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Mural Arts Philadelphia

Creators of more than 4,000 city murals since 1984

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Location & Contact:

  • 1727-29 Mt. Vernon Street Philadelphia, PA 19102
  • (215) 685-0750
  • Visit Website

In Philadelphia, every wall is a potential blank canvas, and stunning murals adorn building exteriors all over the city.

Begun in 1984 to help eradicate graffiti, Mural Arts Philadelphia enables professional artists and young Philadelphians to showcase their artistic talent in a constructive way.

To date, Mural Arts Philadelphia has produced more than 4,000 murals.

Interested visitors can view several of these works on a variety of walking and trolley tours.

Don’t Miss

To date, Mural Arts Philadelphia has produced more than 3,600 murals.

One of Mural Arts Philadelphia’s most popular tours,  Love Let ter , showcases a public art project consisting of 50 rooftop murals from 45th to 63rd Street along the Market Street corridor.

Tours depart from Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts , 128 N. Broad Street.

The murals are best viewed via the Market-Frankford elevated transit line, and “collectively express a love letter from a guy to a girl, from an artist to his hometown, and from local residents to their West Philadelphia neighborhood.”

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mural tour in philadelphia

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Mural Arts Philadelphia

Uniting artists and communities through collaborative art projects that transform public spaces and individual lives.

Since its founding in 1984 , Mural Arts Philadelphia has created nearly 4,000 artworks to transform public spaces. Artists from within Philadelphia and around the world create murals alongside members of the community. With each new artwork, Mural Arts aims to:

  • Empower individuals, neighborhoods, and community groups.
  • Start conversations that bring people together.

Program focus areas

  • Youth education
  • Restorative justice
  • Mental and behavioral health and wellness
  • Public art and its preservation

Mural tours

Popular mural tours offer a firsthand glimpse into the stories behind Mural Arts’ iconic collection, which has earned Philadelphia recognition as the City of Murals.

Looking for more information?

You can find Mural Art’s full content on our separate website.

mural tour in philadelphia

Jane Golden has been the driving force of Mural Arts Philadelphia since 1984, overseeing its growth from a small city agency into the nation’s largest public art program. Under Golden’s direction, Mural Arts has created over 4,000 works of public art through innovative collaborations. In partnership with a range of city agencies, she has developed groundbreaking and rigorous programs that work through art to make strides in youth education, restorative justice, and behavioral health.

Sought after nationally and internationally as an expert on urban transformation through art, Golden has received numerous awards for her work, including the Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship Award and Philadelphia Magazine’s Trailblazer Award. She is an adjunct professor at the University of Pennsylvania, and serves on the Mayor’s Cultural Advisory Council, the Penn Museum Advisory Committee, and the board of directors of The Heliotrope Foundation.

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Colorful mural on the side of a building, face is in the middle, with what appear to be rays of light shining from it with other images

City of Murals

Home to more than 4,000 murals, Philadelphia is known as the “Mural Capital of the World.” What started as an anti-graffiti program in 1984, Mural Arts Philadelphia is now the nation’s largest public art program and has grown into an international leader. The program has activated some of Philadelphia’s most unassuming locations with community-based public art.

Mural Arts Philadelphia is also part of a larger campaign by the city to repurpose public spaces and create positive dialogue in communities. Residents are often involved in the development of Philadelphia murals. Visitors can see these colorful creations on guided and self-guided tours provided by Mural Arts.

Mural Arts Philadelphia commissions up to 100 public art projects every year. In 2023, artists painted new murals in various Philadelphia neighborhoods including Kensington, Northern Liberties, and the Gayborhood. Among these new murals are “Finally on 13th,” honoring the city’s rich Ballroom culture. “Literacy Loop” is a 10,000 square foot ground mural at Farrell Elementary School designed to increase literacy skills through playful learning.

Murals Close to the Pennsylvania Convention Center

In Philadelphia for a convention? You don’t need to travel far to get your art fix. Some of Philadelphia’s most iconic murals can be found around the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Center City. “The Past Supporting the Future” features small paper cranes transforming into a large living crane taking flight. The mural represents Philadelphia’s Chinatown and its growth and future. While, “Water Gives Life” depicts wildflowers representing the connection between Philadelphia’s rivers and local flora.

