During the first week of September 1967, Philadelphia installed Henry Moore's "Three-Way Piece" bronze sculpture at what was then known as John F. Kennedy Plaza, marking a significant moment in the city's public art history. This abstract bronze work would serve as a precursor to the area that would later become home to one of Philadelphia's most beloved and recognizable landmarks.
The installation of Moore's sculpture represented the city's early commitment to bringing world-class contemporary art to public spaces. Henry Moore, the renowned British sculptor known for his semi-abstract monumental bronze sculptures, created "Three-Way Piece" as part of his exploration of organic forms and spatial relationships. The work features Moore's characteristic flowing lines and hollow spaces that invite viewers to walk around and through the sculpture, experiencing it from multiple perspectives.
John F. Kennedy Plaza, where the sculpture was installed, would undergo significant transformations in the following years. The plaza, named in honor of the assassinated president, served as an important civic gathering space in Center City Philadelphia. The decision to place Moore's abstract bronze work in this prominent location demonstrated the city's forward-thinking approach to urban planning and public art integration.
The sculpture's "confounding debut," as contemporary observers noted, reflected the mixed public reception that often greets avant-garde art installations. Many Philadelphia residents were unfamiliar with Moore's modernist style, and the abstract nature of "Three-Way Piece" challenged traditional expectations of public monuments. However, the installation helped establish the plaza as a destination for significant artistic works and cultural events.
This historical moment would prove to be foundational for the plaza's future as a hub for public art. The area would later gain international recognition when Robert Indiana's iconic LOVE sculpture was installed, transforming the space into one of Philadelphia's most photographed locations and a symbol of the city itself. The presence of Moore's earlier work helped pave the way for this transformation, establishing the plaza's reputation as a venue worthy of major artistic installations.
