Philadelphia through Murals
A brief look-through of the public art that makes Philadelphia unique.
Finding art outside of the museum
This exhibit invites you to experience one of Philadelphia's most famous public artworks: murals. Below you will find five murals from five different Philadelphia neighborhoods that each express a unique artistic perspective.
Common Threads
by Meg Saligman
This mural is located in the Callowhill neighborhood of Philadelphia and was made by painter Meg Saligman in 1997.
The scene here mixes contemporary teenagers of color with traditional European artistic styles.
The teenagers wearing modern clothes mimic the positions of the Victorian ladies and gentlemen - while our central figure, real-life teenager Tameka Jones, takes on a posture that is all her own.
Located: 523 N Broad St
Industrious Light: Baldwin Locomotive Works
by Phillip Adams
This mural is located in the Fairmount neighborhood of Philadelphia and was made by Phillip Adams in 2019.
The mural depicts a 19th century locomotive pulling out of the dull, black-and-white train station to enter into the vibrancy of nature.
The Baldwin Locomotive Works was a locomotive manufacturing company that assisted in the growth of Philadelphia and the nation through railroads.
Located: 417 N 20th St
Norris Homes Marker
by Jennie Shanker
These murals are located in the North Philadelphia neighborhood and were made by Jennie Shanker.
These murals depict the facades of the Norris Homes that previously sat there. Unfortunately, the homes were demolished to build the train tracks.
Artist Jennie Shanker collaborated with the former residents to memorialize their homes, yet not much care has been given to maintain them since.
Located: N 10th St & W Norris St
Waterfalls
by Jane Golden
This mural is located in the West Philadelphia neighborhood and was made by Jane Golden in 1985.
The mural has not been given the care that is needs, however it stands out as a realistic approach to bring nature into an urban environment.
In 1984, Golden worked with local graffiti artists to create public works of art across the city and later establish the Mural Arts Program of Philadelphia.
Located: 1014 S 48th
This is Waterfalls today.
Remembering a Forgotten Hero
by Willis Humphrey and Keir Johnston
This mural is located in the South Philadelphia neighborhood and was made by Willis Humphrey and Keir Johnston in 2018.
The man being depicted in this mural is Octavius V. Catto, an early civil rights activist of the 19th century. Catto was an educator and athlete who fought for voting rights for Black Americans.
Catto was tragically killed on South Street in 1871. Humphrey and Johnston collaborated with local students to honor both Catto and Black history at the Universal Charter School.
Located: 1427 Catharine St
Murals are more than just beautiful paintings on the sides of buildings....
Murals in Philadelphia have a history that exist because of definitive artistic movements.
Mural - Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia
Beaux-Arts Muralism
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The late 19th century to the mid-1920s brought a renaissance of murals.
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Statehouses, courthouses, and churches across the country were decorated with murals.
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Violet Oakley was a prominent figure during this era - In 1902, she was the first woman to receive a mural commission for a public building in the United States with the Pennsylvania State Capitol building. (above)
New Deal Muralism
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The era of FDR's New Deal also brought new public art.
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Murals at this time favored realism and daily life, focusing on the common people during a time of economic instability.
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Aaron Douglas highlights African Americans and the history of the African diaspora in his Haitian Mural in Wilmington, Delaware. (above)
Modern Muralism
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Starting in the 1970s, murals were defined by their community involvement.
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Murals emphasized urban spaces, taking inspiration from contemporary street art.
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New public art initiatives: Brandywine Workshop (1972), Taller Puertorriqueno (1974) - above, and of course the Mural Arts Program (1984).