Author: Alyssa Shea

NMOP Presents…Reading Terminal Stories with Paul Steinke and Vinnie Iovine

On March 25th, NMOP founder Len Davidson sat down with Paul Steinke, former manager of the historic market, now director of the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia, as well as Vinnie Iovine, a longtime Market merchant (Iovine Brothers Produce, Molly Malloys). They took us behind the scenes of Philly’s favorite bastion of mom-and-pop commerce that dates to 1893.

Watch the Zoom recording here.

The Museum hosts events related to neon, Philly culture, and roadside America. Special offers are available to members. Become a member today.

Market photos by Gab Bonghi.

On March 10th, we Zoomed a lively conversation from the Museum with NMOP special exhibition artist, Mason Carter. 

NMOP Founder Len Davidson sat down with local artist Mason Carter to discuss his current exhibition: Blendini City, a Technicolor daydream of speculative urban design in which all the buildings are alive.

Artist Statement:

I came up with the idea of Blendini City in the year 2018, after falling in love with my home city Philadelphia’s architecture and mourning over too many demolished treasures. I thought to myself, “what if buildings had feelings too?” So I just started drawing neighborhoods, and I really had no idea I was going to create a whole world where I would reside as the Mayor.

Being the Mayor, even with its challenges, has been an absolute joy. That’s because I’ve set out to create a city that is well-run, a joy to live in, and offers tremendous opportunities for its people and buildings. From its thrilling transit system to its mosaic of neighborhoods, I hope I can show Blendini City as an alternative to how we think of the future city: an authentic place that celebrates the past, present, and future.

Follow Mason’s work on Instagram (@masonfromblendini) and at BlendiniMayor.com.

What’s on Our Walls? is a free virtual series presented by the Neon Museum of Philadelphia, which spotlights special exhibitions.

The Museum presents changing exhibitions of photos, paintings, sculpture, and videos related to neon, Philly culture, and roadside America. Special offers and events are available to members. Become a member today.

NMOP founder Len Davidson spoke with Philadelphia Weekly about progress at the museum despite the pandemic, what the public can look forward to when they visit, and how they can support the museum from home.

Read the interview here.