When I heard about Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, I could not believe I had somehow missed them my first time in town. Bright, colorful murals made of glass, tile, mirrors, and so much more? I knew immediately it was right up my alley.
Located in the South Street neighborhood, the Magic Gardens are the work of artist Isaiah Zagar. What’s neat is that the “magic” isn’t just confined to the ticketed space; it spreads to the streets in the surrounding neighborhood, which also feature Zagar’s murals. It makes the entire area fun to explore!
My dominant emotion while visiting was feeling overwhelmed: the space isn’t that huge, but it is absolutely crammed with treasures. Everywhere you look, there’s something to see, much of it wonderfully weird. When I first arrived, the space was packed with visitors, but the crowds eventually thinned out, giving me more space to just wander and enjoy.
I would highly recommend a visit to the Magic Gardens, but be forewarned: tickets sell out, so book in advance. While I was there, I saw many a hopeful-looking tourist approach the gates, only to be turned away. You won’t want to miss it!
