Visitors to Philadelphia shouldn’t miss the Magic Gardens, an amazing tribute to one man’s artistic vision.
Over several decades artist Isaiah Zagar has transformed a decaying building on South Street into a work of mosaic art.
>> Scroll down for more photos of Zagar’s work
Ceramic tiles, glass bottles, bicycle tires and folk pottery line the inner and outer walls of this inner-city lot. Even the bathroom and trash area are covered with glittering patterns.
Fine art or hoarding?
You won’t realize the full scope of Zagar’s work until you enter the outdoor garden. The artist has created a maze of archways, tunnels, and winding staircases– built entirely of what might commonly be called “junk.”
It’s hard to imagine someone spending the time and energy required to cover every inch of this home in mosaic. The attention to detail is almost obsessive.
Local favorite
I visited the Magic Gardens this September when I attended a Meet, Plan, Go event in Philadelphia.
Before setting out on a Mega Bus from Penn Station, I emailed local expert “Mr. Philadelphia” (Albert Lee) for sightseeing advice.
I knew Mr. Philadelphia wouldn’t steer me wrong; he’s the social media concierge at the Independence Visitor Center and a native son. The Mosaic Gardens was one of his top picks.
Great location
The gallery only opened in 2002 but has already become a popular tourist attraction. It’s not hard to see why.
The admission fee is just $5 and it’s located in the heart of South Street, home to funky bars, tattoo parlors and boutiques.
In addition to the Mosaic Gardens, the neighborhood boasts several Zagar murals and a folk art shop owned by his wife.
- For more info: Visit www.phillymagicgardens.org for hours and upcoming events. If you’re curious about mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar, check out the documentary In A Dream (2008), directed by his son Jeremiah.
- A mural created by school children hangs outside the entrance.
- Ceramic figures and a bike wheel at the Magic Gardens.
- A wall rimmed with bicycle tires.
- Bottles form an archway at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens.
- Hoarding or art? The line is blurred in the outdoor area of the Magic Gardens.
- View through the spokes of a bicycle wheel.
- A festive resident of the Magic Gardens.
- Bottles form part of a gate at the Magic Gardens.
- Multi-armed figures are a common sight at the Magic Gardens.
- A pair of nudes at the Magic Gardens.
- The outdoor entrance to the Magic Gardens, facing South Street.
- Even the garbage room is lined with tile mosaics!
- A bathroom at the Magic Gardens. No need to bring a magazine in here- you can examine the wall patterns for hours!
- South Street is home to several buildings covered in mosaic tile.
- A shot of the ceiling. Every square inch of this home/studio space is covered in mosaic art.
- A gate covered in tile, bottles and other found objects.
- The meeting of a wall and ceiling at the Magic Gardens.
- Detail of a tile mosaic at the Magic Gardens.
- A male nude at the Magic Gardens.
What do you think– is this fine art or hoarding?
Share your opinion by leaving a comment below!
Great insight into Philly and the art scene!
It really is quite incredible. Clearly he’s compelled to create these mosaics and they are all around the area. Download the map and take a walking tour – lots of fun.