Philadelphia: Major aesthetic improvements have radically changed the external appearance of Philadelphia Philadelphia City Hall during the past few years. The first of the improvements appeared more than two years ago, at the start of a drastic 10-year facade and roof cleaning and restoration project. More recently, on November 10, 2004, a dramatic new nighttime lighting scheme was unveiled, furthering City Hall's position as one of Philadelphia's most prominent landmarks.

Philadelphia Mayor John Street gave a brief speech at the lighting ceremony, which was held in Thomas Paine Plaza near the Municipal Services Building.

The entire exterior of the 548 foot structure is bathed by seven spotlights positioned on nearby buildings, including the Municipal Services Building, the Residence Inn Philadelphia Center City, One Penn Square West, the The Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia, and the Philadelphia Criminal Justice Center. There is also one pole-mounted light, and statues and sculptures are backlit. The cost of the project was $750,000, of which 81% was funded by sources other than the City of Philadelphia.

The illumination of City Hall is part of a larger "Parkway Lighting" program, which is currently being implemented for the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The Parkway, as it is known, runs from City Hall to the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the northwestern corner of Center City.