The Experience

Thanks to the City of Philadelphia's extremely successful Mural Arts Program — which celebrates its 25th anniversary from October 2008 through October 2009 — more than 2,000 murals have been painted so far on walls around the city. In every neighborhood you can see building walls transformed with images of heroes (from Dr. J to Frank Sinatra), fantastic landscapes or hope-inspiring scenes.

Maps featuring some outstanding murals are available from the program's offices, at City Hall and the Independence Visitor Center; they trace accessible driving, walking and bike tours you can do yourself.

You can also learn about the Program's incredible Mural Tours by visiting Mural Arts Program.

History

The city-run Mural Arts program was born in 1984 as the Anti-Graffiti Network, providing constructive projects for young artists. It has grown into a public art project that far surpasses other cities' programs in its scope and organization.

The unique mural-planning process always brings artists together with community members; the result is a kind of ever-growing collage of the city’s hopes and dreams.