The statue of William Penn in Philadelphia is a prominent and historic sculpture that stands atop the Philadelphia City Hall tower. It was designed by the sculptor Alexander Milne Calder and is one of the most recognizable symbols of the city.The statue is a bronze figure of William Penn, the founder of the Province of Pennsylvania, and is one of the tallest statues atop any building in the world. It stands at 37 feet tall and weighs approximately 53,000 pounds. William Penn is depicted with his hand outstretched, holding the Charter of Pennsylvania in one hand, while the other hand rests on his hip. He stands in a dignified pose, looking out across the city.
William Penn was an English real estate entrepreneur, philosopher, early Quaker, and founder of the English North American colony the Province of Pennsylvania. He was an advocate of democracy and religious freedom, and his fair dealings with the Native American tribes were notable for the time. The “Holy Experiment” he initiated was meant to be a place where people of different religious backgrounds could coexist peacefully, and this vision laid the groundwork for the current state of Pennsylvania.The statue of William Penn has a special significance for the city of Philadelphia. For many years, there was an informal “gentlemen’s agreement” that no building in the city would exceed the height of the statue. This agreement was adhered to until 1987, when the construction of One Liberty Place surpassed the height of the Penn statue, breaking the so-called “Curse of Billy Penn.” Some superstitious fans believed that this curse was the reason for the long drought of championships for Philadelphia’s major sports teams, which was supposedly lifted when the Comcast Center, completed in 2007, included a small figurine of William Penn at its highest point.

The William Penn statue is not only an artistic and architectural landmark; it also represents the founding principles of the city and the state. It is a tribute to the legacy of William Penn and his vision for a place of religious tolerance and freedom, which continues to be an important part of Philadelphia’s identity.

The prominence of the statue on City Hall makes it a focal point for the city’s skyline and a visible reminder of Philadelphia’s historical roots. It’s a must-see for visitors and a source of pride for residents, symbolizing the city’s rich past and its ongoing commitment to the values espoused by its founder.