This fall, construction will begin on FloatLab, a breathtaking 75-foot wide floating art installation along Philadelphia’s Schuylkill River. Presented by Mural Arts Philadelphia in collaboration with Bartram’s Gardens, this eye-catching structure will be located in Southwest Philly.
FloatLab Is Coming To Philly
Art and engineering will blend together to bring a vibrant, new hub to Philadelphia in 2026. FloatLab is coming to Philly with construction slated to begin in early Fall 2024.
Indeed, this grandiose structure will be a central point for community engagement, environmental education, and personal reflection. It is designed by renowned artist J. Meejin Yoon and Höweler + Yoon Architecture.This unique structure will bring individuals and groups across Philadelphia to the river, offering a space to learn, reflect, and find inspiration.
“FloatLab will be a revolutionary platform that redefines how our community interacts with the Schuylkill River,” stated Jane Golden, Executive Director of Mural Arts Philadelphia.
“But it’s more than just a piece of art; it’s going to be a space where people can connect with the water and each other. By offering new perspectives and fostering a deeper connection with our ecosystem it will serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of accessible public art and environmental stewardship.”
Indeed, this project will bring people together, inspire creativity, and provide invaluable educational opportunities for all Philadelphians.
“Bartram’s Garden is many things to many people, so it’s only fitting a participatory public art project like FloatLab be here along the riverfront to be many things to our community,” stated Maitreyi Roy, Executive Director of Bartram’s Garden. “This installation is not just an art piece but a vital community resource where people of all ages and backgrounds are welcome. This project is the result of many years in the making. We look forward to breaking ground on this project in the coming weeks.”
What To Expect
FloatLab will blend art, arhicteure, and engineering to bring an innovate new structure and community hub to Philly. It will be designed and brought to life by artist J. Meejin Yoon in collaboration with Höweler + Yoon Architecture.
Visitors will be blown away by FloatLab’s circular design! Firstly, you’ll be immersed in a truly unique experience. A 360-degree view of the river and its surroundings awaits upon entry. This intentional design choice allows visitors to take in both the residential and industrial landscapes of Southwest Philadelphia.
Undoubtedly, it will offer a rare opportunity to witness the intersection of urban and natural environments.
Next, as you walk around the structure, you’re not just observing the river; you’re immersed in a full panorama where the city’s history and nature intertwine. At the center of the circle lies a special pool, framing the river like a giant looking glass, inviting you to examine it from an entirely new perspective.
This design goes beyond aesthetics, encouraging us to rethink our relationship with the environment and how we engage with our natural surroundings. FloatLab will serve multiple purposes, including a classroom, stage, gallery, fishing spot, and kayak launch.
“FloatLab is a convergence of art, architecture, and nature,” stated artist J. Meejin Yoon in an official press release. “This project is about creating moments of wonder and connection where the everyday experience of the river becomes extraordinary. Mural Arts and Bartram’s Garden have been wonderful stewards of this work, allowing it to be a canvas for community expression, a laboratory for ecological exploration, and a gateway to a deeper understanding of our urban waterways.”
An Environmental Collaboration
FloatLab furthers Mural Arts and Bartram’s Garden’s commitment to safe and equitable river access. This is particularly true for communities like Southwest Philadelphia, where residents have faced generations of environmental injustice.
Specifically, by providing a secure platform, FloatLab allows visitors to connect with the river’s health. The Army Corps of Engineers and the City reviewed the project to ensure the installation doesn’t disrupt local ecosystems, including fish, turtles, and other aquatic life.
Lastly, FloatLab will be open for free public access. Moreover, once open, it will host various free and low-cost programs. Visitors can expect anything from fishing and boating to art workshops. It will ultimately serve as a venue for educational performances, exhibitions, and community engagement.
Completion date is projected for 2026.