John McArthur, Jr.: Nude Defending a Staircase

About this episode

This episode explores the life and work of architect John McArthur, Jr., focusing on his contributions to Philadelphia's city hall and his connection to sculptor Alexander Milne Calder.

All Bones Considered: Laurel Hill Stories #085, Part 3 for April 4 Like sculptor Alexander Milne Calder, Architect John McArthur, Jr., was a Scottish immigrant. He specialized in huge buildings that were meant to last a long time, which explains his selection as architect for Philadelphia's city hall, which when finished was the largest building in the Western Hemisphere. Calder honored him by having him model for the visage of "science" in the eastern portico. He is naked.

People in this episode

Host: Joe Lex

Topics covered

• architecture
• history
• sculpture
• immigration
• Philadelphia

Keywords

• John McArthur, Jr.
• Alexander Milne Calder
• Philadelphia
• architecture
• city hall

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Philadelphia's city hall

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