Sports Murals

If there’s one thing Philadelphians are passionate about, it’s their sports teams. Therefore, murals honoring the boldest Philadelphia legends can be found throughout the city. These murals include depictions of the World Series winning Phillies teams, the 2018 Eagles, and legacy Sixers like Dr. J and Allen Iverson.

Murals Highlighting Diversity

Many of the city’s murals are dedicated to Philadelphia’s diverse citizens. Including “Colorful Legacy,” a vibrant mural in West Philadelphia that raises awareness of the challenges that men and boys of color face. While “Pride and Progress” depicts a gay pride festival on the William Way LGBT Community Center in Center City.

Portrait Murals

Many of Philadelphia’s most prominent and influential citizens have also been honored with murals. In Center City, a mural honors Edmund Bacon, the city planner responsible for LOVE Park and protecting historical homes. “The Father of Modern Philadelphia” depicts Bacon gazing down at the streets and passersby below. In North Philadelphia, “Why We Love Coltrane” represents musician John Coltrane and his impact on Philadelphia’s jazz music scene. This is the second mural created in his memory.

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mural tour in philadelphia

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mural tour in philadelphia

Philadelphia’s Outdoor Art Gallery

Philadelphia’s outdoor art gallery includes murals, mosaics, and iconic statues, as well as unofficial street art you can see just...

mural tour in philadelphia

2-Hour Segway Mural Tour

A One-Of-A-Kind Segway Tour!

Quick Details

  • User Ages: 12+
  • Clock Duration: 2 Hours
  • Check Calendar Availability: Daily
  • Segway Tour Group Size: 8 People Maximum Per Guide
  • Checkered Flag Start & End Location: 7 N. Columbus Blvd., Suite 7b Philadelphia, PA 19106

Tour Philadelphia, PA’s murals in a unique and exciting way!

Enjoy the ride as your local guide takes you into the back streets of some of Philly’s most artistic neighborhoods. Learn about the history and legacy of the Mural Arts Program and view over 20 murals throughout your Segway PT Tour. You begin your journey in Old City and head north into the most eclectic neighborhoods and known best by locals.

Throughout the tour, learn about the history of the Mural Arts organization, and about how these murals were produced.  Some of these murals are tucked away along side streets, and designed by skilled artists with the local communities. Your guide points out some fantastic hidden gems, along with more than 20 diverse and dynamic murals.

As you work your way, discover your first mural on the tour in a place you’d least expect. As you work your way through the neighborhood, you’re treated to murals with an amazing variety of colors, styles, and themes. As an added bonus, occasionally you have a chance to step off the Segway PT for a closer look.

You then earn a well-deserved break at a local coffee shop, café, or sandwich shop. As you continue your trek and then into the Spring Garden (“Loft District”) area, you pass by some of the best pubs, restaurants, and music venues in Philly. Your guide is happy to make recommendations to his/her favorites.

After an exciting ride through Chinatown and a great look at that neighborhood’s murals, you make your way back to Old City. Your guide leads you back to the Philly Tour Hub and immediately begins the discussion about which mural was your favorite on the tour and then we send your pictures within days of your Segway PT Mural experience.

We make safety a high priority on your adventure, and we know you’ll return with a much greater appreciation of the city by the end of your exciting Segway PT Mural Arts Tour.

  • Chevron down Inclusions

Photos will be taken throughout the tour by your guide. You will receive these photos free of charge via email within 24 – 48 hours of your tour!

  • Chevron down Requirements

All riders must:

  • Wear A Helmet (provided by Philly by Segway)
  • Bring Valid Identification
  • Read & Sign Waiver Of Liability
  • Complete Training (Segway PT – to their guide’s satisfaction)
  • Chevron down Restrictions
  • Segway PT riders must be 12-years-old or older. If a rider is under 18, they must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or responsible adult who can sign the waiver form.
  • Riders must weigh between 100 – 300 lbs.
  • Philly by Segway reserves the right to decline a tour to anyone. It is imperative that riders follow guide instructions for their safety and the safety of the group.

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Segway All Day

Create your ideal Philadelphia, PA experience with this customizable tour! Opt for the Segway All-Day package, combining the 1-Hour and 2-Hour Segway Adventures for an epic day of exploring the best of Philly in one booking.

Mural Arts makes its mark in South Philly with new immersive tour

Mural arts offers new walking tour to see vibrant public art works in South Philly.

