Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
4.5
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Philadelphia's Magic Gardens (PMG)is a mosaicked visionary art environment, gallery, and community arts center that preserves, interprets and provides access to Isaiah Zagar's unique mosaic art environment and his public murals. The Magic Gardens site, Zagar's largest artwork, includes a fully tiled indoor space and large outdoor mosaic sculpture garden that spans half a block on Philadelphia's famous South Street. Inside, view PMG's ever changing exhibitions in two indoor galleries.
Duration: < 1 hour
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: City Center East
How to get there
- Lombard–South • 7 min walk
- Walnut–Locust • 10 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,954 within 3 miles
Attractions
679 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Melanie H22 contributionsThis site was by far the most unique part of my trip to Philly. Wall, floor and ceiling covered in mosaics and sculptures, all made out of garbage. That might sound unpleasant, but when you see it it’s actually quite amazing. You become fully immersed in the environment in a way most art galleries can’t do. In addition to the outdoor garden, there are also indoor galleries with very eclectic-style art. Even the bathrooms are covered wall-to-ceiling. It takes about an hour to see: a guided tour is a must to learn the full story behind the site. While I greatly enjoyed this site, it’s not for everyone. People who prefer their art to be more traditional as opposed to eclectic or experimental will not be enthused by this. I also don’t recommend it for people with mobility concerns, as you will not be able to see most of the garden. But it’s an amazing experience for those who enjoy this genre of art.Visited July 2024Traveled soloWritten July 11, 2024
- Sam RNew Haven, Connecticut6 contributionsI only wound up having about 30 minutes to spend here, but it was still worth the price of admission ($15). A unique space that features great displays of artistic creativity. I have never seen anything like the outdoor portion (essentially walking through a massive work of art; floors and walls covered in mosaics), and the art on display indoors was impressive as well. I would recommend this to just about anyone, any age.Visited July 2024Traveled soloWritten July 27, 2024
- jinxminxTakoma Park, Maryland455 contributionsSo much work went into this! It's beautiful, like a little enclave of european streets, but covered with mosaics. Amazing place to take photographs. I'd like to go back and linger for longer - I know they give out scavenger hunt pages so you can look for certain elements in the mosaics. The art exhibit inside the visitor center was also excellent. The mosaics spill out into the neighborhood. It's like outsider art, but the artist was actually a professional art school educated artist.Visited July 2024Traveled with familyWritten October 1, 2024
- weekendvisitor201553 contributionsThis was a perfect experience for us. So many details to look at in this beautiful, creative space! For $15 it was very much worth the experience-although entry is timed you can stay as ling as you want. Scavenger hunt list is available for more fun..Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 10, 2024
- Madam-Travels-A-Bit5 contributionsWow. The work that must have gone into this art installation is unimaginable. Beautiful, quirky and unique. It was such an amazing experience to he surrounded by art. As much as I love traditional museums, this was such a cool change of space, like nothing I've ever seen. Tired of sad beige? Interested in outsider art or folk art? Go here! Worth the price to preserve this gem.Visited July 2024Traveled soloWritten July 29, 2024
- Karen VGrantville, Pennsylvania196 contributionsAs always, the magic mosaic garden was phenomenal! Buy tickets on line ahead of time. People were turned away who had not done so. The staff were helpful answering questions and even had a mosaic type activity going on for children. Parking garages are found on South street as street parking is atrocious!Visited March 2025Traveled with friendsWritten March 10, 2025
- Aprilmcarroll361 contributionsGet your tickets in advance! I did not realize tickets were needed and that there was a timed entry. We only had to wait half an hour though. Beautiful, magical place. While walking to the gardens. We came across the same style mosaics in alleys and on the sides of the buildings, which was a great build up! It truly is a beautiful place.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 30, 2024
- Gina MNewtown, Connecticut33 contributionsI have never seen an “art environment” like this before and it’s absolutely stunning. Transporting. My 9 and 13 year old loved it as well. We spent maybe an hour there? Around every turn is something else that makes you stop and think. The photos don’t capture its scale.Visited December 2024Traveled with familyWritten January 1, 2025
- Thomas CTaylor, Pennsylvania176 contributionsWe were lucky enough to see this in all of its beauty last October. I heard they tore down some of it since the . It’s very sad. The place is a true one of a kind. So much craftsmanship and skill. Spend some time here it’s amazing.Hello! We're happy to report Philadelphia's Magic Gardens is still fully intact! You may have heard about another mosaic mural by the same artist that was demolished last year. There are actually some new mosaicked sections of PMG that were recently added, so we hope you'll come back and check those out soon!Written September 18, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten September 12, 2024
- Linda MLufkin, Texas99 contributionsMost amazing place. First we looked at the art outside on the side street. Then into the facility. I thought “one man’s junk is definitely one man’s treasure”. My favorite was the bicycle chandelier. Just an amazing place.Visited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten March 28, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,165 reviews
Excellent
736
Very good
297
Average
92
Poor
19
Terrible
21
Tyler S
1 contribution
May 2024 • Couples
I’m leaving this review bc this is what I would have liked to know before going. Magic gardens is not worth $15 a person. The entrance and side of the building are enough to give you a glimpse of the art and take your insta photo. The art was uninspiring and created by a mad perverted person. Do what you will with my advice.
