Editing Philadelphias Magic Gardens

{{Infobox Museum
| name = Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
| image =
| image_caption = Philadelphia's Magic Gardens mosaic art
| type = Art museum, folk art environment
| address = 1020 South Street
| neighborhood = Bella Vista
| coordinates = 39.9427,-75.1590
| phone = (215) 733-0390
| website = https://www.phillymagicgardens.org
| established = 2008
| founder = Isaiah Zagar
| director = Emily Smith
| collections = Mosaic art, folk art environment
| visitors = 150,000+ annually
| hours = Wed-Mon 11 AM - 6 PM
}}

'''Philadelphia's Magic Gardens''' (PMG) is an immersive mixed-media art environment created by mosaic artist '''Isaiah Zagar''' in the Bella Vista neighborhood of South Philadelphia. The installation spans three city lots—both indoor galleries and outdoor sculptural environments—covered entirely in Zagar's signature mosaic work incorporating found objects, mirrors, tiles, bicycle wheels, glass bottles, and endless other materials. What began as one artist's unauthorized beautification project has become a major Philadelphia attraction and a nonprofit art organization.<ref name="pmg">{{cite web |url=https://www.phillymagicgardens.org/about/ |title=About PMG |publisher=Philadelphia's Magic Gardens |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

Since opening as a museum in '''2008''', Philadelphia's Magic Gardens has attracted visitors from around the world who come to experience Zagar's fantastical environment. The Magic Gardens is also the epicenter of Zagar's larger body of work—he has created over 200 public mosaic murals throughout Philadelphia, particularly in the South Street area, making him one of the most prolific public artists in the city's history.<ref name="visit">{{cite web |url=https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/philadelphias-magic-gardens/ |title=Philadelphia's Magic Gardens |publisher=Visit Philadelphia |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

== History ==

=== Isaiah Zagar ===

'''Isaiah Zagar''' (born 1939) moved to Philadelphia in 1968 with his wife Julia, opening the '''Eyes Gallery''' on South Street—a shop selling Latin American folk art. At the time, South Street was a declining neighborhood that city planners had targeted for demolition to build a crosstown expressway.

When the expressway was blocked by community activists, Zagar began beautifying the neighborhood by covering walls with mosaics, eventually creating over 200 public works throughout South Philadelphia.

=== Creating the Magic Gardens ===

In the 1990s, Zagar began transforming vacant lots at 1020 South Street into his masterwork:
* Covered walls, floors, and tunnels with mosaics
* Built sculptural environments and grottoes
* Worked continuously for over a decade
* Created without permission on land he didn't own

=== Legal Challenges ===

In 2002, the property owners discovered what Zagar had created and demanded he remove his work or buy the land. After a legal battle and fundraising campaign, Zagar purchased the lots in '''2004''', preserving the installation.

=== Opening as a Museum ===

'''Philadelphia's Magic Gardens''' opened as a nonprofit art museum in '''2008''', allowing public access to Zagar's vision while supporting his continued work and community programming.

== The Installation ==

=== Outdoor Labyrinth ===

The main outdoor installation covers half a city block:
* Winding passages and tunnels
* Towering mosaic walls
* Sculptural grottos and niches
* Multiple levels to explore
* Folk art figures and found objects embedded throughout

=== Indoor Galleries ===

Two indoor spaces complement the outdoor environment:
* Gallery exhibitions
* Video about Zagar and his work
* Temporary art shows
* Climate-controlled viewing of mosaic work

=== Materials ===

Zagar's work incorporates endless found objects:
* Mirror fragments (creating kaleidoscopic effects)
* Ceramic tiles
* Glass bottles and shards
* Bicycle wheels
* Kitchen implements
* Folk art and figurines
* Handmade tiles with imagery and text
* Reclaimed architectural elements

=== Themes ===

The work contains recurring themes and imagery:
* Latin American folk art influences
* Self-portraiture and personal history
* Text and poetry
* References to Philadelphia and South Street
* Jewish heritage and symbolism
* Love and relationships (particularly Julia Zagar)

== Beyond the Magic Gardens ==

=== South Street Mosaics ===

Zagar has created over 200 public mosaic murals in Philadelphia, primarily in the South Street corridor. Visitors can take self-guided or guided walking tours to see:
* Building facades covered in mosaics
* Murals on side streets and alleys
* The Eyes Gallery storefront
* Unexpected surprises throughout the neighborhood

=== Mosaic Mural Tours ===

The Magic Gardens offers:
* '''Guided Walking Tours:''' Led by staff, exploring South Street mosaics
* '''Self-Guided Tour Map:''' Available at the museum

== Visiting Philadelphia's Magic Gardens ==

=== Hours ===

* '''Wednesday-Monday:''' 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
* '''Closed:''' Tuesday
* Extended evening hours in summer

=== Admission ===

* '''Adults:''' Approximately $15 (check website for current pricing)
* '''Seniors/Students:''' Discounted rates
* '''Children (5 and under):''' Free
* '''Members:''' Free

Timed-entry tickets recommended on weekends.

=== Tips ===

* Allow 1-1.5 hours to fully explore
* Wear comfortable shoes (uneven surfaces)
* Photography is encouraged
* Look up, down, and all around—art is everywhere
* Visit on sunny days for best mirror effects
* Explore South Street before or after your visit

=== Accessibility ===

Note: The outdoor labyrinth has uneven surfaces, narrow passages, and stairs. Indoor galleries are accessible. Contact the museum for accessibility information.

=== Getting There ===

* '''SEPTA Broad Street Line:''' Lombard-South Station (5-minute walk)
* '''SEPTA Bus:''' Routes 40, 57
* '''Walking:''' Located on South Street between 10th and 11th Streets
* '''Parking:''' Street parking (metered); nearby parking lots

=== Nearby Attractions ===

* [[South Street]] (surrounding)
* [[Italian Market]] (5-minute walk)
* [[Fabric Workshop and Museum]] (10-minute walk)
* [[Bella Vista, Philadelphia]]

== Programs ==

=== Workshops ===

* Mosaic art workshops
* Youth programs
* Family activities
* Community art projects

=== Events ===

* Summer evening programs
* Artist talks
* Community celebrations
* Special exhibitions

== See Also ==

* [[South Street]]
* [[Bella Vista, Philadelphia]]
* [[Public Art in Philadelphia]]
* [[Italian Market]]
* [[Street Art in Philadelphia]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://www.phillymagicgardens.org Philadelphia's Magic Gardens Official Website]
* [https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/philadelphias-magic-gardens/ Visit Philadelphia Guide]

{{#seo:
|title=Philadelphia's Magic Gardens - Isaiah Zagar Mosaic Art Environment
|description=Visit Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, an immersive mosaic art environment by Isaiah Zagar on South Street. Explore half a city block of fantastical art, mirrors, and found objects in Bella Vista.
|keywords=Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, Isaiah Zagar, mosaic art, South Street Philadelphia, folk art environment, Bella Vista, Philadelphia art museum, Magic Gardens
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Museums]]
[[Category:Art Institutions]]
[[Category:Bella Vista]]
[[Category:South Street]]
[[Category:Public Art]]