The Philadelphia 76ers, in partnership with Mural Arts Philadelphia, unveiled its wall mural this morning intersection of Broad and Federal Streets featuring Sixers legends Allen Iverson, Wilt Chamberlain, Julius “Dr. J” Erving, Charles Barkley, Hal Greer and Bobby Jones. The mural depicts incredible moments in Sixers history. Here, showing mutual admiration for each other Sixers great Bobby Jones meets 11 year old Brendan Dougherty who's winning entry in the Sixers Mural Arts Contest inspired the mural.

Mural Arts Philadelphia is making an imprint on the city’s south side.

To kick off the spring tour season, the nation’s largest public art program has added another route to its line of immersive mural guides in Center City, Bella Vista, Spring Garden and other Philly neighborhoods.

The South of South Walking Tour includes viewings of Autumn Revisited by David Guinn, Mapping Courage: Honoring W.E.B. Du Bois by Willis “Nomo” Humphrey, Peace Through Imagination by Paul Santoleri and other artworks along Catharine Street and South Street.

Mural Arts Executive Director Jane Golden said the new South Philly tour is adding to Mural Arts’ mission to show residents the beauty of the city and its growing allure over the decades.

“It’s not enough just to do the art,” said Golden, who has led the arts organization since its inception in 1984. “We want to bring people to the art and we want people to see the glass half full as it relates to neighborhoods all over the city because we see the wonder and the magic of neighborhoods, and we want people to see that as well.”

The 90-minute trek explores how the selected murals were formed and their ties to the area or building they help illuminate. One of the many notable stories revolves around skateboarder and self-taught artist Jim Houser, who painted a mural called Roger Browne on Nocturnal Skateshop on South Fifth Street in honor of Roger Browne, credited as one of the founders of Philly skateboarding.

Houser, 49, who grew up idolizing Browne when he saw him skating at age 11, said painting the mural was a transformative experience, and one he hopes other young, aspiring skaters have when they see the painting.

“I think people are ready for something positive here, and Mural Arts is helping them get out into the world to see art in the area. Sometimes it just takes a little nudge,” Houser said.

The South Philly tour marks Mural Arts’ ninth walking tour, and Golden hopes to add many more.

“As we continue to map them out and build new tours, I look forward to having 10 more walking tours so people can get out, see public art and love our city even more.”

South of South Walking Tours start Saturday, but the next availability is in April. (Other walking tours have openings sooner.) Tours are limited to 15 people. Tickets — $25 for adults (ages 13 and older); $17 for children (ages 12 and younger) — must be purchased in advance. To purchase tickets or for information: muralarts.org or 215-925-3633.

Philadelphia's Magic Gardens

Self-Guided Walking Tour

A horizontal image of a colorful mosaic mural by Isaiah Zagar. It features the outlines of people and animals, and uses primarily red and yellow grout.

Take a stroll through the neighborhood around Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens at your leisure and learn more about the incredible mosaic murals in our area. This self-guided tour will give you some insight into the history and stories behind some of Isaiah Zagar’s public mosaic works!

You can also view a map of Isaiah Zagar’s six fully-mosaicked Art Environments in Philadelphia .

For a full map of the mosaic murals in Philadelphia, check out our mosaic mural map .

Morals and Murals Hood Tour

mural tour in philadelphia

  • Bottled water
  • Locally loved Philly snacks
  • One Day Bus Pass
  • 1500-1598 Arch St Garage, 1500-1598 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA We will meet next to the red LOVE Statute near the corner of 15th St. & JFK Blvd. There are four entrances to the park...all of them will lead you to the statue.
  • Dilworth Park, 1 S 15th St, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA City Hall is across the street from our meeting point (LOVE Park). Guests can easily cross the street to arrive where we started.
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

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mural tour in philadelphia

  • You'll start at 1500-1598 Arch St Garage 1500-1598 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA We will meet next to the red LOVE Statute near the corner of 15th St. & JFK Blvd. There are four entrances to the park...all of them will lead you to the statue. See address & details
  • Pass by Love Park
  • You'll end at Dilworth Park 1 S 15th St, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA City Hall is across the street from our meeting point (LOVE Park). Guests can easily cross the street to arrive where we started. See address & details

More to explore in Philadelphia

mural tour in philadelphia

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Morals and Murals Hood Tour provided by Philly Experiences