Written May 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chanda73
Prairie du Sac, WI139 contributions
Aug 2023
Fascinating art experience created with ceramic tiles, glass, mirrors, folk art, and more. Some are there more for the photography experience than the art, but it's all good. It is worth noting that tickets will sell out every Saturday and Sunday so you do need to purchase in advance. There were unhappy people at the door as the Saturday tours were completely sold out and they couldn't get in (not sure why they were so mad at the staff because of their failure to plan ahead?). Also, they will not let you in early (maybe 5 - 10 minutes?) and there isn't a lot of other stuff in the immediate neighborhood (or places to sit) while you're waiting so don't arrive too early. If you do find yourself early, or without a ticket, there are some other interesting mosaics in the neighborhood if you look around.
Written August 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mrstraveller1
York, UK2,280 contributions
Dec 2023 • Solo
Well worth a visit, this indoor/outdoor art gallery is pretty awesome. Mosaic murals made up of zillions of hand made tiles, as well as sundry items such as bottles, ornaments & bicycle wheels cover just about every inch of the space (including the loo), in a kaleidoscope collision of colour & tat. There’s a gift shop & a gallery selling affordable art, & more murals to view in the surrounding streets. Tickets can be booked online & cost $15 (it’s a non-profit organisation). Located towards South Philly, it fits in well with a visit to the Italian Market.
Written December 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elaine
New York City, NY312 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Great for the gram. Beautiful little spot for pictures and to explore for half hour although the timed entry is kind of dumb to me because once you enter, you can stay for as long as you want. I guess they don't want too many crowds if they just let everyone in? Make sure you buy tickets ahead of time. We got there at like 1230pm and they said next available tickets were at 230pm so we bought them right after speaking to the employee on my phone.
I bought a $1 postcard here too if you are interested in that as well.
I bought a $1 postcard here too if you are interested in that as well.
Written August 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
h0ckeym0m2016
Boston, MA1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Family
Perhaps could be improved by including an audio tour telling about the artist, the process, notable sections, etc. It needs more to make it worth the steep admission price. It was almost twice the suggested price that I paid at the Rodin museum where we spent three times the time and got a live tour. I’d pay $5 for the 15-30 min there. Not $15. Walked around the neighborhood after and saw the same art for free. Unique and cool, but left disappointed - and it was what I chose to do on my birthday. Staff was nice. Saw two of them.
Written August 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Riley
2 contributions
Jul 2023 • Solo
Sold out of tickets immediately and didn’t sell any at the door. Only let a couple people in at a time when there’s tons of space, they lose money because of this. Refused to even let pictures get taken in it/in front without tickets
Written July 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JustJoan12345
Fort Washington, PA67 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
The magic garden (although I'm not sure garden is the best description) is worth the $15 entrance fee. I suggest purchasing the timed tickets in advance, but you can also buy them there. To me it's more of a "mosaic art installation", that spans three properties on South Street. Unique is a word that's overused, but it really does apply here. I was intrigued by this place. Definitely do the scavenger hunts - both the outside one and the inside one.
Written August 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas Liam
Ottawa, Canada561 contributions
Dec 2022
I couldn't think of a more unique attraction I've visited at a more reasonable price. You could spend as long as you want exploring the outside installation. You'll keep finding unique objects protruding from the mosaic.
