THE MONUMENT
THE GREAT HUNGER MEMORIAL IN PHILADELPHIA
A spectacular 30-foot bronze narrative.
A NATIONAL MASTERPIECE
The Irish Memorial, a national monument, was opened to the public on October 25, 2003. Standing prominently at the corner of Front and Chestnut Streets in Philadelphia, it serves as an enduring landmark within the city’s Historic District.
The centerpiece is a monumental bronze sculpture measuring a spectacular 30 feet long by 12 feet wide and 12 feet high. Created using the ancient “lost wax” method by eminent sculptor Glenna Goodacre, the work brings to life the story of An Gorta Mór (The Great Hunger).
THE THREE PHASES OF THE JOURNEY
The memorial’s 35 life-sized bronze figures depict three distinct phases of the Irish experience between 1845 and 1850:
- The Hunger: The cruel starvation which claimed one million innocent lives.
- The Journey: The harrowing voyage across the Atlantic taken by a million more in search of survival.
- The Arrival: The indomitable spirit of those who landed safely, resolved to face the challenges of a new world.
THE MEMORIAL PARK
The sculpture is set within a dedicated 1.75-acre park. It serves as a significant addition to Philadelphia’s collection of public art and provides a peaceful place for contemplation. The site is designed to touch every visitor regardless of their ancestry, presenting an important chapter of global history in a moving and effective way.
ARTISTIC DETAILS
Cast in resilient silicon bronze, the monument is a sculpture-in-the-round, inviting visitors to walk around and through the narrative. Detailed elements—including grave stones, crosses, parts of a ship, and luggage—provide a sensory connection to the era.
