Manufacturer’s National Bank (Photo Credit: Melissa Kelly)
Ministry of Awe (MoA), Philadelphia-based creative non-profit helmed by internationally renowned artist Meg Saligman, is set to transform the historic 19th-century Manufacturer’s National Bank in Old City into an immersive, multi-disciplinary work of art. Located in the heart of Philadelphia’s historic district, this groundbreaking project will span six stories, 8,000 square feet, and more than 20 rooms, offering an interactive environment where visuals, performances, soundscapes, and storytelling come together to create a living, ever-changing canvas.
Meg Saligman, Philly Mural Legend, known for her iconic artwork around Philadelphia, such as the Eagles “Bird Feed”, in which a bald eagle was gripping Tom Brady in its talons, and “Common Threads” at the corner of Broad and Spring Garden Streets, will take on a new title with her newest endeavor, “Bank President.” Projected to open in late 2025, MoA will offer a time-ticketed experience: one in which visitors can wander freely through the historic, reimagined bank and its variety of installations and participatory experiences while being surprised by live performances occurring throughout the space – think aerialists, fleeing bank robbers, bank tellers… or are they fortune tellers?… Within this interactive environment, participatory art, poetry, music, performance, and storytelling will blend together, creating an unmatched interactive theatrical experience. The project will be Saligman’s largest work to date.
“We are creating a traversable, interactive work of art deeply rooted in Philadelphia’s rich mural history,” said Saligman. “Old City Philadelphia is the birthplace of American banking, with several banks littered across the neighborhood, most of which now serve a different purpose. We’re taking one of them and transforming it into a world where art and narrative intertwine to create an unforgettable journey of exploration. We are truly aiming to be Philadelphia’s next cultural jewel.”
Philadelphians were first introduced to MoA during the 2023 Fringe Festival through its acclaimed project, “Make Bank,” lauded by The New York Times praised as “The money is fake, the abundance is real.” MoA offers a fresh approach to experiential art, building on Saligman’s 35 years of practice, which pairs professional artists with communities to inspire social change. As the next evolution of Saligman’s paradigm, MoA redefines the relationship between art and institutions by creating a dynamic, participatory space that welcomes the broadest range of community members into an ongoing exchange of ideas and creativity.
The renovations are set to seamlessly integrate with the base building. Some of the planned highlights include a two-story walk-through nest (Don’t Forget Your Nest Egg); a renovated bank vault exploring the value of debt and domesticity; a counterfeiting studio where visitors can create their own currency; and a fully renovated fourth floor (The Heavens) featuring murals by Saligman herself, bolstered by the use of visual AI tech, among many other interactive exhibits. The transformation will be facilitated by a creative force composed of Philadelphia-area artists, incorporating a variety of artistic media and disciplines into the process.
“When we purchased the building it wasn’t up to code, having long been neglected,” said Saligman. “We’re working with the Philadelphia Historic Commission to preserve the original structure while making the space ADA accessible and safe for the general public. All the original art and architecture, including the beautiful vault and the Frank Furness architectural ornament, will remain intact.”
Founded in 1832, the Manufacturers National Bank set a precedent by sourcing capital from many small shareholders rather than a few large investors, spurring the creation of five additional banks in one day. In 1870, the bank moved to its current location, designed by the renowned architectural firm of John Fraser, Frank Furness, and George Hewitt. Furness, who later became one of Philadelphia’s most celebrated architects, used the design of this bank to develop his unique architectural style. As Philadelphia continues to redevelop, with its streets lined with historic financial institutions, MoA reimagines the concept of a bank — without money — inviting visitors into an evolving narrative of value, exchange, and shared understanding.
As a constantly evolving hub of engagement, this project will serve as a launch pad for broader community programs and collaborations that extend into schools and public spaces across Philadelphia.
“We’re a bank with no traditional currency,” said Saligman. “Money is fake. It’s the largest shared fiction in the world. We want people to share their own accounts, to access their own accounts, their own stories, and perhaps question what they value, perhaps see something that delights and inspires. We want people to bring their own unique ‘currency’ and enter a world of devious tellers and aerialists, interact with the work and somehow experience a small transformation within their own stories.”
Early visuals of the MoA space “in action” as well as building schematics can be viewed on the official MoA website at www.moabank.org.
ABOUT MINISTRY OF AWE
Led by internationally renowned Philadelphia based artist Meg Saligman, the Ministry of Awe (MoA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the cultural fabric of Philadelphia through public art projects, educational partnerships, and community engagement. MoA initiatives focus on creating collaborative art within space and communities, expanding artist revenue models through fair compensation, and fostering a welcoming environment for diverse voices to learn, create, and inspire change. MoA envisions a city where art connects people in innovative ways, bringing together professional and aspiring artists, community members, students, educators, and visitors in a spirit of collaboration and inclusivity.
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