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Photo of Mural Trolley Tours

  • Pennsylvania
  • Philadelphia

Mural Trolley Tours

128 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia , Pennsylvania 19102 USA

  • Independent
  • Credit Cards Accepted
  • More in Philadelphia

“enjoy over 35 city murals on this tour”

Guests will board a special Mural Arts trolley to enjoy over 35 murals, with at least one opportunity to get off the vehicle to enjoy a mural up-close. A professionally trained guide will give an insider’s view of the murals, as well as the artistic processes and colorful community histories that each finished mural embodies. Along the way, guests will also learn about how the murals complement their environment and the 30-year history of the Mural Arts Program. A variety of tour routes are offered throughout the season, including, but not limited to: Masterpieces East & West, Reimagined Landscapes, and Center City. Tours depart from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) 128 N. Broad Street Hamilton Building, Front Lobby.

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Reviewed by Tatiana Danger

  • Road Warrior
  • 1,169 Reviews
  • 910 Helpful

A great way to see dozens of murals across the city. The tours are offered seasonally so be sure to call to ask when they're available. Also, it's a bit pricey, running around $30/person. With that said the mural program has been going on in Philadelphia for over 30 years, and this is a wonderful opportunity to see how much art has taken over Philadelphia.

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Philadelphia Mural Tour: Street Art That Changes Lives!

aerial view of mural in Philadelphia

Street art is pretty to look at, but Mural Arts Philadelphia creates artwork that not only transforms the wall it appears on but also changes lives.  They have the largest collection of collaborative artwork in the world – there are over 4100 pieces!

It can be a little overwhelming, trying to figure out where to go to see the best Philadelphia street art.  Instead of venturing out on our own, we were excited to do the Philadelphia Mural Mile walking tour .  That way we could see the best murals and learn some of the stories behind the artwork. 

Let me tell you more about the powerful street art you can expect to see on this Philadelphia mural tour.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, please see disclosure below for more information.

Pride and Progress by Ann Northup shows the history of the Gay Pride movement. You can see Russell taking a photo and that shows how enormous the mural is! -

About Mural Arts Philadelphia

Mural mile philadelphia, how to turn anything into something else, start from here mural, tree of knowledge, finding home, women of progress, dirty franks, philly street art video, logistics for the philadelphia mural tour, philly mural mile tour review, is it worth doing a street art tour in philadelphia, expert tips for the philadelphia mural mile walking tour.

The mission has grown to be much more than just an anti-graffiti project though.  The nonprofit works with communities to create 50–100 new public art projects each year and also does the important job of restoring the older Philadelphia murals in its growing collection.  They have helped people with substance abuse issues, those that have been incarcerated, the homeless, and more.  The artwork also gets people talking about critical issues facing society.

Shepard Fairey, the artist behind Obama's hope campaign, created this mural of one of the people that the Mural Arts program has helped. - "Philadelphia Mural Mile Tour: Get Inspired!" - Two Traveling Texans

Their Royal Highnesses Charles, the Prince of Wales and his wife, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, also spent an afternoon with Mural Arts to learn more about the program in 2007. 

If you are interested in learning more about the program and the murals, Jane Golden, the Executive Director of the Philly Mural Arts Program, wrote a book called Philadelphia Murals & the Stories They Tell.  The book is available on Amazon, click here to check the price .  There is also the sequel More Philadelphia Murals and the Stories They Tell, click here to check the price .

I love the bold colors on Philadelphia Muses by Meg Saligman - "Philadelphia Mural Mile Tour: Get Inspired!" - Two Traveling Texans

It was inspiring to see the amazing artwork that is part of the Mural Mile and hear Brendan, our tour guide, explain the stories behind them.  It was clear that Brendan was very knowledgeable and passionate about the murals and the artists.

My Favorite Philadelphia Murals

We saw so many amazing murals along the Philadelphia Mural Mile with moving stories to go along with them, I loved them all.  Here are a few of the best murals in Philadelphia.

The art collective, Miss Rockaway Armada, worked with about 30 Mural Arts students aged 10 to 15 over the summer to create this colorful mural.  It is a huge piece and there is lots going on so you will want to take some time to look at all the details .  