This whole art exhibit is honestly so wonderful and helps shed a light on local and modern artists trying to better their communities. This was possibly the most special place we visited on our trip to Philadelphia and we won't soon forget it. I will recommend it to every single person going there.
Admission is timed, so buy tickets ahead of time and show up on time! You have a 30 minute window to enter. The price is affordable (in my opinion) at 12$ USD for a student. 15$ for an adult.
This whole art exhibit is honestly so wonderful and helps shed a light on local and modern artists trying to better their communities. This was possibly the most special place we visited on our trip to Philadelphia and we won't soon forget it. I will recommend it to every single person going there.
Admission is timed, so buy tickets ahead of time and show up on time! You have a 30 minute window to enter. The price is affordable (in my opinion) at 12$ USD for a student. 15$ for an adult.
Written December 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Annie_Chewinsky
Los Angeles, CA10 contributions
Sep 2021
Yes, it is a pretty place to visit, but for $15, I expected more content. The entire site takes less than 5 minutes to walk through. If you linger to admire the aesthetics of the art, which admittedly is very beautiful, and to take photos, then one needs 20 mins max on site. But seriously, $15 is way too much for what you get. I am rating Magic Gardens at a 3 by averaging the 4 that I would give for the art and the 2 that I would give for the relatively pricey entry.
Written September 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hrobinson1114
Nashville, TN5,765 contributions
Oct 2021 • Solo
Thought this place would be bigger, but there is still a lot to see. If you really take your time, there are all types of little surprises tucked throughout this giant piece of work by Isaiah Zagar.
It can get a little crowded, especially if you take your time, so I would go early on a weekday. Right now they are doing timed tickets and they are 15 dollars.
Very unique, and you won’t see anything else like this, so I would recommend it. And maybe go back a second time, as you’re sure to see something new and delightful.
There are also a couple of small art galleries full of colorful pieces.
You can also see Zagar’s murals throughout Philly.
It can get a little crowded, especially if you take your time, so I would go early on a weekday. Right now they are doing timed tickets and they are 15 dollars.
Very unique, and you won’t see anything else like this, so I would recommend it. And maybe go back a second time, as you’re sure to see something new and delightful.
There are also a couple of small art galleries full of colorful pieces.
You can also see Zagar’s murals throughout Philly.
Written October 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We have ticket but rain looks likely. Will we still enjoy? Is there coverage?
Written October 6, 2021
There’s not much coverage but you can jumó inside where the gift shop is if it starts to really pour
Written October 7, 2021
This looks neat but.....$15? It looks like it wouldn’t take very long. Am I missing something here?
Written April 4, 2021
Is there any parking in the area?
Written September 24, 2020
We walked from our Hampton Inn Convention Center Hotel. I wasn’t paying attention to parking in the area. Sorry, I don’t think I can help with that question. Iy was worth seeing though!
Written September 24, 2020
Can you walk from Reading Terminal Market?
Written November 7, 2019
Yes! Honestly you can walk just about anywhere in Philly.
Written November 8, 2019
Can I leave my luggage in a coat room or behind the desk while I look at the mosaics? I'm trying to visit on my way from the airport to my conference on the other side of town? I've called and emailed and never gotten a response
Written October 19, 2019
I doubt they will let you. The place was TERRIFIC - inspirational and amazing. But the staff were stand-offish and really cranky.
Written October 19, 2019
PMGStaff
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Hello! Our general admission fees are:
$10 for adults
$8 for Students with ID, Military & Seniors
$5 for ages 6-12
FREE for children 5 and under
We do strongly recommend purchasing your admission tickets online ahead of time to avoid having to wait in line or encountering sold out time slots! Enjoy your visit!
Written August 1, 2018
I think we paid about $10 per person and they offer a student discount
Written August 24, 2018
The Garden is on South Street and this section is loaded with many places of all types as far as eating goes. If you are looking for cheesesteaks then go to Jim's at South & 4th. Enjoy!!!
Written March 13, 2015
Are there any recommendations for lunch nearby?
Written March 12, 2015
I would just like to add that Jim's steaks is a short walk down the street. My number 2 favorite cheesesteak in the city.
Written March 13, 2015
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