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Clothespin

1976 by Claes Oldenburg

Oldenburg’s Clothespin outside City Hall

Oldenburg’s Clothespin outside City Hall Credit: K. Ciappa for GPTMC

Description

Philadelphia’s City Hall has inspired many reactions, but perhaps none quirkier than Claes Oldenburg’s. City Hall is formal, ornate late 19th century. Oldenburg’s 45-foot steel Clothespin, directly across 15th Street, is sleek, ultramodern, whimsical. Everyone has an opinion about the Clothespin. What’s yours?

More Information

Oldenburg linked his design for the Clothespin to Constantin Brancusi’s well-known sculpture The Kiss in the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Many agree that the Clothespin’s shape resembles two lovers entwining.

Details

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N 15th Street and Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19102
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Neighborhood:

Center City West

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city hall claes oldenburg clothespin outdoor sculpture philadelphia public art public art

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