Philadelphia's Magic Gardens


The ongoing life's work of mosaic mural artist Isaiah Zagar, this is a folk-art wonderland of mirror mosaics, bottle walls and quirky sculpture. Zagar's mosaic murals can be seen around the city – visit here first, and you'll know what to look for. It also hosts small exhibitions of other artists' work with a focus on those who are self-taught and making mosaics or folk-art works.

Between November and March site tours (adult/student/child $15/12/8) are held at 3pm on Saturday and Sunday. Between April and October there are walking tours around the area at 3pm Friday through Sunday.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Isaiah Zagar House

0.16 MILES

Isaiah Zagar is the artist responsible for scores of mosaic murals made from found objects, discarded bottles, bits of broken ceramic and mirror, that…

2. Famous Franks

0.26 MILES

The walls outside Dirty Franks are decorated with this witty mural by David McShane featuring Frank Sinatra, Frank Zappa, Aretha Franklin, Benjamin…

3. Atlas of Tomorrow

0.26 MILES

The subtitle of Candy Chang's interactive mural is 'a device for philosophical reflection' and it embodies the idea of art as meditation and a tool for…

4. Frank Rizzo Mural

0.31 MILES

A giant mural of ex-mayor Frank Rizzo overlooks the Italian Market parking lot on the corner of Montrose St. It's one of the most regularly vandalized…

5. Autumn Revisited

0.32 MILES

It's forever a golden fall in this beautiful work by David Guinn on the side of the Fleisher Art Memorial. The trees in the mural blend in seamlessly with…

6. Fleisher Art Memorial

0.32 MILES

A wide variety of classes and workshops are held at this art school, founded in 1898. Parts of the building are worth a look as it includes the Romanesque…

7. South 9th Street Italian Market

0.34 MILES

One of the most vibrant parts of South Philadelphia, this several-blocks-long commercial strip is lined with produce stalls that sell their wares under…

8. Gershman Y

0.35 MILES

This Jewish cultural and community center on the Avenue of the Arts offers a wide range events, workshops and exhibitions. Its origins go back to the late…