The Experience
Thanks to the City of Philadelphia's extremely successful Mural Arts Program, 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. Or call the Mural Arts Program at (215) 685-0754 for more information about trolley tours focusing on different areas of the city.
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.