
Four Must-Do Philadelphia Activities (that have nothing to do with the founding of the USA)
After you’ve done the founding of the country sites, wander off the path of history and onto the path of penal institutions, pop culture, and wall art.
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Mosaic Walls and Huge Murals
Outdoor art thrives in Philadelphia. Yes, there are monuments and sculptures, but there is also wall art like few cities can provide. In fact, I don't know of any city that offers both 3,000 and growing murals along with extensive beautification by the folk art mosaics that grace the walls of South Street Philadelphia.Philadelphia's Magic Garden
In the world of folk art mosaics, few can match the scope and complexity of Isaiah Zagar. Not only has he transformed blank (and often unloved) walls into vibrant art, glittering with mirrors, glass, and tile, but the Magic Garden itself includes a fully mosaiced indoor gallery and a massive outdoor labyrinth of tile, found objects, and mirror. It began in 1994 in the vacant lot nearby Zagar’s studio where he spent years excavating and building tunnels and grottos, tiling and grouting the 3,000 square foot space. Eventually, the actual owner of the lot decided to sell the land, at the cost of destroying this unique art project. But the community preferred art to destruction and worked to purchase the property. Now titled Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, Zagar’s work is protected and stretches over about half a city block. Although Zagar is always adding more walls to the South Philadelphia neighborhood he calls home, you can put together a do-it-yourself tour by downloading a map of some of Zagar's murals Or just stroll down South Street. It’s a good area to find some good Philly Cheesesteak places so you can eat as well as admire a rich and growing folk art legacy.City of Murals
For history, art, and culture outside the walls of institutions, enjoy the city’s boisterous, colorful, inventive breath-taking murals, the creation of City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program. There is an astounding variety to these huge works of art that blanket the city with color. It began in 1984 as part of the Philadelphia Anti-Graffiti Network. Muralist Jane Golden was hired to redirect the energies of the graffiti writers to constructive mural painting. In 1996, Mayor Ed Rendell announced that the Anti-Graffiti Network would be reorganized into the Mural Arts Program. Over 3,000 murals later, the city of Philadelphia is transformed into a city of art, wall art. Huge, community-pleasing, tourist-attracting, artist-loving creations. Find murals at Explore Murals Also, take one (or more) of their comprehensive mural tours. They offer walking tours of particular neighborhoods, and trolley tours to cover more area in style. Buy tickets online.Eastern State Penitentiary and Rocky Balboa
Combine a trip to Eastern State Penitentiary with posing by the famous Rocky statue. These two places are so close it doesn’t make sense to visit one without the other.Eastern State Penitentiary

Rocky Balboa Statue
Rocky, the statue, is in a garden at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, located on beautiful Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Strolling along the Parkway is a wonderful activity and a way to reach not only Rocky and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, but many of the other museums of the city. It’s a fun place to take a break on your walk to ESP (Eastern State Penitentiary). Although Rocky isn’t at the top of the steps leading to the entrance of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, he still stands erect, arms raised in triumph. The statue, originally created for Rocky III immortalizing Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky Balboa in bronze, was donated by Stallone. Today this iconic image from the first of the Rocky movies stands in a peaceful garden. Yes, it’s a bit odd, but you can still have your photo snapped standing next to Sylvester Stallone as Rocky. Think you know Philadelphia? Think again. Learn more at Philadelphia USAHave a comment to share? Like us on Facebook - OffbeatTravelCom and post your comment.
Neala McCarten
Unless otherwise indicated, all photos by the author