Bright Red Love Reimagined: AMOR’s Temporary Journey

The AMOR sculpture, once perched in Sister Cities Park, has been taken down for a comprehensive makeover. Designed by Robert Indiana to echo his famed LOVE piece at Kennedy Plaza, the statue was removed on Wednesday morning for conservation work. City officials plan to reinstall it on May 1, just before the 250th‑anniversary festivities.

Why the Restorations?

• Faded Paint: Years of sun and rain have dulled its vibrant hue.
• Restoration Goal: Marguerite Anglin, director at Creative Philadelphia, says the work will restore AMOR’s original glow and bring it back in time for a major celebration of America’s history.

The Restoration Process

1. Removal & Transport
   Coordinated by the Parks and Recreation Department and Heritage Conservation Collective LLC, the statue was shipped to Fine Finishes Painting Studio in Peekskill, New York.

2. Conservation Work
   Conservators from the Robert Indiana Foundation will strip and repaint the piece, ensuring durability and fidelity to the original design.

3. Reinstallation
   Once finished, AMOR will return to its home in Sister Cities Park.

A Brief History

• 2015: First appeared on the museum steps during Pope Francis’s visit, symbolizing unity across cultures.
• 2016: Moved to Sister Cities Park and became a permanent fixture, funded by the city, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Association for Public Art, and Morgan Art Foundation.
• 1998: Created in response to America’s evolving demographics, reflecting Indiana’s desire to connect with citizens. The name AMOR—meaning “love” in both Spanish and Latin—captures this intent.

The restoration will ensure that this beloved symbol of affection remains bright for years to come.