Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens is an immersive art environment, entirely adorned with intricate mosaics. Created by Isaiah Zagar, the place includes an indoor and outdoor space which is filled with mosaics made of handmade tiles, mirrors, used bottles, ceramic shards and other artistic knick-knacks.The space includes two indoor galleries decorated with mosaics, which host temporary exhibitions and has a bi-level outdoor sculpture garden.
While visiting the museum, you can opt to simply download the self-guided tour pdf and explore the place on your own. You can go on the 1 hour long Morning Magic Tours which occurs before the place is open to the general public. Or you can take a 75-minute long guided site tour and enjoy listening to a guide tell you about the history of this place, about the artists and more.
Highlights
• Visit Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens to enjoy the immersive art environment, filled with intricate mosaics.
• Go on a self-guided tour and take the help of the self-guided tour pdf to learn more about the place at your own pace.
• Opt for the 75-minute long guided site tour during which you will come to know about the place, the mosaics, the artists and more.
• Take the 1 hour long Morning Magic Tours and enjoy exploring the place with a guide before it opens to the general public.
How To Reach
By Car: Philadelphia's Magic Gardens is located 1.5 mi from the city centre, it will take 7 min via the Lombard St and S Broad St route.
By Foot: Philadelphia's Magic Gardens is located 1.0 mi from the city centre on foot, it will take 24 min via the South St and S Broad St route.
By Bus: Take a bus to Locust St & 11th St station which is 0.4 mi away from the garden. You can reach the location from the bus station with a 9-minute walk
By Subway: Take a train to 12-13th & Locust St station which is 0.5 mi away from the garden. You can reach the location from the train station with a 13-minute walk
Best Time To Visit
Philadelphia's Magic Gardens is open year-round from Wednesday to Monday from 11 am to 6 pm except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. The spring (March to May) and fall seasons (September to November) are the best seasons to visit Philadelphia's Magic Gardens due to the milder weather. The best days of the week to visit are from Wednesday to Friday and Monday when there is less crowd. Visit early in the morning soon after the gardens open or later in the afternoon towards closing time.
Other Essential Information
- You will not be permitted to bring any luggage or oversized bags inside the museum.
- You can bring your own snacks inside the place as long as you dispose the waste properly. However, there is no dedicated space for picnicking.
- Carry your own water bottles, especially during summer as there is no water fountain. Non-alchoholic drinks are also allowed inside the premises.
- You can take casual photographs for personal use without using tripods or selfie sticks.
- Service animals and child/dog friendly dogs are allowed inside the attraction provided you keep them on a leash and clean up after them.
Watch the Folk Art Highlights
You will be able to witness a lot of folk art which Isaiah Zagar, the creator of Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens and his wife Julia gathered from around the world. There are many where Isaiah had inspired the artists with his drawings which they interpreted in their own style. While the majority is from Mexico, you will also find works from India, Indonesia, Peru, Morocco, Ecuador and Guatemala.
Take a look at Various Artist Highlights
While exploring Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, you will be able to witness artwork of several artists with whom Isaiah Zagar worked while creating Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens. Apart from Isaiah Zagar, you will find works of art by artists such as Michael Biello, Lucartha Kohler, Michael Morgan, Warren Muller and others.
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