Philadelphia is renowned for its vibrant street art scene, with more than 4,400 murals adorning the city's walls. What began as an anti-graffiti program in 1984 has now become the largest public art program in the United States, thanks to the efforts of Jane Golden and her team at Mural Arts Philadelphia. Through innovative collaborations with a variety of city agencies, Mural Arts has created over 4,000 works of public art that have transformed public spaces and individual lives. To get a glimpse of some of these works, visitors can explore the open-air art gallery in Philadelphia, which features established pieces by renowned artists such as Robert Indiana, Amy Sherald and Auguste Rodin.
In addition, there are several other places to explore, such as Mural Arts, the Association for Public Art and the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia. Philadelphia is also home to some of the most iconic street art in the world. From Rocky Balboa's bronze statue to the Magic Gardens of Philadelphia, there are plenty of opportunities to take great selfies or photos of murals worth sharing. The city is also home to some of the most innovative street art projects, such as DJ King Britt and Joshua Mays' “monumental temporary portal” that honors ancient legacies and imagines utopian futures. The godfather of Graffiti, Cornbread McCray, began labeling his name in Philadelphia in 1967 when he was just 12 years old. His work can still be seen today on public garbage dumps, street lamps and electrical boxes.
Another notable artist is Isaiah Zagar, who created Watchtowers in South Philadelphia - his largest public art project to date. Philadelphia's street art scene is truly something to behold. With thousands of art exhibits, colorful murals and sculptures, it's no wonder why it's been called the largest open-air art gallery in the world. So if you're ever in town, don't forget to take a stroll around the city and explore its vibrant street art.
