Claes Oldenburg's "Clothespin" is a monumental sculpture that stands as an iconic feature in Philadelphia, specifically at Centre Square Plaza, near 15th and Market Streets, directly facing City Hall. Commissioned in 1976 by developer Jack Wolgin as part of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority’s Percent for Art program, this 45-foot tall sculpture is made from Cor-Ten steel with a stainless steel “spring” and is mounted on a concrete base. Its creation was a part of an effort to democratize art, drawing reactions ranging from admiration to humor from a diverse audience of cab drivers, pedestrians, art enthusiasts, and local office workers, quickly establishing itself as a landmark in the city.

The sculpture, which is a stylized yet not a direct representation of an ordinary clothespin, exhibits a "soaring" appearance and a "velvety" texture that turns a warm reddish-brown as it weathers. Critics and viewers have offered various interpretations, with Oldenburg himself noting a resemblance to Constantin Brancusi's "The Kiss" in its form, which suggests two figures merging in an embrace. This comparison elevates the sculpture from a simple everyday object to a piece imbued with deeper artistic and affectionate qualities. "Clothespin" is celebrated not only for its immediate visual impact but also for its artistic merit, including its innovative use of materials and its engagement with both the public and the space it inhabits​ (Association for Public Art)​​ (WHYY)​.