How to Turn Anything Into Something Else has such a positive message! - "Philadelphia Mural Mile Tour: Get Inspired!" - Two Traveling Texans

The artists had students draw an animal head on a sheet of paper, then fold it so no one could see it, and pass it to the next student to draw more, and so on.  The goal was to show students that not everything has to end the way it began.  I know sometimes it is hard to keep a positive attitude when things don’t look promising. I loved the message from this mural!

Visually, this mural by Isaac Lin is mesmerizing and it also covers two buildings!  If you looked at the mural and the title, you might not guess it is about immigration!  At first, it reminded me of a video game.

Start from here by Isaac Lin actually makes a statement about immigration. - "Philadelphia Mural Mile Tour: Get Inspired!" - Two Traveling Texans

The Tree of Knowledge mural has objects hidden among the leaves that show what knowledge and perseverance can accomplish.  You also see the ladders leading up the Tree of Knowledge.

You can get a sense of the scale of the Tree of Knowledge mural. Do you see Anisa? - "Philadelphia Mural Mile Tour: Get Inspired!" - Two Traveling Texans

Since it is painted on the side of a building,  I didn’t think much about the bricks I saw around the edge of the art.  Then Brendan pointed out that the bricks were actually painted on.  This technique of painting the bricks on is called Trompe-l’oeil , which means to deceive the eye.  The artist makes the viewer believe that something painted on is actually a 3D physical object.  

I had to get close to verify it because the bricks looked so real.  After learning about the technique, I noticed that several of the murals we saw had painted on bricks.

This is a huge (2,200 square feet) multimedia mural led by artists Kathryn Pennepacker and Josh Sarantitis in partnership with Project H.O.M.E. and the City of Philadelphia Department of Health and Intellectual Disability Services.  The artwork aimed to give a voice to Philadelphia’s homeless, reduce the stigma around homelessness, and to raise awareness about the issue in our society.   The mural is so big, we weren’t able to capture it all in one photo!

A closeup of part of the Finding Home mural. - - "Philadelphia Mural Mile Tour: Get Inspired!" - Two Traveling Texans

Contributors, many who were homeless, wove strips of cloth depicting personal reflections on what it means to have a home.  They adhered those strips to the wall and then painted.  The artists also added pieces of print, sheet metal and cable into the mural.  There were so many stories on this mural, I wish I would have had time to look at all of them.

More detail on the Finding Home mural. - "Philadelphia Mural Mile Tour: Get Inspired!" - Two Traveling Texans

This mural by Cesar E Viveros-Herrera & Larissa Preston includes over 44 symbolic images representing diverse communities of women, the different roles they have played over time, and the complex obstacles they’ve overcome. The masks worn by some of the women represent the social issues women have faced (and continue to face) in their fight towards equality.  

Women of Progress by Cesar E Viveros-Herrera & Larissa Preston. - "Philadelphia Mural Mile Tour: Get Inspired!" - Two Traveling Texans

It is painted on Philadelphia’s New Century Trust Building.  The New Century Trust is a foundation that works to end the political and economic inequalities facing women and girls in Greater Philadelphia.  The mural reminds us how far women have come and the issues we still need to deal with like income equality

Dirty Franks is actually a bar in Philadelphia and instead of posting their name on the outside, they have a mural by the artist David McShane of different Franks on the walls.  

Dirty Franks Mural in Philadelphia

I could go on and on about the street art in Philly.  We saw so many impressive and moving murals.  Check out our video for more insight on our Philly mural tour.  Even in the video, it is hard to get a sense of the scale of the murals, they are huge!  

This Philadelphia street art tour starts at the Academy of Fine Arts Hamilton Building, 128 N. Broad Street.  We checked in with reception and received buttons to wear so our guide would know who was part of the tour. 

There are no breaks during the Mural Mile tour, so you will want to use the facilities and grab a drink before it starts. Everyone was ready a few minutes before the tour’s scheduled start time so our tour guide, Brendan, gathered the group and we headed off on our mural arts tour.

The Philadelphia mural arts tour ends close to the intersection of 12th Street and Locust.  Brendan offered to direct anyone back to the starting point.  We just walked to the 11th street subway stop which was about five minutes away.

The tours operate rain or shine, so check the weather and come prepared.  The day we had our Philadelphia Mural tour it was hot, but we still had a great time.  

