Paul Ramírez Jonas Installs Interactive Bell Tower at Philadelphia's Cherry Street Pier
Paul Ramírez Jonas, an American artist, has introduced 'Let Freedom Ring,' an impressive interactive sculpture located at Cherry Street Pier in Philadelphia's Old City, close to the Liberty Bell. This 33-bell carillon plays 'America (My Country, 'Tis of Thee),' but the last note remains unheard until a visitor activates a lever to finish it. This installation marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Ramírez Jonas highlights the importance of participation in democracy, challenging the concept of static monuments. Visitors can also express their views on freedom by completing the phrases 'I want to be free to…' and 'I want to be free from….' The project was created with the Association for Public Art, with guidance from Charlotte Cohen and Susan Myers. The artist reflects that this piece is the result of ongoing explorations of participation dating back to 1993.
Key facts
- Paul Ramírez Jonas created 'Let Freedom Ring' for Cherry Street Pier in Philadelphia.
- The sculpture is a 33-bell carillon that plays 'America (My Country, 'Tis of Thee)'.
- Visitors must pull a lever to ring the final note.
- The installation coincides with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
- The work is located steps from the Liberty Bell in Old City.
- Visitors can complete phrases about freedom: 'I want to be free to…' and 'I want to be free from…'.
- The Association for Public Art collaborated on the project, with Charlotte Cohen and Susan Myers involved.
- Ramírez Jonas has been making participatory works since 1993.
Entities
Artists
- Paul Ramírez Jonas
Institutions
- Association for Public Art
- Cherry Street Pier
Locations
- Philadelphia
- United States
- Old City
- Delaware River
- Liberty Bell