Philadelphia’s iconic William H. Gray III 30th Street Station continues to solidify its role as a cultural hub with the unveiling of a new public art installation, Flourish. This vibrant piece, commissioned by Amtrak in partnership with Brandywine Realty Trust, is the latest addition to the Art at Amtrak program, transforming the station into more than just a transportation gateway. Flourish by Philadelphia-based artist Roxana Azar, is strategically placed on the Cira Skybridge, a glass pedestrian walkway connecting the Cira Centre office building directly to the bustling 30th Street Station, and features an additional component within the station itself.
“The Art at Amtrak program is dedicated to surprising and engaging the public through art in unexpected places, and Flourish at Philadelphia 30th Street Station perfectly embodies this vision,” stated Sharon Tepper, Director of the Art at Amtrak program. “By showcasing the talent of a local Philadelphia artist, we are enhancing the daily experience for commuters, travelers, and residents who pass through 30th Street Station, inviting them to pause and connect with art in a meaningful way.”
This installation follows a series of successful public performances by PHILADANCO! at Gray 30th Street Station earlier this year, further demonstrating Amtrak’s commitment to enriching the station environment through artistic expression. Philadelphia 30th Street Station, the third busiest in Amtrak’s national network, serves over 4 million Amtrak passengers annually, along with 12 million SEPTA and NJ TRANSIT commuters. On a typical weekday, the station complex welcomes over 100,000 individuals, highlighting its crucial role in the region’s transportation infrastructure and urban fabric. The station and the adjacent Cira Centre together act as a portal to Schuylkill Yards, a significant $3.5 billion development project by Brandywine Realty Trust and Drexel University, further emphasizing the station’s importance as a central point in a rapidly evolving urban landscape.
Jeff DeVuono, Executive Vice President and Senior Managing Director at Brandywine Realty Trust, remarked, “Our long-standing partnership with Amtrak, dating back to the inception of Cira Centre, is strengthened by this collaboration to bring a dynamic art experience to tenants and station visitors. This installation mirrors the energy and forward momentum of Schuylkill Yards, a landmark development in the nation, and its location adjacent to the historic William H. Gray III 30th Street Station is a key component of its vibrancy.” The Flourish installation, launched in September, coincides with Amtrak’s ongoing large-scale restoration and renovation of Philadelphia 30th Street Station, aimed at modernizing this vital transportation hub while preserving its historical significance.
The Art of Flourish: Botanical Inspiration in a Transportation Hub
Roxana Azar’s Flourish draws inspiration from the greenhouse environment, a space designed to nurture and support botanical transplants as they adapt to new surroundings. Azar’s artistic process involved photographing plants in greenhouses across the country and then digitally manipulating these images through layering, bold colors, and simplified forms to create playful and engaging compositions.
By choosing the Cira Skybridge, a structure reminiscent of a glasshouse, as the location for Flourish, Azar aims to infuse the space with the vitality of a thriving ecosystem. The artwork evokes the constant movement and flow of energy inherent in both botanical life and a major transportation hub like Philadelphia 30th Street Station. The dynamic interplay of light, shadow, transparency, and reflection within the glass bridge further enhances the visual experience of the artwork. Conceptually, Azar also considered the parallel between how plants transport water and nutrients from root to leaf and how transportation networks enable cities and communities to flourish and expand.
About the Artist: Roxana Azar
Roxana Azar is a Philadelphia-based artist known for their work in light art, digital compositions, and dichroic plexiglass sculpture. Their diverse practice incorporates photography, digital collage and manipulation, and sculpture, often exploring themes of nature, technology, and perception. Azar’s creations include holographic vases, mobiles, furniture, and floral arrangements that feature collaged images of greenhouses and gardens, reflecting a recurring interest in botanical forms and their transformative potential. Flourish at Philadelphia 30th Street Station is a testament to Azar’s ability to create site-specific art that resonates with its environment and enriches the public experience.