The Mural Mile tour is definitely more than one mile long!  According to my Fitbit, it is probably closer to two miles over the two-hour tour.    For those with mobility issues, there is also the option to do a trolley tour.  

You can find the schedule for the different tours that are offered here .   Tickets should be booked online for $24 plus a $1.50 fee per person or the Mural Mile tour (price is accurate as of 3/14/21).

If you would like to do a self-guided tour of the murals, you can use this map to help locate the artwork.

We ended the tour seeing Garden of Delight by David Guinn - "Philadelphia Mural Mile Tour: Get Inspired!" - Two Traveling Texans

We enjoyed our tour of the Mural Mile in Philadelphia.  Thanks so much to our tour guide Brendan!  He had so much positive energy and knew his stuff. 

We covered a lot more ground than I expected and got to see so many breathtaking murals.  Still, the stories behind the art are what will stick with me.  I don’t think the street art would have had the same impact if we would have done a self-guided tour.

Yes, we were impressed by the street art we saw and enjoyed learning more about the artwork on the tour.  It was a fun way to spend an afternoon.

The street art in Philadelphia is definitely a must-see whether you go on a tour like we did or see it on your own.  Philly has been called the “City of Murals” for good reason!

Has street art inspired you?

detail of a mural in Philadelphia with text overlay

  • Come prepared for the weather and lots of walking.  Wear comfortable shoes and bring appropriate weather gear – i.e. umbrella, jacket, sunglasses.
  • Check in with reception a few minutes before the tour, once everyone arrives they will start.

Disclosure:  No financial compensation was received.  Thanks to Mural Arts Philadelphia for providing complimentary tours, so that we could share our experience with our readers.  As always, opinions expressed here are my own. This post also contains affiliate links. This means we will receive a small commission for some purchases made using links in our blog with no additional cost to you. Please be assured we would not promote any product unless we believe that our readers will also benefit. The commission does not influence the editorial content of this site.

Two Traveling Texans is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

Last Updated on July 27, 2023

About the Author

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Anisa  

Anisa is an experienced international traveler with extra pages in her passport and stamps from 41 different countries across 5 continents (and counting). She was born and raised in Texas. After a 13 year stint in NYC, she moved to England to live with her husband.

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We believe that art ignites change.

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Mural Arts Philadelphia is the nation’s largest public art program, dedicated to the belief that art ignites change.

For 40 years, Mural Arts has united artists and communities through a collaborative process, rooted in the traditions of mural-making, to create art that transforms public spaces and individual lives. Mural Arts engages communities in 50–100 public art projects each year, and maintains its growing collection through a restoration initiative. Our core program areas— Art Education , Community Murals , Porch Light , and Restorative Justice —yield unique, project-based learning opportunities for thousands of youth and adults.

Each year, 15,000 residents and visitors tour Mural Arts’ outdoor art gallery , which has become part of the city’s civic landscape and a source of pride and inspiration, earning Philadelphia international recognition as the “Mural Capital of the World.”

Beautify. Inspire. Empower. 

Mural Arts Philadelphia exists to provide transformative experiences, progressive discourse, and economic stimulus to the City of Philadelphia through participatory public art that beautifies, advocacy that inspires, and educational programming and employment opportunities that empower.

Our Mission 

Through participatory public art, Mural Arts Philadelphia inspires change in people, place, and practice, creating opportunity for a more just and equitable Philadelphia.

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Mural Arts Philadelphia envisions a world where all people have a say in the future of their lives and communities; where art and creative practice are respected as critical to sense of self and place; and where cultural vibrancy reflects and honors all human identities and experiences.

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  • We value the essential humanity, dignity, and potential of all people.
  • We respect the knowledge and experience of all individuals and embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • We are committed to inquiry-based learning, respectful communication, and mindful collaboration.
  • We believe in the transformative power of creativity.

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January 31, 2023

Learn about Black history with guided trolley tours of Philly's murals

A professional guide will tell the stories behind some of philadelphia's most impactful public art on feb. 5 and feb. 25.

Maggie Mancini phillyvoice

Mural Arts Philadelphia is celebrating Black History Month by hosting two 90-minute trolley tours of murals featuring iconic Black figures, civic leaders and social justice issues. Tickets are available now for tours on Feb. 5 and Feb. 25.

As part of its Black History Month celebrations, Mural Arts Philadelphia will host two trolley tours of murals depicting iconic Black figures, civic leaders and social justice issues. 

