How to Find Street Art Murals in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is more than just the birthplace of American democracy—it’s one of the world’s most vibrant open-air galleries. With over 4,000 murals scattered across its neighborhoods, the city holds the distinction of being the largest public art collection in the United States. These murals aren’t just decorative; they’re historical documents, cultural statements, and community expressions that reflect the voices of residents, artists, and activists. For travelers, art enthusiasts, photographers, and locals alike, discovering these murals offers a deeply personal connection to the soul of the city. But with so many works spread across dozens of districts, knowing where to start—and how to find them efficiently—is key. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of uncovering Philadelphia’s street art treasures, from planning your route to understanding the stories behind each piece. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime resident looking to rediscover your city, this tutorial will equip you with the knowledge and tools to explore Philadelphia’s murals with confidence and depth.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand the Origin and Scope of Philadelphia’s Mural Arts Program

Before you hit the streets, it’s essential to understand the institutional backbone behind the city’s murals. The Mural Arts Philadelphia program, founded in 1984 as the Anti-Graffiti Network, transformed a city struggling with vandalism into a global leader in public art. What began as an effort to clean up walls and deter graffiti evolved into a community-driven initiative that commissions local and international artists to create large-scale, thematically rich murals. Today, the program works with schools, nonprofits, and residents to co-create art that addresses social issues—from racial justice and mental health to immigration and environmental sustainability.

Knowing this context helps you appreciate each mural not as a random painting, but as a collaborative act of storytelling. Many murals include QR codes or plaques with artist bios, historical notes, and community impact statements. Recognizing this intentionality will deepen your experience as you seek them out.

Step 2: Download and Explore the Official Mural Arts Philadelphia Map

The most reliable starting point is the official Mural Arts Philadelphia interactive map, available at muralarts.org. This digital resource is updated regularly and includes over 4,000 murals with precise addresses, artist names, themes, and completion dates. Use a mobile device to access the map while walking or biking. The interface allows you to filter by neighborhood, topic (e.g., “Civil Rights,” “Nature,” “Women in History”), or artist. You can also search by keyword—for example, “Latino heritage” or “Philadelphia sports.”

For offline use, download the PDF version of the map from the website or request a printed copy at the Mural Arts Philadelphia Center at 1219 Arch Street. The physical map is especially useful in areas with spotty cell service. Bookmark your top five or ten murals based on proximity and theme before heading out.

Step 3: Choose a Neighborhood Focus

Philadelphia’s murals are not evenly distributed. Some neighborhoods are dense with artwork, while others have only a few scattered pieces. To maximize your time and avoid exhaustion, select one or two neighborhoods per outing. Here are the top five mural-rich districts:

• South Philadelphia – Home to iconic pieces like “The Philadelphia Mural Arts Program: A Community Mosaic” and the massive “I Am a Man” mural honoring the 1968 Memphis sanitation workers’ strike.
• North Philadelphia – Known for bold, politically charged works, including “The Peace Wall” by Jane Golden and “The Children’s Wall,” a tribute to youth resilience.
• West Philadelphia – Features the “Black Lives Matter” mural on 52nd Street and “The Tree of Life” at the University of Pennsylvania’s campus.
• Center City – Offers easy access to high-traffic murals like “The Philadelphia Mural Arts Program: A Community Mosaic” near City Hall and “The Welcome Mural” at 22nd and Chestnut.
• Fairmount – Near the Philadelphia Museum of Art, this area boasts “The Fruits of the City” and “The River of Life,” both celebrating local ecology and diversity.

Use Google Maps or Apple Maps to plot a walking or biking route between your selected murals. Aim for clusters within a 1–2 mile radius to keep your journey manageable.

Step 4: Use GPS Coordinates and Street-Level Navigation

Many murals are located on the sides of buildings, alleyways, or rooftops—not always visible from the sidewalk. Relying solely on street names can lead to missed pieces. For precision, use the GPS coordinates provided on the Mural Arts website. Open Google Maps, enter the coordinates, and switch to Street View to preview the mural’s exact location, lighting, and surrounding landmarks.

For example, the mural “The Tree of Life” at 40.0044° N, 75.1944° W is tucked between two apartment buildings on 40th Street. Without Street View, you might walk right past it. Once you’re on-site, look for subtle cues: a painted wall that stands out from surrounding brick, a bench nearby, or a small plaque mounted at eye level. Many murals are located near public transit stops, libraries, or community centers—use these as anchor points.

