Frozen car becomes Philadelphia's newest 'monument'

The car was encased in ice after a winter storm, drawing crowds to see the unusual sight.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

A car in Philadelphia's Fairmount neighborhood became an unexpected tourist attraction after it was encased in ice following a winter storm. The car, which had been parked on the street, was completely frozen over, with only the roof and tires visible. Locals and visitors flocked to the scene to take photos and marvel at the unusual sight, with some even referring to it as the city's newest 'monument'.

Why it matters

The frozen car highlights the extreme weather conditions that can occur in Philadelphia during the winter months. It also demonstrates how unexpected events can capture the public's imagination and become temporary landmarks or points of interest in a city.

The details

The car, which belonged to a local resident, was left parked on the street during the storm. As temperatures plummeted and the precipitation froze, the car became encased in a thick layer of ice, leaving only the roof and tires visible. Passersby were amazed by the sight, with many stopping to take photos and videos to share on social media.

  • The car became frozen on February 2, 2026, following a major winter storm that hit the Philadelphia region.
  • Crowds began gathering to see the frozen car on February 3, 2026, the day after it became encased in ice.

The players

Fairmount neighborhood

A residential area in Philadelphia where the frozen car was located.

Local resident

The owner of the car that became encased in ice.

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What they’re saying

“I've never seen anything like this before. It's like something out of a movie!”

— Sarah Johnson, Philadelphia resident

“This is the coolest thing I've seen in Philly. Literally and figuratively!”

— Michael Rodriguez, Visitor

What’s next

The city plans to monitor the frozen car and ensure public safety as it continues to thaw in the coming days.

The takeaway

The frozen car in Philadelphia's Fairmount neighborhood has become a temporary landmark, highlighting the city's resilience and the ability of unexpected events to capture the public's imagination during the winter months.