The  Civic Heroes Trolley Tours  will run from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 5 and Feb. 25. There, a professional tour guide will take participants on a 90-minute journey through Philly neighborhoods to showcase some of the most impactful public art in the city. 

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Tours will begin and end at 128 N. Broad St., near PAFA's Lenfest Plaza Paint Torch Sculpture. There will be no bathroom breaks during the tour, so guests should plan accordingly.

As guests stare out the window, they will hear the stories behind each mural on the tour, as well as  each muralist and details about the art-making process. 

One of the first stops is "Cecil B. Moore Freedom Fighters," located at the intersection of N. 22nd Street and N. College Avenue near Girard College in North Philadelphia. The mural celebrates the efforts to desegregate Girard College in the 1960s, following a series of demonstrations under Moore's leadership. It was dedicated in November 2021.  

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mural Arts Philadelphia (@muralarts)

In past years, the trolley tours have also visited  "Staircases and Mountaintops: Ascending Beyond The Dream,"  at the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center in North Philadelphia. The mural, based on a photograph by William Lovelace, depicts King and his wife, Coretta Scott King, leading a voting rights march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama in 1965. 

Another past stop is  "Remembering A Forgotten Hero," located at the Universal Charter School in South Philadelphia. This mural, dedicated in 2018, is the first mural to honor the life and legacy of Octavius V. Catto, an early civil rights activist, educator and athlete who was assassinated on South Street in 1871 after pushing for Black voting rights. 

In previous tours, the trolleys have also headed to West Philadelphia to view Mural Arts' 3000th mural, "Tuskegee Airmen: They Met The Challenge." The mural was dedicated at 39 S. 39th St. in 2008, and pays homage to the Tuskegee Airmen and their message of perseverance in the face of racism and unfair treatment in the U.S. Armed Forces. 

Tickets are $28 for children aged 12 and younger, or $38 for adults. All tickets must be purchased in advance of the tour, though there is no need to print a confirmation. All paid participants will be added to a will call list and can simply walk up to confirm their ticket purchase before boarding the trolley. 

For more information about the Black History Month tour and other tours planned for the next few months, check out Mural Arts Philadelphia's   website   and   Instagram . 

Black History Month Civic Heroes Trolley Tour

Feb. 5 and Feb. 25, 2023 10 to 11:30 a.m. | $28 kids, $38 adults Departs from Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts 128 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19102

Maggie Mancini phillyvoice

Maggie Mancini PhillyVoice Staff

[email protected]

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IMAGES

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  5. Explore the nearly 4,000 murals in Philadelphia on these tours

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  6. Philadelphia Mural Tour: Street Art That Changes Lives!

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VIDEO

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COMMENTS

  1. Tours

    About Our Tours. Please see our new spring schedule below! Get to know the city's stunning collection by taking a public tour with Mural Arts. Weave through the diverse neighborhoods of Philadelphia, getting great views of the city by foot, by vehicle, by train, or virtually! Take in the iconic imagery that makes us the Mural Capital of the ...

  2. Home

    Take a tour and explore the world's largest outdoor art gallery! Public Tours Private Tours Experiential Mural Painting ... May 3. Live @ Love. May 3. May is for Making @ Tacony Lab. Wall Ball 2024 May 3, 2024 | 8:30pm-10:30pm EDT. In 2024, Mural Arts Philadelphia celebrates its illustrious 40-year journey of transforming urban spaces into ...

  3. Mural Arts Philadelphia

    Don't Miss. To date, Mural Arts Philadelphia has produced more than 3,600 murals. One of Mural Arts Philadelphia's most popular tours, Love Letter, showcases a public art project consisting of 50 rooftop murals from 45th to 63rd Street along the Market Street corridor.. Tours depart from Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, 128 N. Broad Street.. The murals are best viewed via the Market ...

  4. Mural Arts Philadelphia

    Since its founding in 1984, Mural Arts Philadelphia has created nearly 4,000 artworks to transform public spaces. Artists from within Philadelphia and around the world create murals alongside members of the community. ... Popular mural tours offer a firsthand glimpse into the stories behind Mural Arts' iconic collection, which has earned ...