Step 5: Visit During Optimal Lighting Conditions

Lighting dramatically affects how murals appear in photographs and how much detail you can observe. The best times to visit are early morning (8–10 a.m.) or late afternoon (4–6 p.m.), when the sun casts soft, angled light across the surfaces. Midday sun can cause harsh shadows and glare, washing out colors and textures.

Also consider seasonal changes. In winter, fewer trees block views, making murals easier to spot. In spring and summer, foliage can obscure parts of a mural—especially those on the lower levels of buildings. If you’re planning a photo shoot, bring a polarizing filter to reduce reflections and enhance color saturation.

Step 6: Engage with the Community

One of the most rewarding ways to find hidden murals is by talking to locals. Baristas, shopkeepers, librarians, and even taxi drivers often know about murals that aren’t listed on official maps. Ask open-ended questions: “Have you seen any interesting murals around here lately?” or “Is there a mural nearby that means something special to this neighborhood?”

Many murals are commissioned in response to local events—a tragedy, a celebration, a victory. Residents may share personal stories about the artist, the process, or how the mural changed their perception of the area. These narratives add emotional weight to your exploration and often lead you to lesser-known gems.

Step 7: Document Your Journey

Keep a journal or digital log of each mural you visit. Note the title, artist, location, date, and your personal reaction. Use a photo app like Google Photos or Apple Photos to tag images with location data and keywords (e.g., “mural,” “Philadelphia,” “social justice”). This creates a personal archive you can revisit—and share with others.

Consider creating a simple blog or Instagram account to document your mural-hunting journey. Not only does this reinforce your learning, but it also contributes to the broader appreciation of public art. Many artists and the Mural Arts Program actively engage with followers who share their work.

Step 8: Plan for Accessibility and Safety

While most murals are publicly accessible, some are located in alleys, near active construction zones, or on private property with limited foot traffic. Always prioritize safety:

• Visit during daylight hours, especially in less-trafficked areas.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes and carry water.
• Be aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions like headphones.
• Respect private property—do not climb fences or trespass.
• Some murals are on the second or third floors; use binoculars or zoom lenses to view them safely from the sidewalk.

Many murals are ADA-accessible, but check the Mural Arts website for notes on accessibility. If you have mobility concerns, use the filter option on the map to find murals near public transit or with wheelchair-friendly pathways.

Step 9: Attend a Guided Mural Tour

While self-guided exploration is rewarding, joining a guided tour can unlock deeper insights. Mural Arts Philadelphia offers free and donation-based walking tours led by trained docents who provide historical context, artist interviews, and behind-the-scenes stories. Tours typically last 90 minutes and cover 6–8 murals in a single neighborhood.

Reservations are recommended and can be made through the Mural Arts website. Tours are offered in English and Spanish and are suitable for all ages. Even if you’re an experienced mural hunter, a guided tour often reveals connections you wouldn’t notice alone—like how a mural in Kensington references a poem written by a local teen, or how a mural in South Philly echoes the color palette of a West African textile.

Step 10: Return and Revisit

Murals are living art. Over time, they may be restored, repainted, or even covered by new works. What you see today may change in six months. Return to your favorite murals after a season or two. Notice how weather, time, and community events have altered their appearance. Some murals are designed to fade—symbolizing impermanence and resilience. Others are meticulously maintained through community clean-up days.

Revisiting also allows you to see how your own perspective evolves. A mural that once felt abstract may now resonate with a personal experience. This cyclical engagement turns mural hunting into a lifelong practice of observation, empathy, and connection.

Best Practices

Respect the Art and the Community

Murals are not billboards or backdrops for selfies—they are sacred expressions of identity, memory, and struggle. Avoid touching, scratching, or tagging the walls. Do not use spray paint, markers, or stickers to “enhance” a mural. Even well-intentioned alterations can cause irreversible damage and are considered vandalism under city law.

Be mindful of nearby residents. Don’t block driveways, loiter excessively, or play loud music while photographing. Many murals are located in residential areas where people live, work, and raise families. Your presence should enhance, not disrupt, their daily lives.

Photography Etiquette

If you’re taking photos, be considerate. Avoid using flash on murals—it can degrade pigments over time. Use natural light and adjust your camera settings for contrast and exposure. If you’re photographing people near the mural, ask for permission. Many murals include portraits of real community members; treating them with dignity is part of honoring the art.

Tag the artist and Mural Arts Philadelphia when sharing on social media. Use hashtags like

MuralArtsPhilly, #PhiladelphiaMurals, and #PublicArtPHL to help others discover these works and support the program’s visibility.

