Philadelphia’s Boathouse Row Lights: A Dazzling Display on the Schuylkill River
Boathouse Row in Philadelphia, a National Historic Landmark, is famous for its picturesque boathouses illuminated with thousands of LED lights. These lights, outlining each structure along the Schuylkill River, create a stunning visual spectacle, especially at night. The lights are not just for show, they also represent the vibrant rowing community and rich history of the area.
History of Boathouse Row and Its Illumination
Boathouse Row dates back to the 19th century, when rowing clubs began establishing their homes along the Schuylkill River. Over time, the unique Victorian-era architecture of these boathouses became a defining feature of Philadelphia’s waterfront. The tradition of lighting the boathouses started much later. The original lights were incandescent bulbs, but they were replaced in 1979, with a more extensive, though still incandescent, system designed by architect John Collins. The most recent upgrade to energy-efficient LEDs in 2005 significantly enhanced the display’s brilliance and sustainability. You can find more about its history on its Wikipedia page, Boathouse Row on Wikipedia.
The Modern LED Lighting System
The current LED system consists of thousands of individual lights, carefully arranged to highlight the architectural details of each boathouse. The lights are computer-controlled, allowing for dynamic displays and coordinated color changes. This technology allows the city to mark special occasions, holidays, and events with unique lighting schemes, adding an extra layer of vibrancy to the Philadelphia skyline. The switch to LED technology also significantly reduced energy consumption and maintenance costs, making the display more environmentally friendly and sustainable.
Experiencing Boathouse Row Lights
The best way to experience the Boathouse Row lights is to view them from across the Schuylkill River, either from Kelly Drive or Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive. Walking or biking along these paths offers excellent vantage points. The lights are typically turned on at dusk and remain illuminated until late in the evening. Many boat tours and guided walks also provide opportunities to see the lights from different perspectives, offering insights into the history and significance of Boathouse Row.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do the Boathouse Row lights turn on?
The lights typically turn on at dusk each evening.
Are the Boathouse Row lights always the same colors?
No, the colors change for special occasions and events.
How many boathouses are there on Boathouse Row?
There are 15 boathouses on Boathouse Row.
Can I tour the inside of the boathouses?
Access to the inside of the boathouses is generally restricted to members of the rowing clubs, but special events sometimes offer public access.
Where is the best place to view the Boathouse Row lights?
Kelly Drive and Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive offer excellent views from across the Schuylkill River.
Summary
Philadelphia’s Boathouse Row lights are a captivating and iconic symbol of the city. The illuminated boathouses not only offer a stunning visual spectacle but also represent the rich history and vibrant rowing community of Philadelphia. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, experiencing the lights of Boathouse Row is a must-do activity.
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