What You Will Do
Come and discover the artistic side of Philadelphia on this dazzling stroll through South Philly, where an endless tapestry of public art lines the streets.
You’ll feel immersed in the local art scene as your expert guide leads you through the Queen Village and Bella Vista neighborhoods, past breathtaking murals and mind-bending mosaics. As you learn about the history of the pieces and their creators, you’ll come to appreciate how public art impacts the neighborhoods and how amazingly accessible art is throughout a major city like Philadelphia.
After exploring the street art and a gallery or two, your tour will conclude at the incredible Magic Gardens - one of the most impressive and fantastical works of art and sculpture you’ll ever see! Admission into the Gardens is included in our tour.
Part of your ticket 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!
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Itinerary
Meeting Point
Meet outside the entrance of the Theatre of the Living Arts (TLA); 334 South St., Philadelphia, PA 19147
1
Theater of Living Arts
10 minutes
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
2
South Street
15 minutes
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
3
10 minutes
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
4
Bella Vista
55 minutes
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.
5
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.
6
Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
30 minutes
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.
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