Philadelphia’s iconic William H. Gray III 30th Street Station continues to enhance its visitor experience with the unveiling of a new art installation, Flourish. Building upon the success of Euphonic & Chromatic Drift, Amtrak, in collaboration with Brandywine Realty Trust, has commissioned local Philadelphia artist Roxana Azar to create this site-specific piece. Flourish is now prominently displayed on the Cira Skybridge, the glass walkway connecting the Cira Centre to the bustling 30th Street Station Philadelphia, and features an additional component within the station itself.
Sharon Tepper, Director of the Art at Amtrak program, expressed enthusiasm for the new installation, stating, “The Art at Amtrak program is dedicated to bringing art into public spaces to inspire and engage. Flourish perfectly embodies this vision, transforming the Cira Skybridge into a dynamic visual experience for commuters, residents, and visitors passing through 30th Street Station Philadelphia daily.” This initiative aims to enrich the everyday journeys of the countless individuals who utilize this vital transportation hub and spark moments of reflection and delight through art.
This latest addition to 30th Street Station Philadelphia follows a series of captivating public performances by PHILADANCO! earlier this year, also presented by Art at Amtrak. These events underscore Amtrak’s commitment to integrating arts and culture into the station environment, making it more than just a transit point but a destination in itself.
As the third busiest station in Amtrak’s national network, 30th Street Station Philadelphia is a major transportation artery, serving over 4 million Amtrak passengers and 12 million regional rail commuters annually. On a typical weekday, the station complex welcomes over 100,000 individuals. Its location at the heart of Schuylkill Yards, a significant development project by Brandywine Realty Trust and Drexel University, further solidifies 30th Street Station Philadelphia as a central gateway and innovation hub in the city.
Jeff DeVuono, Executive Vice President and Senior Managing Director at Brandywine, highlighted the collaborative spirit behind the project: “Our long-standing partnership with Amtrak, dating back to the inception of Cira Centre, is strengthened by this art installation. Flourish captures the energy of the Schuylkill Yards neighborhood, an area greatly enhanced by its proximity to the historic William H. Gray III 30th Street Station Philadelphia. We are delighted to offer this vibrant art experience to building occupants and station visitors alike.”
The unveiling of Flourish coincides with the ongoing large-scale restoration and modernization project at 30th Street Station Philadelphia, further demonstrating Amtrak’s investment in enhancing this vital landmark.
The Art of Flourish: Botanical Inspiration at 30th Street Station Philadelphia
Roxana Azar’s Flourish draws inspiration from the greenhouse environment, exploring how these controlled spaces nurture and sustain botanical life even when transplanted to new locations. Azar’s artistic process involved photographing plants in greenhouses across the country. These photographs were then digitally manipulated, layered, and abstracted using bold colors and simple forms to create playful and engaging compositions.
The choice of botanical themes for the Cira Skybridge, with its glass-like structure reminiscent of a greenhouse, was deliberate. Azar aimed to evoke a sense of vitality and growth, mirroring the constant movement of people through 30th Street Station Philadelphia. The artwork creates a dynamic visual experience through color-shifting shadows, transparency, and reflections, engaging viewers in a multi-sensory encounter.
Azar also incorporated the concept of plant vascular systems into her design, drawing parallels between how plants transport water and nutrients and how transportation networks enable cities and communities to thrive and expand. This metaphorical connection underscores the role of 30th Street Station Philadelphia as a vital artery for the region’s growth and connectivity.
About Roxana Azar: Bringing Light and Digital Art to Philadelphia
Roxana Azar is a celebrated Philadelphia-based artist recognized for their innovative use of light art, digital compositions, and dichroic plexiglass sculptures. Their diverse portfolio includes holographic vases, kinetic mobiles, and sculptural furniture, often incorporating imagery of collaged greenhouses and gardens. Flourish at 30th Street Station Philadelphia represents another compelling example of Azar’s ability to transform public spaces through visually stimulating and conceptually rich artwork.
