraction associated with the winter rink. Visit in December for the Christmas-season experience.
Is the fountain water safe to drink?
No. The fountain is chlorinated, but its water is not for drinking.
