‘Art should not be segregated in museums; it needs to live free among us.’
Isaiah Zagar
Those who have never been to Philadelphia or have never heard about its ‘Magic Gardens’ will surely think that the title of this post refers to a beautiful green area in Philadelphia full of trees and flowers. But few can imagine that Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens is a visionary folk art environment, a spectacular mosaic sculpture garden, spanning half a city block on Philadelphia’s famous South Street that has become the city’s one of the most awe-inspiring attractions to be seen to be believed! Just remember; walking into Philadelphia’s Magic Garden is like entering a painting!
Showcasing the largest artwork and the passion of the award-winning mosaic muralist Isaiah Zagar, the Magic Gardens is a 3,000-square foot labyrinth, made entirely from found objects and contributions from the community that includes an indoor gallery and a massive outdoor labyrinthine mosaic sculpture that will take visitors through tunnels and grottoes with walls adorned with everything from bicycle wheels and empty beer bottles to lighting fixtures and mom’s old china set to sculptures from Latin America and mirrors of all shapes and sizes. Here every inch gives you something interesting to ponder.
The beginnings of the Magic Gardens can be traced to the 1960s when the artist started to help beautify the South Street area after moving there with his wife, Julia. In 1994, after fencing in a lot near his studio to protect the area, the artist began his work. The next 14 years were spent excavating tunnels and grottoes, sculpting, tiling and grouting the 3,000 square foot space. In 2002 the owner of the vacant lot that Zagar built mosaics of Magic Garden decided to put the land up for sale because of rising property values but the community that the artist helped revitalize, came to rescue.
Currently, the magic garden complex is a non-profit organization and a permanent art institution that is open to visitors throughout the year. Visitors can wander in the Gardens on self-guided tours any day of the week. Admission fee is $5 for adults, $2 for children from 6 to 12 years old and free for children, who are 5 and under.
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens offers educational programs, art exhibitions and monthly workshops with the artist, as well as holds unique concerts in its expansive indoor and outdoor mosaiced environment, which culminates into a yearly Summer Solstice Festival. It can also be rented for private parties, weddings and birthday parties.
You can see more of Isaiah’s incredible work at The Eye’s Gallery, a Mexican folk art shop owned by his wife.
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens is a place to be inspired to dream, imagine and tap into the potential for creativity within us all.
