Overlooking the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Neons for Buttonwood reflects and exemplifies Philadelphia’s longstanding commitment to public art. Like the William Penn statue atop City Hall and the Swann Memorial Fountain in Logan Circle, the glowing Center City sculpture is an acclaimed work of public art.

In 1989, the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority commissioned renowned sculptor Stephen Antonakos to create a rooftop light sculpture as part of its Percent for Art program. The sculptor titled his work Neons for Buttonwood after the new building (now CityView), originally called Korman Suites at Buttonwood Square.

From the moment it lit the skyline, the “Parkway Beacon” was an unmistakable and much-loved presence that welcomed city residents and visitors to the Art Museum district. But by 2014, age and deterioration had led to breaks in the neon tubes and significant, costly electrical problems. In 2015, Neons for Buttonwood went dark.

“The sculpture is historic, important and impactful, but not in its present condition.” – Len Davidson, Neon Museum of Philadelphia

Since then, the CityLights Committee has worked with Naomi Antonakos (the artist’s widow and executor of his estate) and art and technical experts to develop a plan to fully restore the sculpture using energy-efficient LED technology and relight the city skyline.

Join us—it’s time to bring this acclaimed sculpture back to life.