After many months of anticipation, Cherry Street Pier officially opened its doors this past Friday, October 12. A local marching band led an excited crowd across the venue’s arch entry and into the pier. Philadelphians were greeted with a dynamic space featuring artist studios, food trucks, a bar, a garden area with cafe-style seating and wooden bleachers, and epic sunset views of the Benjamin Franklin bridge and Race Street Pier.
Cherry Street Pier (CSP) is a year-round, mixed-use public space on the central Delaware River Waterfront built into the shell of a 55,000 square foot, century-old municipal pier. Of the space, Mayor Jim Kenney said, “This park is another example of the importance of investing in civic assets to help transform cities, and this is a true example of a transformation – from a vacant industrial pier to thriving public space and creative hub.”
CSP’s press release noted that the space, “…focuses on supporting emerging artists and fostering creative communities. Visitors will be able to interact with artists on-site to learn about their processes, take workshops, and purchase art.” Patrick Morgan, Director/Philadelphia of Knight Foundation, said, “With Knight Foundation support, Cherry Street Pier will be a model site to help look anew at how art and public space can come together to engage all residents.”
Public programming will take place through the fall and winter and will include:
- An exhibition by Cherry Street Pier-artist James Abbott
- Al-Bustan’s Immigrant Alphabet
- Studio tours and workshops with POST and CraftNOW
- Playfest2018 with interactive demos from local nonprofits
- And a variety of markets including The Cherry Street Pier Antique & Vintage Market produced by Phila Flea Markets, The Christmas Tree Stand Holiday Market, craft markets by Punk Rock Flea Market and Art Star Craft Bazaar, and much more.
- Cooperage, featuring comfort food classics and surprising bites, will round out the initial phase of food offerings at Cherry Street Pier.
- Tiny Room for Elephants, a network of creative connectors establishing a new hub for artistic community, are one of the newest groups to take up residence in the Pier. Artist studio applications will go back online when the pier opens on Friday.
Joe Forkin, President of the Delaware River Waterfront Corp, noted, “With a variety of vendors including Hardena, Cooperage, Little Baby’s Ice Cream, and Birdie’s Biscuits, 14 artist studios, year-round programming, and a beautiful garden with unbeatable river views, Cherry Street Pier is a reflection of Philadelphia today—creative, diverse, historic, adaptable, and inspired.”
So how did Philly enjoy the first weekend of the Pier’s opening? We gathered some of their photos below. Share your Instagram shots from CSP with us by tagging us @citywidestories and using #citywidephl.