There is more to Philadelphia’s art scene beside the Mural Mile. While walking the Philadelphia Mural Mile is a must-do when visiting; other areas in Philadelphia have fantastic street art just waiting for you to find. As the ‘City of Murals,’ there are hundreds of murals on the side of buildings, down side streets, and around corners. You can take a specialty street art tour off the beaten path or just wander around the city. But, definitely, explore beyond the Philadelphia Mural Mile, and you won’t be disappointed in how much art there is to find in Philadelphia.
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Philadelphia Mural Arts Information & Maps
Tree of Knowledge by Michael Webb c. 2003
Since 1984, the Mural Arts Philadelphia has been responsible for getting over 3600 art murals created and painted on the side of buildings. In addition, Mural Arts works with community groups to educate children in the arts and involve them in the creation process of the murals. Currently, the Mural Arts is one of Philadelphia’s largest employers of artists with over 300 annually. With this attention and passion for art, it is no wonder that Philadelphia is known as the ‘City of Murals.’
A People’s Progression Toward Equality by Jared Bader
To see these murals, you can sign up for a walking tour with Mural Arts, which has different tours depending on the day. Or you can do what we did and wander around until we found a mural. There are hundreds of paintings to find, and each one is better than the next. For the ones I found, I saved a spot on this mural arts map if you want to see which ones we found and where they were. You can also download the self-guided map of two different routes to choose from to make your own journey through this city of murals. Someday I plan to go back and find more of these beautiful works of art.
Black Family Reunion by G. Byron Peck
The Philadelphia Mural Mile
Theater of Life by Meg Saligman & Juan Dimida
The Mural Mile is a little misleading as it is actually longer than a mile. In fact, the Mural Mile consists of over 17 large art murals along a 2.5-mile walk through some of Philly’s neighborhoods. Although finding these are not as easy without a map. Make sure you download one before you head out on your exploration of the city. It also might help to check to see where your favorite ones might be, so you don’t miss it accidentally. But, even off the Mural Mile, you can find amazing street art around almost every corner. All you have to do is start walking and look up!
Gimme Shelter by David Guinn c. 2004
Street Art Tour Honoring African American Heros
The Tuskegee Airmen: They Met the Challenge by Marcus Akinlana
During Black History Month, you can sign up to go on a special trolley tour that takes you around Philadelphia to see street art honoring prominent African Americans from Philly. For only two days, this two-hour curated tour gives you an incredible history lesson on civil rights, freedom, and equality through street art. They will take you through multiple Philadelphia neighborhoods where you will be able to amazing works of art, learn about the process to create those murals, and absorb some much-needed history at the same time. Tickets for the “African American Iconic Murals Trolley Tour” are $32 through Mural Arts Philadelphia.
If you can’t make this special trolley tour during those two days in February, you can always do a self-guided street art tour through Philadelphia. For those viewing the murals on your own, you can learn even more history at the African American Museum. This museum is the first major museum devoted to Black American history in the United States.
Mapping Courage: Honoring W.E.B. Dubois and Engine #11 by Willis “Nomo” Humphrey
Love Letter Tour
The Love Letter is a series of 50 rooftop art murals that showcase the artist’s (Stephen Powers) love for his city and collectively express as a love letter from a guy to a girl. When Kayla and I visited Philly, she had heard about the love letters and wanted to see them. So, on the last morning, we drove around looking for them while Kayla captured these photos.
They are best viewed from the Market-Frankford elevated transit line. But, you can see some of the murals from the road from 45th to 63rd street along Market street. You can also sign up to take a tour of the Love Letters, and it will be mostly from the train.
Art in Unexpected Places
When you are in Philadelphia, make sure to look at every wall you pass by. You never know what you might see. Even if it isn’t a large mural, you might find cute artwork somebody painted on their home. I love that someone painted an actual window on a boring part of the building to liven it up. Plus, walking down side streets, you might come across beautifully decorated garage doors. Keep your eyes open.
Creative Trash Bins
I love cities that can take ugly things and make them beautiful. Philadelphia is one such city that has public-art initiatives to reimagine trash bins into works of art. Not only trash bins, but utility boxes have been decorated to add to the neighborhood instead of being eyesores. I wish more cities adopted this initiative to beautify neighborhoods with art.
Percent for Art Project
Why does Philadelphia have so many murals, sculptures, and outdoor art within its city? The answer is the Percent for Art Program. This ingenious city program established in 1959 requires companies that are building or renovating to put 1% of their total construction costs for municipal projects to be set aside for fine arts. Each company would be required to add an original public art project for the community. As you explore Philadelphia, this is why you see so many art sculptures and pieces around the city.
This program was the first of its kind in the nation, and since then, it has been replicated in cities across the country. The Percent for Art program is a fantastic program for communities that are developing and expanding to include art pieces for communities to enjoy visual art along with the steel and concrete. What an excellent way to give back to a city!
Summary
If you are a lover of all things art, you won’t be disappointed in visiting Philadelphia. There is art on almost every corner and down every street that you don’t have to try very hard to find amazing art murals. When you visit, make sure to walk the Philadelphia Mural Mile. But, don’t forget to expand and explore beyond the city center and you might just find your favorite street art yet.
Have you been to Philadelphia? What is your favorite art mural in the city?
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Further Reading
If you are coming to Pennsylvania for a visit, check out these posts for further travel inspiration:
- Beautiful Covered Bridges of Bedford County
- Explore Valley Forge National Park
- Celebrate America’s Birthday
- The Best Ghost Tours Around the World
- Top 5 Things to See When Touring Eastern State Penitentiary
- Top 10 Activities To Do in Philadelphia
- On the road and hungry? Try the Dutch Pantry!
- Stepping out in Style at Mansions on the Fifth
- Photo Antiquities Museum: The History Museum for Photo Enthusiasts
- Top 10 Awesome Things to do in Pittsburgh
- Finding Creative Inspiration at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens