Graffiti Pier By Emma Quinn
My trip to graffiti pier in Port Richmond, Philadelphia was exhilarating to say the least. I had never been to the pier before let alone really planned my trip out prior to arriving there either. I have lived in Philadelphia for four years and never once ventured out to the popular spot. I knew I wanted to visit the pier for this project and understood it was off limits to the public but what I didn’t realize was how terrified I would be when I approached the gate to the entrance.
Entrance gate to graffiti pier in Port Richmond, March 29 2019.
Walking up to this sign made me want to turn right around and go home considering I decided to explore alone. Even so, I decided to walk around the gate and enter at my own risk.
No trespassing sign posted near entrance to the pier.
ABOVE: View of the city of Philadelphia from path leading to the pier.
View of pathway leading to the pier through the brush.
ABOVE: View of the Deleware River surrounding the right side of the pier.
Long pathway alongside the right side of the pier hugging the Deleware River.
Approaching the abandoned structure was breathtaking. I had only seen pictures of it online and they do not do the pier justice at all.
View from ground level walking between structures of the pier.
I was hesitant to walk inside the structure at first for my fear of encountering other people but soon got over that as I became absorbed into the artwork lacing every inch of the walls in every direction I looked.
Peering through the columns inside the pier.
Though, the graffiti has permanently taken away the original face of the pier, it has also given artists the ability to show their work in a creative way that has made a Philidelphia landmark for people of all ages and interests with the nack of exploring.
Peering through the columns of the pier surrounded by trees.
This project gave me the opportunity to explore a place I had never been before and get out of my comfort zone at the same time. Graffiti Pier is a must see in Philadelphia and I am glad I experienced it before leaving the city and moving elsewhere after graduation.
Dead center view of the end of the pier and Deleware River surrounding it.
FIN.
Shot and edited by Emma Quinn