If you’ve strolled through Logan Circle lately, you might have noticed a glaring absence: Robert Indiana’s vibrant red AMOR sculpture has vanished—but don’t worry, it’s only temporary. And this is the part most people miss: the beloved artwork, a companion to Indiana’s iconic LOVE sculpture at John F. Kennedy Plaza, has been removed for a much-needed restoration. But here’s where it gets controversial—while some see this as a necessary act of preservation, others might question whether public art should be so vulnerable to the elements. What do you think?
On Wednesday, Philadelphia officials carefully took down the sculpture from its spot in Sister Cities Park, located at 18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The reason? Years of exposure to UV rays and weather have caused its paint to fade, prompting a full restoration. Marguerite Anglin, public art director at Creative Philadelphia, assured residents that AMOR will return by May 1, just in time for the city’s grand celebrations of America’s 250th anniversary. ‘We’re thrilled to bring it back better than ever,’ she said.
The removal process was a collaborative effort, overseen by Philadelphia Parks and Recreation and Heritage Conservation Collective LLC. The sculpture was then transported to Fine Finishes Painting Studio in Peekskill, NY, where conservators approved by the Robert Indiana Foundation will meticulously strip and repaint it. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Indiana created AMOR in 1998 as a response to the shifting demographics of the U.S., aiming to connect with his fellow citizens. The word itself, meaning ‘love’ in both Spanish and Latin, carries a universal message that resonates deeply.
AMOR first arrived in Philadelphia in 2015 to commemorate Pope Francis’s visit, thanks to the Association for Public Art and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It was initially displayed atop the museum’s steps, overlooking the historic papal Mass on the parkway. In 2016, with funding from the City of Philadelphia, the PMA, the aPA, the Morgan Art Foundation, and Edith R. Dixon, the sculpture found its permanent home in Sister Cities Park.
While its absence may be felt now, the restored AMOR promises to return as a symbol of unity and love—a reminder of art’s power to bridge cultures and generations. But here’s the question we’re left with: In an era of rapid change, how do we balance preserving public art with ensuring it remains accessible and meaningful? Share your thoughts below—we’d love to hear your perspective!
