Overview

There’s so much more to Philadelphia than American history - some of the most incredible public art is on display when you venture into South Philly! On this tour, you’ll head into the heart of the Queen Village and Bella Vista neighborhoods to explore beautiful and surprising pieces of public art, including breathtaking murals and mind-bending mosaics. As you hear the history of the pieces you see, you’ll come to appreciate how public art and creators are intertwined and appreciated by the neighborhoods that they call home, and how amazingly accessible art is throughout a major city like Philadelphia. After exploring the street art and a gallery or two, your tour concludes at the incredible Magic Gardens - one of the most impressive and fantastical works of art and sculpture you’ll ever see! Part of your ticket price also includes a donation to a local organization supporting artists in the city, so you’ll be directly impacting the incredible community highlighted on this tour!

Description

Stop At: Theater of Living Arts, 334 South St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19147

Meet your guide outside this iconic local concert venue and hear how it has played such a huge role in the counterculture spirit of South Street

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: South Street, 301 South St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19147

A vital commercial and artistic artery of South Philly, South Street has been at the forefront of this city’s counterculture scene for generations. Your guide will lead you past an array of locally-owned art galleries and shops, pointing out decorative facades and giving you fascinating morsels of history along the way

Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Da Vinci Art Alliance (DVAA), 704 Catharine St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, USA

This community-based art organization has been a staple in this neighborhood since the 1930’s. Today it supports local artists in the LGBTQ and BIPOC communities by offering exhibit space and grant funding. Guests can view its current exhibits while learning about its past efforts and future goals. Proceeds of your ticket will be donated to DVAA

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Bella Vista, Bella Vista, Philadelphia, PA 19147, USA

Throughout your tour, you'll weave in and out of the streets and alleys of Bella Vista, the neighborhood surrounding the Italian Market and Magic Gardens. Here, you'll see how Philadelphia's first suburb has changed in the last 200+ years, including beautiful homes, gardens, and public art.

Duration: 55 minutes

Pass By: Queen Village, Queen Village, Philadelphia, PA 19147, USA

Queen Village is a charming neighborhood in Philadelphia known for its historic charm, cobblestone streets, and quaint atmosphere. Located just south of Center City, it offers a mix of historic row houses, trendy shops, cozy cafes, and vibrant community parks, making it a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike.

Stop At: Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, 1020 South St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19147

Zagar’s masterpiece, a once-barren abandoned lot on South Street transformed it into a mind-bending labyrinth of glass, tile, paint and almost everything else under the sun. This is something that must be seen to be believed, and you will be granted free admission into the Gardens at the end of this tour.

Duration: 30 minutes