  5. Mural Arts Program of Philadelphia

    The City of Murals is now available for guided tours all year long. Please check our Tour Calendar to see the latest offerings open to the public. A mural tour is a world-class experience for the whole family and any group.All mural tour proceeds benefit Philadelphia Mural Arts Program initiatives. We appreciate your support, please join us soon!

  6. Mural Arts Philadelphia

    Mural Arts Philadelphia, the brains behind these public art displays, runs walking tours of the seemingly endless string of outdoor art—but the best way to see it all is, undoubtedly, by foot.

  7. The Mural Mile

    Come explore The Mural Mile, 17 of Center City's most iconic murals arranged along a 2.5 mile walking route through downtown Philadelphia's vibrant commercial districts and quaint residential streets.

  8. Mural Arts Philadelphia offers spring walking tours in Center City

    Mural Arts Philadelphia is offering walking tours highlighting the public art in Center City, Germantown and South Philly this spring. Tickets cost $25 for adults and $18 for children age 12 and ...

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    Top 10 Best Mural Arts Tour in Philadelphia, PA - November 2023 - Yelp - Mural Arts Philadelphia, A Love Letter for You, Free Tours By Foot, Philly Experiences, Philly Bike Tour, Philly Tour Hub, Philadelphia Urban Adventures, The Big Bus Company, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Ghost Tour of Philadelphia

  10. Philadelphia Murals

    Mural Arts Philadelphia commissions up to 100 public art projects every year. In 2023, artists painted new murals in various Philadelphia neighborhoods including Kensington, Northern Liberties, and the Gayborhood. Among these new murals are "Finally on 13th," honoring the city's rich Ballroom culture. "Literacy Loop" is a 10,000 ...

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    Created, Together. A national assembly on October 20 - 21, 2023 for artists and creatives working with communities brought to Philadelphia by Mural Arts Institute. This two-day event includes site visits to public art projects throughout the city of Philadelphia, a film screening, and a full day of networking with fellow creatives from across ...

  13. Philly Mural Tour in Philadelphia PA

    Tour Philadelphia, PA's murals in a unique and exciting way! Enjoy the ride as your local guide takes you into the back streets of some of Philly's most artistic neighborhoods. Learn about the history and legacy of the Mural Arts Program and view over 20 murals throughout your Segway PT Tour. You begin your journey in Old City and head ...

  14. Explore public artworks along South Street with Mural Arts new walking tour

    Tours are limited to 15 people. Tickets — $25 for adults (ages 13 and older); $17 for children (ages 12 and younger) — must be purchased in advance. To purchase tickets or for information: muralarts.org or 215-925-3633. Mural arts offers new walking tour to see vibrant public art works in South Philly.

  15. Self-Guided Walking Tour

    Self-Guided Walking Tour. Take a stroll through the neighborhood around Philadelphia's Magic Gardens at your leisure and learn more about the incredible mosaic murals in our area. This self-guided tour will give you some insight into the history and stories behind some of Isaiah Zagar's public mosaic works! Self-Guided Tour PDF.

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    Morals and Murals Hood Tour cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. ... Philly Ghosts: Phantoms of Philadelphia Tour. 102. Historical Tours. from . $30.00. per adult. Liberty History Tour Pub Crawl. 104. Food & Drink. from . $45.00. per adult. Top rated. A Day in Amish ...

  18. Mural Trolley Tours, Philadelphia

    The tours are offered seasonally so be sure to call to ask when they're available. Also, it's a bit pricey, running around $30/person. With that said the mural program has been going on in Philadelphia for over 30 years, and this is a wonderful opportunity to see how much art has taken over Philadelphia.

  19. Philadelphia Mural Tour: Street Art That Changes Lives!

    Tickets should be booked online for $24 plus a $1.50 fee per person or the Mural Mile tour (price is accurate as of 3/14/21). If you would like to do a self-guided tour of the murals, you can use this map to help locate the artwork. We ended the tour seeing Garden of Delight by David Guinn.

  20. About

    Lincoln Financial Mural Arts Center 1727-29 Mt. Vernon Street Philadelphia, PA 19130. General: 215.685.0750 Tours: 215.925.3633 [email protected]

  21. Celebrate Black History Month with trolley tour featuring iconic civic

    January 31, 2023 Learn about Black history with guided trolley tours of Philly's murals A professional guide will tell the stories behind some of Philadelphia's most impactful public art on Feb. 5 ...