THE LANDSCAPE
A CONTEMPLATIVE GARDEN OF REMEMBRANCE
DESIGN OBJECTIVE
The objective for the Irish Memorial landscape was to create an elegant space for the Glenna Goodacre sculpture within a contemplative garden of remembrance and hope. Every path and planting is designed to enhance the narrative journey of the bronze work.
THE MEMORIAL CIRCLE
The Memorial circle, paved in stone, enhances the appreciation of the narrative sculpture in the round with its many dramatic vignettes. Paths are oriented to frame specific views depicting the principal themes in the sculpture, while plantings frame views from the main pedestrian corridors on Chestnut Street.
The main façade of the sculpture, resting on a black granite plinth, is oriented south to southwest to maximize the impact of natural lighting on the bronze figures throughout the day.
The beautifully evocative grounds of the Memorial park were designed by Landscape Architect Pauline Hurley-Kurtz, ALA. Her outstanding vision and execution for the site earned a prestigious design award from the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA).
The Memorial Circle at Penn’s Landing.
ELEMENTS OF THE IRISH LANDSCAPE
The Walls & Stones
Irish walls recall the miles of walls built from 1846–1852 as part of public works during An Gorta Mór. Ogham standing stones define entries, announcing ‘The Irish Memorial’ in Irish and Ogham.
Saint Patrick’s Planter
Includes a stone from Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s pilgrimage mountain, etched with a Celtic cross. The planter also features a single Hawthorn tree, the honored ‘Craobh’ of the Irish landscape.
Flora & Mood
Plantings reflect an Irish hedgerow pattern to the east and a Pennsylvania Piedmont palette to the west. Grasses and groundcover evoke the appearance and mood of an Irish moor.
INTERPRETIVE WALKWAY
Interpretive pedestals along the entry paths recount the history of An Gorta Mór, the emigration, the Irish experience in the new world, and the contributions of the Irish American community. They also offer a call to action in supporting modern immigrants to the City of Philadelphia.
A GLOBAL CONNECTION
The Irish Memorial in Philadelphia joins a global network of memorials—including Mayo, Dublin, New York, and Grosse Isle—that collectively acknowledge the catastrophe and honor those forced to emigrate.
