A New Welcome to Philadelphia: Gateways Project Unveils Landmark Mural and Highway Beautification Improvements

Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, City leaders, community partners, artists, and residents gathered to celebrate a major milestone in the “Gateways to Philadelphia” Anti-Graffiti & Highway Beautification Project with the public dedication of a transformative new mural along Interstate 76 at Spring Garden Street and the unveiling of extensive beautification and landscaping improvements across seven major entryways and interchanges along the highway corridor from the airport and 30th Street Station to Independence Hall in advance of the nation’s 250th birthday celebrations:

  • 26th Street Gateway at Penrose Avenue
  • South Street Bridge, walls, medians and on/off-ramps
  • 30th Street Station walls, medians and ramps
  • I-76 and I-676 interchange at 15th and 16th Streets and Vine Street
  • I-76 and I-676 interchange at 6th and 8th Streets and Callowhill/Vine Streets
  • I-76 and I-95 interchange at 2nd and 3rd Streets and Callowhill/Vine Streets
  • CSX/Amtrak wall at Spring Garden Street

Transforming Gateways into Destinations  

For millions of visitors arriving by plane, train, and automobile, Philadelphia’s highways serve as both literal and symbolic gateways into the city. The Gateways to Philadelphia initiative seek to transform those highly visible corridors into welcoming spaces that showcase the city’s creativity, culture, and civic pride.

The effort includes:

  • Large-scale graffiti abatement
  • Highway beautification improvements
  • Public art installations
  • Landscape and garden enhancements
  • Long-term maintenance investments
  • Environmental improvements along major transportation corridors

The initiative stretches from Philadelphia International Airport and 30th Street Station to Independence Hall and Center City, ensuring a consistent and welcoming experience for residents and visitors alike.

A Mural that Tells Philadelphia’s Story

At the center of the celebration is a stunning new 16,000-square-foot mural titled “One Philly, A United City, With Love,” created by local artist Calo Rosa and installed by Mural Arts Philadelphia.

Located along the I-76 corridor at Spring Garden Street, the mural transforms what was once a heavily graffitied wall into a vibrant visual celebration of Philadelphia’s neighborhoods, landmarks, history, and people.

The project required months of planning and coordination, with artists working overnight in active highway and rail corridors alongside city agencies, railroad operators, and project partners.

The result is a bold, colorful welcome that reflects the energy and character of Philadelphia while creating a memorable experience for everyone entering the city.

Greening Philadelphia’s Major Corridors

While the mural serves as the project’s visual centerpiece, the landscaping improvements are equally transformative.

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society has led the design and installation of more than 57,000 square feet of new gardens and landscaped areas across gateway locations throughout the city.

Inspired by a “Ribbon of Gold” planting palette that reflects the colors of the Philadelphia flag, the landscape design incorporates sweeping displays of gold, purple, and blue blooms, ornamental grasses, flowering trees, and seasonal plantings that will provide year-round beauty.

The project includes:

  • 65 new trees
  • More than 540 shrubs
  • Nearly 2,700 ornamental grasses
  • More than 4,500 perennials
  • Approximately 96,000 bulbs

These installations are designed not only to beautify the city but also to create sustainable, environmentally beneficial landscapes that will continue to mature and flourish long after this year celebrations have concluded.

Preparing for a Historic Year

Philadelphia is preparing to host millions of visitors for major events including America’s 250th Birthday celebration, FIFA World Cup activities, the MLB All-Star Game, and numerous other regional and international events.

As visitors arrive, the city wants their first impression to reflect the pride, resilience, and creativity that define Philadelphia.

The Gateways to Philadelphia project demonstrate what can happen when government agencies, nonprofit organizations, philanthropic partners, artists, and community stakeholders come together around a shared vision for the future.

Building a Lasting Legacy

While the project will help Philadelphia shine during the nation’s Semiquincentennial celebration, its impact extends far beyond 2026.

The improvements represent a long-term investment in civic pride, tourism, environmental sustainability, neighborhood quality of life, and economic opportunity.

From vibrant public art to expansive gardens and cleaner corridors, the Gateways to Philadelphia initiative helps redefine how residents and visitors experience the city.

As the gardens continue to grow and the mural welcomes travelers from around the world, these gateways will stand as a lasting reminder of what is possible when Philadelphia invests in its future.

Mayor Parker, City and State Officials, and Partners Host Public Dedication of Transformative New Mural on I-76 and Major Landscaping Improvements to Key Highway Locations as part of the “Gateways to Philadelphia” Highway Beautification Project
Press Release for Public Dedication of Transformative New Mural on I-76 and Major Landscaping Improvements to Key Highway Locations as part of the “Gateways to Philadelphia” Highway Beautification Project.