Support the Program

Mural Arts Philadelphia is a nonprofit that relies on donations, grants, and community partnerships to sustain its work. Consider making a small donation when you visit their center, purchasing a mural-themed gift from their online store, or volunteering for a mural restoration day. Even sharing a mural post on Instagram helps raise awareness and attract funding.

Learn the Language of Murals

Many murals use symbolic imagery: doves for peace, chains for liberation, trees for growth, water for cleansing. Learn common motifs and their meanings in African, Latinx, Indigenous, and European traditions. For example, the use of blue in a mural may reference the Virgin Mary in Catholic communities, or the sky in West African cosmology. Understanding these symbols turns a visual experience into a cultural dialogue.

Keep a Mural Journal

Bring a small notebook or use a notes app to record:

• The mural’s title and artist
• The date and time of your visit
• Weather conditions and lighting
• Any people or stories you heard nearby
• Your emotional response: “This made me feel hopeful,” or “I didn’t know this history.”

Over time, your journal becomes a personal map of emotional and intellectual growth. You’ll begin to notice patterns—how certain neighborhoods favor bold colors, or how youth-focused murals often include hands reaching upward.

Stay Updated

New murals are painted every year. Subscribe to the Mural Arts Philadelphia newsletter or follow them on Instagram (@muralartsphilly) to receive alerts about new installations, unveiling ceremonies, and artist talks. Some murals are revealed with live music, poetry readings, or community meals—attending these events connects you to the living culture behind the art.

Tools and Resources

Official Mural Arts Philadelphia Website

muralarts.org is the central hub for all things mural-related in Philadelphia. The site includes:

• An interactive map with 4,000+ murals
• Artist biographies and interviews
• Virtual tours and video documentaries
• Event calendars for mural unveilings
• Downloadable PDF maps and walking tour guides
• Educational resources for teachers and students

The site is optimized for mobile use and loads quickly on slow networks. It’s the most authoritative source for accurate, up-to-date information.

Google Maps and Street View

Use Google Maps to search “mural Philadelphia” and filter by “Photos” to see user-submitted images. Street View lets you virtually walk down streets before you go. Type in an address or drag the yellow Pegman icon onto the map to preview murals from street level. This is invaluable for identifying murals hidden behind trees or on narrow alleys.

Apple Maps and Waze

Apple Maps integrates well with iOS devices and offers reliable turn-by-turn navigation. Waze, while primarily a traffic app, sometimes includes user-reported landmarks like murals. Use it as a supplementary tool, but always cross-reference with the official map.

Mural Arts Mobile App

Mural Arts Philadelphia launched a dedicated mobile app in 2022. Available on iOS and Android, the app includes:

• Offline map downloads
• Audio guides narrated by artists
• Augmented reality (AR) features that overlay historical photos on current views
• Photo challenges and scavenger hunts for families
• Accessibility filters (e.g., “wheelchair accessible,” “shaded path”)

Download it before your trip for the most immersive experience.

Local Libraries and Visitor Centers

The Free Library of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau offer free printed maps and brochures. Visit the library’s Central Branch at 1901 Vine Street or the Welcome Center at 18th and JFK Boulevard. Staff can recommend lesser-known murals based on your interests—whether you’re into history, nature, or abstract design.

Books and Documentaries

Deepen your understanding with these resources:

• Philadelphia Murals and the Stories They Tell by Jane Golden and Elizabeth Esposito
• Wall of Respect: Public Art and Black Liberation in 1960s Chicago (for historical context)
• Art of the City: The Mural Arts Program of Philadelphia (documentary, 2018, available on PBS)
• Public Art in Urban America by Susan S. Szenasy

These provide historical context, artist profiles, and critical analysis of how public art shapes urban identity.

Local Art Schools and Universities

Temple University, the University of the Arts, and Moore College of Art & Design often host student-led mural projects. Visit their art departments or check their public event calendars. Students sometimes create pop-up murals on campus walls or in nearby neighborhoods. These are often experimental, temporary, and deeply personal.

Real Examples

“I Am a Man” – 22nd and Fitzwater Streets, South Philadelphia

This 70-foot mural, painted in 2018 by artist Aminah Robinson, honors the 1968 Memphis sanitation workers’ strike. The workers carried signs that read “I Am a Man,” demanding dignity and fair wages. Robinson’s mural features the faces of six Black Philadelphians who worked in public service—garbage collectors, nurses, teachers—each holding a sign with their own version of the phrase: “I Am a Mother,” “I Am a Veteran,” “I Am a Dreamer.”

Location tip: Look for the mural on the side of a former warehouse. There’s a small park bench across the street where visitors often sit and reflect. QR codes link to audio recordings of descendants of the original Memphis workers.

