Activity Overview
Off the beaten path, you will find Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, a tribute to and preservation of artist Isaiah Zagar's work.
In the 1960's Zagar, his wife and other artists began buying and renovating buildings on Philadelphia's rundown South Street. Adorning the buildings with mosaics and special tiles, Zagar and his cohorts began beautifying the area.
About 10 years ago, Zagar's work was turned into a permanent art institution, consisting of a community arts center and an outdoor mosaic sculpture garden, taking up about a half block in a vibrant community on Philadelphia's South Street.
Things to Do
- Inside the community arts center, view the folk art statues, bicycle wheels, colorful glass bottles, handmade tiles, and glittering mirrors.
- Attend a mosaic workshop conducted by Zagar himself.
- Check the calendar for concerts, dance performances, art-making activities, and other events.
Philadelphia's Magic Gardens Insider Tips
- Guided tours are provided on weekend days at noon and 4:00 p.m. Reservations are recommended.
- Kid-friendly tours and hands-on workshops are held at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. the second Sunday of each month.
- "Mosaic Musings" groups, 10-15 minute conversations let by trained staff who explain some of the garden's most asked about objects, are held at every day at 2:00 p.m. and also at 4:00 p.m. on Fridays.
