When I found out that the Magic Gardens was actually an apartment building converted into an art space, I was intrigued.
But it wasn’t until I discovered that the art space was actually the brain-child and life’s work of a whimsical and yet generally disagreeable artistic eccentric, that I was sold.
My trip to Phillysimply had to include a stop at the Magic Gardens.
That artistic eccentric was actually a man named Isaiah Zagar, who has created public mosaics and artworks throughout Philly for the past 40 years.
He draws inspiration from his time in the Peace Corps in Peru and clearly has a thing for Gaudi and Nek Chand.
The Magic Gardens spans half a city block and includes the fully mosaiced converted apartment (now used as a gallery and community gathering space) and a massive outdoor mosaic sculpture garden.
Its an overwhelmingly funky environment that engulfs you the second you walk in the door.
It feels like a place you could visit a hundred times and still find something new.
In short, it was awesome.
And its well worth a visit if you should find yourself in Philly.
*For more Photo Friday glory, head to Delicious Baby!
I would definitely be intrigued by a place called the Magic Gardens too. The mosaics are unbelievable!
I have heard of this place too but wasn’t sure how it would be– now I think that will make a great daytrip with the kids. Have you done the mural tour in Philadelphia?
Linda – I just kept thinking “how long did it take to make theses mosaics!?!” They were all do intricate.
Preparing For Takeoff – I know there are tons of murals in Philly, but I’ve never done a tour. I bet that would be really fun though!
Of all the cities in the US I’ve visited–not to mention, countries in the world–I have yet to go to Philly. That’s just downright ridiculous, too, given I spent a couple of years in NYC!
I hear ya! Funny how the places close to home sometimes go unnoticed/unexplored. Baltimore is a 40 minute train ride from DC & I still haven’t been there!
I would love, love visiting a place like that. Thanks for the fantastic pictures!
Looks particularly cool in the snow!
Very cool. The gardens are a wonderful find. I will have to get back to Philly soon.
The snow a definite bonus, although some sections of the courtyard were off limits since they hadn’t been shoveled yet!