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Philadelphia's Magic Gardens

1020 South Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Description

Philadelphia's Magic Gardens includes large outdoor mosaicked spaces by artist Isaiah Zagar, interior gallery space to host other artists and an outdoor labyrinth. The mosaics are made up of random objects and materials such as bike wheels, china plates or kitchen tiles. Artistic influences are mostly Latin American but also from Morocco, India, China, Indonesia and Iran.

Access & Transport

PMG is on South Street, about 1.5km southwest of Independence Mall and 1.5km southeast of City Hall. Bus #45 stops at '11th St & South St', 50m away and the Lombard-South metro station (BSL) is 6mins' walk away. Metered and two-hour parking in the immediate vicinity is available along South and Bainbridge Streets, and along numbered streets. Free untimed parking is available on streets farther south Accessibility: much of the main indoor gallery at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens and parts of the outdoor sculpture garden are accessible to people in wheelchairs and strollers. Both the basement (open for guided tours only) and the sculpture garden have stairways and narrow passageways that are not equipped with ramps, elevators, or railings.

Instructions & Recommendations

*** Tickets must be reserved online in advance (not sold on site) ***

Meta review

The PGM aren't always featured in travel guides and blogs; it is thus unsurprising to read contrasting online reviews. Some visitors do enjoy the quirkiness, intricate details and the opportunity to discover an off-the-beaten-path area of Philadelphia whilst others consider the attraction to be overrated and certainly too small for what there is to see. Tip: the art is mostly outside so if it rains you will need an umbrella or waterproof clothing

Environmental & Social

We deem this activity environmentally neutral. The artist and this project have helped partially rejuvenate the area.

Conclusion

Philadelphia's Magic Gardens are certainly different and worth a detour for those interested in art. For others and for children, the activity offers poor value, in our opinion.

Key positive

Original art

Positive community impact

Key negative

Expensive considering the size

Not well connected to public transport

Suitability

Only partially accessible for visitors with reduced mobility. Children under 15yrs old may not be able to appreciate the art

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

Updated in October 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Closed on Thanksgiving, 24/25 Dec and shortened hours around New Year

av. transport time:0h 25m

est. visit time:0h 45m

Regulated hours

Monday11:00 - 18:00

Tuesday -

Wednesday11:00 - 18:00

Thursday11:00 - 18:00

Friday11:00 - 18:00

Saturday11:00 - 18:00

Sunday11:00 - 18:00

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
US$12
Adult
18 - 64
US$15
Teen & Young
13 - 17
US$12
Child
6 - 12
US$8
Infant
0 - 5
US$0
Price for students is $12

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