“The Tree of Life” – 40th Street and Walnut Street, West Philadelphia

Created in 2021 by artist Kadir Nelson, this mural depicts a towering tree with roots shaped like intertwined hands and branches forming the shapes of birds, books, and musical instruments. Each leaf represents a different immigrant community in Philadelphia. The mural was commissioned after a series of community dialogues about belonging and identity.

Location tip: The mural is on the side of a community center. Nearby, a small garden with native plants was planted by local youth. Visit on a Saturday morning to see the garden being tended by volunteers.

“The Welcome Mural” – 22nd and Chestnut Streets, Center City

Painted in 1985, this is one of the first official murals of the program. It shows a diverse group of people—children, elders, immigrants—holding hands under a rainbow sky. The mural was inspired by Philadelphia’s long history as a sanctuary city and a hub for refugees.

Location tip: It’s directly across from the Philadelphia City Hall. Many tourists overlook it because they’re focused on the statue of William Penn on top. Look down, not up.

“The Peace Wall” – 24th and Diamond Streets, North Philadelphia

This mural, painted in 2020, is a collaborative piece between local teens and a former gang member turned artist. It depicts two hands reaching through a wall of bricks, one holding a flower, the other a book. The wall represents the divide between rival neighborhoods. The artist, Marcus Rivera, grew up in the area and says, “I didn’t want to paint over the violence—I wanted to paint through it.”

Location tip: The mural is on a former vacant lot. The land was later turned into a community garden. Visit during a Saturday cleanup day to meet the youth who maintain it.

“The River of Life” – 2600 block of Fairmount Avenue, Fairmount

This 100-foot mural, completed in 2019, illustrates the Schuylkill River as a living entity—its waters flowing with fish, children, and ancestral spirits. It was created in partnership with the Lenape Nation, whose ancestral land Philadelphia sits on. The mural includes Lenape symbols and a bilingual text in English and Unami, a Lenape dialect.

Location tip: The mural is adjacent to the Fairmount Water Works. Combine your visit with a walk along the river trail. Look for the small stone plaque embedded in the sidewalk with a map of ancestral Lenape villages.

FAQs

Are all Philadelphia murals free to view?

Yes. All murals commissioned by the Mural Arts Philadelphia program are publicly accessible and free to view. Some may be located on private property, but the walls themselves are open to the public. Always respect posted signs and avoid trespassing.

Can I take photos of the murals for commercial use?

Photography for personal use is encouraged. For commercial use—such as selling prints, using images in advertisements, or publishing in books—you must obtain permission from Mural Arts Philadelphia. Contact them through their website for licensing information.

How often are new murals painted?

Approximately 50–70 new murals are added each year. The program prioritizes community-requested projects, so new murals often appear in neighborhoods where residents have advocated for them.

Are there any murals that are hard to find?

Yes. Some murals are hidden on rooftops, inside courtyards, or on the backs of buildings. Others are painted on mobile structures like buses or train cars. The Mural Arts map marks these as “hidden gems” and provides detailed access instructions.

What should I do if a mural is damaged or covered?

Report it immediately to Mural Arts Philadelphia via their website or by calling their office. They have a restoration team that responds to vandalism, weather damage, or accidental paint overspray. Your report helps preserve the city’s art.

Do I need to be an art expert to appreciate murals?

No. Murals are designed to be understood by everyone. You don’t need to know art history to feel the emotion in a mural. Trust your instincts: What does it make you feel? What story do you see? Those are the most important answers.

Can I bring children on a mural tour?

Absolutely. Many murals are ideal for kids. The Mural Arts Program offers family-friendly scavenger hunts and activity sheets on their website. Look for murals with animals, music, or bright colors—children often connect with these first.

Is it safe to explore murals alone?

Most areas are safe during daylight hours, especially in popular districts like Center City and Fairmount. Use common sense: stick to well-lit streets, avoid isolated alleys after dark, and trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable, leave and return another time.

Conclusion

Finding street art murals in Philadelphia is more than a sightseeing activity—it’s an act of listening. Each mural is a conversation between the artist and the community, between history and the present, between silence and voice. When you take the time to locate, observe, and reflect on these works, you become part of that conversation. You honor the labor of the painters, the courage of the storytellers, and the resilience of the neighborhoods that made them possible.

Use the tools, follow the steps, and trust the process. Let curiosity guide you. You may start by searching for one mural, but you’ll end up discovering a city in full color—its pain, its pride, its poetry, all painted on its walls. Philadelphia doesn’t just have murals; it lives through them. And now, armed with knowledge and intention, you have the map to walk alongside it.