Feature

A Philly Must-See: "In Plain Sight" Sculpture at Cherry Street Pier

A bold new installation celebrating Philly's LGBTQ+ community for Pride Month and beyond ...

Photo by Visit Philadelphia

Philadelphia has long been a welcoming and affirming destination for all, including LGBTQ+ residents and visitors.

Debuting during Pride Month and on display throughout June at Cherry Street Pier, In Plain Sight is a bold new installation honoring transgender, queer, intersex and asexual members of the community.

The installation serves as an unabashed celebration of the TQ+ community — a group facing increased scrutiny as LGBTQ+ rights remain at the center of national debate.

It sends a loud, clear (and proud) message that all LGBTQ+ visitors are wanted and welcomed warmly in the birthplace of liberty.

About the Sculpture

To bring In Plain Sight to life, Visit Philadelphia consulted with local artists and creatives, including Philadelphia-based Bill Adair, an independent arts and culture consultant and former director of the Pew Center for Arts & Heritage.

Standing at 10 feet tall and weighing 250 pounds, the sculpture incorporates colors from the different LGBTQ+ pride flags, each representing a segment of the community:

Transgender (T): light blue, white and pink stripes from the Transgender Pride Flag
Queer (Q): elements from the traditional Rainbow Pride Flag, featuring red, orange, yellow, green, blue and violet
Plus (+): yellow and purple from the Intersex Pride Flag, symbolizing autonomy and visibility; black and white from the Asexual Pride Flag; and black and brown from the Progress Pride Flag, representing people of color and other marginalized groups within the LGBTQ+ community

The sculpture also features carved grooves throughout, symbolizing the layered identities and lived experiences within the community.

These design choices were intentionally selected to reflect the diversity and intersectionality of the TQ+ population.

Location & Hours

In Plain Sight is on view in The Garden at Cherry Street Pier — with the Delaware River and Benjamin Franklin Bridge serving as a picturesque backdrop. (Translation: The location is perfect for photo ops).

A multi-colored sculpture that says "TQ+" stands outdoors. The Delaware River and Benjamin Franklin Bridge are visible in the background.

Cherry Street Pier is located at 121 N. Christopher Columbus Boulevard and is open to the public during the hours below:

Monday through Thursday Wednesday: Noon – 9 p.m.
Friday: Noon – 11 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Finding a Permanent Home for In Plain Sight

While the sculpture made its debut at Cherry Street Pier on Philadelphia’s Delaware River waterfront in June, we are seeking a long-term or permanent home for our creation within the five-county region following the conclusion of Pride Month.

If you would like your venue/location/property to be considered as the next home for the sculpture, please fill out the form below.

Fill out my online form.

More Pride Month Celebrations in Greater Philadelphia

Philly proudly paints the city every color under the rainbow this Pride Month — and all year round. From marches and parades to block parties and bar crawls, check out our complete guide to Pride Month 2025 in Greater Philadelphia.