Philadelphia’s Living Canvas: A Curated Guide to the City’s Murals

Few cities wear their identity as boldly as Philadelphia. Here, murals stretch across buildings like chapters in a book. Stories of joy, struggle, pride, and possibility. They are our landscape. And behind this movement is a vision that reshaped the city from the ground up.

🎨 How Jane Golden Sparked Philadelphia’s Mural Movement

In the early 1980s, Philadelphia was struggling with widespread graffiti. When artist Jane Golden returned home to Philly after working in Los Angeles, she saw something different: not vandalism, but untapped artistic potential. She joined the Philadelphia Anti‑Graffiti Network and began connecting young graffiti writers with opportunities to create sanctioned public art instead.

That seed grew into Mural Arts Philadelphia, officially founded by Golden in 1984. Today, it’s the largest public art program in the United States, with more than 4,000 murals across the city — each one created through collaboration with artists, neighborhoods, schools, and community groups. Golden’s vision wasn’t just to beautify walls; it was to build trust, spark dialogue, and give Philadelphians a sense of ownership over their environment.

Her legacy is now woven into the city’s identity. You can’t talk about Philadelphia without talking about its murals.

🌆 Some of the Most Beautiful Murals in Philadelphia

There are literally a thousand worth mentioning, but these stand out for their artistry, scale, and emotional impact.

1. “The Roots Mural” – South Street

A vibrant tribute to Philly’s legendary hip‑hop group, The Root, this mural pulses with movement and color. It’s a fan favorite and a must‑see for music lovers. The mural is an official tribute created by Mural Arts Philadelphia to honor The Roots — especially founders Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter. It celebrates their journey from Philly teenagers making music on South Street to becoming Grammy‑winning cultural icons and one of the most influential hip‑hop bands in the world

2. “Legacy” – North Broad Street

A towering, breathtaking portrait celebrating Black excellence and intergenerational strength. The scale alone is awe‑inspiring.

3. “Philadelphia Muses” – Center City

One of the city’s most iconic murals, this dreamy, multi‑panel piece blends mythology, creativity, and urban energy.

4. “Finding the Light Within” – West Philly

A deeply emotional mural created in partnership with mental health advocates. It’s a reminder of the healing power of art.

5. “Spring” – Chinatown

A delicate, floral explosion of color that brings softness and beauty to a bustling neighborhood.

6. “Water Gives Life” – Fairmount

A sweeping environmental mural that wraps around a building, celebrating the Schuylkill River and the ecosystems it supports.

7. Untitled, Sansom Street, Center City

This is my favorite one because I love this girl’s style!  This six‑story portrait by acclaimed artist Amy Sherald features North Philly teen Najee Spencer‑Young, rendered in Sherald’s signature grayscale style. The bold black‑and‑white coat, mustard hat, and vibrant background make it one of Center City’s most unforgettable murals — a striking celebration of identity and representation in the heart of Philadelphia. If the name Amy Sherald sounds familiar, it is because she also painted the official portrait of Michelle Obama!

🚶 How to See the Murals: Tours Worth Taking

If you want to experience Philadelphia’s murals the way they’re meant to be seen — with context, stories, and insider details — Mural Arts Philadelphia offers several fantastic tours.

1. Mural Mile Walking Tour

A guided walk through Center City that highlights some of the most famous and historic murals. Perfect for first‑timers.

2. Trolley Tour

A classic Philly experience. You’ll cover multiple neighborhoods and see dozens of murals in a single ride.

3. Private or Custom Tours

Ideal for groups, events, or travelers who want a curated route based on themes like social justice, women artists, or neighborhood history.

4. Self‑Guided Tours

Using the Mural Arts app or map, you can explore at your own pace — great for photographers, solo wanderers, or anyone who wants to linger.

Each tour offers a different lens on the city, but all of them reveal the same truth: Philadelphia is an open‑air museum.

Whether you’re visiting Philadelphia for the first time or rediscovering the city you call home, exploring its murals is one of the most meaningful ways to experience its spirit. And if you want to weave these artworks into a day that feels intentional, inspiring, and uniquely you, that’s where The Philly Curator comes in. I help you map out mural routes that fit your pace, pair them with great cafés, shops, and neighborhoods, and turn a simple walk into a beautifully curated Philly moment. Think of it as having a local guide with an eye for art, atmosphere, and all the little details that make this city unforgettable.