PHILADELPHIA – Today the City of Philadelphia officially unveiled a workforce-themed Liberty Bell replica at Thomas Paine Plaza, celebrating the thousands of municipal employees whose work keeps Philadelphia running every day.
The installation is part of the statewide “Bells Across PA” initiative led by Pennsylvania State Office of Tourism and connected to Philadelphia’s broader Philly 250 efforts commemorating the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary. Across Philadelphia, 24 replica Liberty Bells have been installed throughout the city, each designed by a local artist in partnership with Mural Arts Philadelphia to reflect the people, stories, and neighborhoods that shape Philadelphia.
Located in front of the Municipal Services Building, in the newly renovated Thomas Paine Plaza, the “Workforce Bell” was designed by artist Akira Gordon and created as a tribute to the City employees who deliver essential services across every department and neighborhood.
For weeks leading up to the unveiling, the bell remained covered as part of an internal employee engagement campaign led by the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer, asking City employees one question: “What’s in the Box?!” Employees across City government submitted creative guesses ranging from a Gritty statue and a five-foot cheesesteak to a miniature Rocky statue and the “world’s largest Tastykake.”
The official reveal took place during Wednesday’s ceremony alongside remarks from City leadership, project partners, and the artist behind the installation.
“This bell is a tribute to the people who make Philadelphia work,” said Candi Blossom Jones, Chief Human Resources Officer. “Every day, City employees deliver essential services, solve complex challenges, and strengthen our communities. The Workforce Bell represents the pride, unity, and dedication that define Philadelphia’s public workforce.”
“As Philadelphia prepares to lead the nation’s America 250 celebration, we have an opportunity to honor not only our history, but the people who continue to shape the future of this city every day,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “The Bells Across PA initiative is a powerful reminder that Philadelphia’s story has always been driven by its people. This Workforce Bell recognizes the City employees whose dedication, service, and commitment keep our city moving forward. We are proud to ensure our municipal workforce is part of that story and this celebration.”
The unveiling also marks the launch of upcoming workforce engagement programming connected to the Philly250 Workforce: Celebrating Our Past, Building the Future initiative. Led by the Employee Engagement, Infrastructure, and Operations (EEIO) team within the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer. The initiative will celebrate the legacy of Philadelphia’s municipal workforce while creating new opportunities for employee connection, recognition, leadership development, and engagement.
“Every employee deserves to feel seen, valued, and connected to the larger mission of serving Philadelphia,” said Jennifer Hall, Culture and Communications Specialist for the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer. “The work City employees do every day — often behind the scenes — keeps Philadelphia moving and strengthens the quality of life for our residents. Through employee engagement efforts, the Employee Engagement, Infrastructure, and Operations (EEIO) team is committed to creating opportunities for recognition, connection, and belonging across the workforce. We want employees to know their contributions matter, their stories matter, and they are an essential part of Philadelphia’s future and legacy.”
The design of the Workforce Bell incorporates faces, silhouettes, vibrant colors, and a rising sun motif intended to symbolize unity, strength, hope, and the collective impact of Philadelphia’s workforce.
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Bells Across PA: Inspired by Pennsylvania’s role in the nation’s founding, and home to the iconic Liberty Bell, America250PA has created more than 120 oversized fiberglass bells, reimagined by artists from across the Commonwealth, with support from local businesses and community partners. Bells Across PA forms an art trail stretching across every county in Pennsylvania—an open invitation to take the scenic route and see where curiosity leads. Bells are located at host sites across the Commonwealth, and details such as placement, accessibility, and display status may change. Visitors are encouraged to check each location’s hours and accessibility information before planning their visit.