The Ben Franklin Bridge at 100: Photographs by James B. Abbott

Celebrate the centennial of the Ben Franklin Bridge through the lens of photographer James B. Abbott in this special exhibition at Cherry Street Pier.

Spanning more than four decades of Abbott’s work (1982–2023), the exhibition features photographs from four distinct bodies of work documenting the Ben Franklin Bridge and its evolving urban landscape. Beginning with images captured in the 1980s, visitors will see how the neighborhoods surrounding the bridge transformed over time.

A small section of historical materials includes reproductions of architect Paul Cret’s renderings for the bridge’s anchorage and engineering drawings from the Delaware River Bridge final report.

A second series highlights the rarely seen interior of the bridge’s anchorage, photographed by Abbott in 2000. The exhibition also features his large-format black-and-white composite photographs created in 2001, as well as vibrant color photographs made during his residency at Cherry Street Pier (2018–2023), capturing the waterfront on both sides of the Delaware River.

Through these works, The Ben Franklin Bridge at 100 offers a compelling visual history of one of Philadelphia’s most iconic landmarks and its enduring relationship with the surrounding city and Waterfront.

What to Know Before You Go:
Parking on-site will be limited due to construction on the I-95 CAP. However, there are many great ways to access the Waterfront, including walking and biking along the Delaware River Trail, rideshare, and public transit. To ensure a seamless visit, guests can visit the Know Before You Go guide for parking recommendations, directions, FAQs, and more.