By Molly Given

Philadelphia has long worn its reputation as an open-air gallery, with towering works of art from the Mural Arts Program to hidden gems tucked into neighborhood corners.

In the past, Philly has claimed—and proudly defended—the title of the nation’s street art capital. Now, the city needs help from its constituents to reign again in 2026. 

The City of Brotherly Love is poised to reclaim its crown in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. After falling just short last year to Cincinnati, Philly sits in a tight race for the top spot, and locals, artists, and mural enthusiasts are rallying to remind the nation why our streets deserve the spotlight.

How the city became a gallery

The city’s street art legacy stretches back decades. In the 1980s and ’90s, Philadelphia became a proving ground for artists experimenting with murals, graffiti, and public installations, cultivating a culture that celebrated creativity as a tool for community engagement. Today, more than 4,000 murals adorn buildings across the city, making it a living museum and a global inspiration for street artists and urban creatives alike.

Much of Philly’s street art history is intertwined with its neighborhoods. In West Philadelphia, murals have long celebrated local heroes and cultural milestones, while in South Philly, walls reflect the city’s rich immigrant heritage.

The Mural Arts Program was specifically founded in 1984 as an anti-graffiti initiative. Throughout its time, the institution has transformed the city’s approach to public art, turning what was once considered vandalism into a celebrated form of expression.

Over the years, it has commissioned thousands of murals, giving voice to artists and residents alike, while transforming neighborhoods from overlooked spaces into community landmarks. The program has also been a launching pad for social change, using art to address issues like education, mental health, and criminal justice reform. Each mural carries a story, a memory, or a message.

Help Philly reclaim the crown

The good news for Philly fans and street art lovers is that the race isn’t over yet. Voting continues through Monday, Feb. 16, at noon, giving locals, and fans of Philly art, a chance to help reclaim the crown. Anyone can vote daily at 10best.usatoday.com