Philadelphia's Magic Gardens

South Philadelphia

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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

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Nearby South Philadelphia attractions

1. Isaiah Zagar House

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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…