A New Chapter for The Irish Memorial
The Irish Memorial has officially transitioned from our original site at Front & Chestnut Streets to a beautiful new temporary location at 109 Spruce Street in Philadelphia.
For over two decades, our monumental bronze sculpture has stood as a profound testament to the millions who perished during An Gorta Mór, and the resilient immigrants who built a new world here in America. As the city of Philadelphia embarks on a massive, multi-year infrastructure project to cap and reconstruct Interstate 95, it became necessary to carefully relocate our 30-foot masterpiece to ensure its preservation and public accessibility.
While the construction continues near Penn’s Landing, we are thrilled to welcome visitors to our temporary home at 109 Spruce Street. This peaceful, dedicated space allows us to continue our educational mission without interruption, ensuring that school groups, tourists, and the local community can still gather to reflect and learn.
The Future of the Memorial
This temporary relocation is just one step in an exciting journey. Once the comprehensive construction work surrounding the I-95 corridor is complete, The Irish Memorial will be moved to a permanent, spectacularly redesigned park just down the street at Front & Walnut. This future site will offer enhanced landscaping and an even more prominent placement within Philadelphia’s Historic District.
We invite you to continue visiting us at 109 Spruce Street. Our volunteer docents are still leading group tours, our educational programs remain active, and our commitment to honoring the past has never been stronger.
“The location may have temporarily changed, but the power, the history, and the emotional resonance of Glenna Goodacre’s masterful bronze sculpture remain exactly the same.”
