{"id":118924,"date":"2026-02-20T09:44:31","date_gmt":"2026-02-20T09:44:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/118924\/"},"modified":"2026-02-20T09:44:31","modified_gmt":"2026-02-20T09:44:31","slug":"celebrate-the-late-isaiah-zagars-legacy-by-visiting-one-of-his-many-public-artworks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/118924\/","title":{"rendered":"Celebrate the late Isaiah Zagar\u2019s legacy by visiting one of his many public artworks"},"content":{"rendered":"

No artist has shaped Philadelphia\u2019s public art landscape quite like Isaiah Zagar.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s nearly impossible to walk around parts of Philly without encountering one of his beloved mosaic murals, filled with colorful tiles, recycled materials, mirrored panels and of course, a bit of magic.\u00a0<\/p>\n

News of Zagar\u2019s death<\/a> came Thursday morning on Philadelphia\u2019s Magic Garden\u2019s<\/a> Instagram account<\/a>. The artist was 86 years old. According to the post, he passed away from complications of heart failure and Parkinson\u2019s disease.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne of Isaiah\u2019s greatest joys was collaborating with other artists, specifically with folk artists and other art environment creators around the world,\u201d said Emily Smith, executive director of the Magic Gardens in the statement.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cIsaiah was more than our founder; he was our close friend, teacher, collaborator, and creative inspiration,\u201d she said. \u201cHe was unlike anyone we have ever met and will ever meet. Above all things, he was an artist.\u201d<\/p>\n

In order to remember Zagar and his global legacy, Billy Penn is celebrating some of his most significant artworks.<\/p>\n

Zagar\u2019s Watkins Street workshop<\/p>\n

Where: 1002 Watkins St<\/p>\n

\"\"\u00a9 Google<\/p>\n

Most head to the Magic Gardens for a concentrated look at Zagar\u2019s art, but his studio in South Philly is a lesser visited, but equally impressive wonder. The space has been home to art classes, artist residencies and private tours since 2024.\u00a0 Zagar worked on the space for around two decades, creating and building upon tiles. While it may be hard to get inside, the building\u2019s exterior is a work to behold in itself.<\/p>\n

Southwark\/Queen Village community garden<\/p>\n

Where: 315 Christian Street<\/p>\n

\"\"\u00a9 Google<\/p>\n

Sometimes great public art is all about location, location, location. Zagar\u2019s large mural created next to a community garden in Queen Village is a joy to visit. Zagar created the work in collaboration with community members in order to celebrate the garden\u2019s 20th birthday in 1997. It may just be the perfect local getaway as we head into spring.<\/p>\n

Painted Bride Art Center<\/p>\n

Where: 230 Vine Street<\/p>\n

\"\"The Painted Bride\u2019s facade in Old City, with its Isaiah Zagar mirrored mosaic. (Emma Lee\/WHYY)<\/p>\n

News of Zagar\u2019s passing makes the recent demolition of the Painted Bride Art Center<\/a> building all the more haunted. Despite a contentious six-year legal battle to try and save the art, it is no longer possible to see the historic building as Zagar intended. The Philadelphia Magic Gardens has a dedicated webpage<\/a>, where you can see the Painted Bride Art Center in its former glory and learn more about the efforts to save it.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Homage to Mike Matteo: Master Plumber<\/p>\n

Where: 510 Bainbridge Street<\/p>\n

\"\"\u00a9 Google<\/p>\n

Tucked into Reese Street is a large Zagar mural that extends down the side of several Philly rowhomes. The mural honors the family of Isaiah\u2019s actual former plumber. Visitors can find a portrait of Mike Matteo himself on the bottom right as well as images of Isaiah\u2019s children throughout.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Carlos Carpet building<\/p>\n

Where: 515 Bainbridge Street<\/p>\n

\"\"\u00a9 Google<\/p>\n

Across the street from the mural for Mike Matteo is another building covered with Zagar\u2019s works. While Zagar was creating the former artwork, Daniel Ascher, the son of Carlos Asher and owner of Carlos Carpets allegedly asked Zagar to decorate the building\u2019s facade while his father was away in Israel. Zagar created the piece before Carlos Ascher returned without him even knowing about it.<\/p>\n

The Magic Gardens<\/p>\n

Where: 1020 South Street<\/p>\n

\"AA staircase in Philadelphia\u2019s Magic Gardens, featuring artist Isaiah Zagar\u2019s mosaics of glass, bicycle wheels, bottles, and ceramic works. (Courtesy Philadelphia\u2019s Magic Gardens)<\/p>\n

While Philadelphians can see much of Zagar\u2019s artwork for free around the city, heading to the Magic Gardens, exploring the mini wonderland of murals, and learning more about the artist\u2019s process, intention and history is a wonderful way to honor the artist\u2019s legacy.<\/p>\n

Jim\u2019s Steaks interior<\/p>\n

Where: 400 South Street<\/p>\n

\"\"The refurbished exterior of 402 South Street, formerly Eyes Gallery and now part of Jim\u2019s Steaks. (Ali Mohsen\/Billy Penn)<\/p>\n

Jim\u2019s has long been one of Philly\u2019s most legendary cheesesteak spots. However, after a two year renovation project in 2024<\/a>, it is also one of the most artistic. The restaurant expanded into the adjoining building, the former Eyes Gallery<\/a> owned by Zagar\u2019s wife Julia<\/a>, after a fire damaged both sites in 2022. The restoration brought something completely new \u2014 behind the drywall, Jim\u2019s team uncovered original mosaic artwork that had been hidden for decades.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Mosaics at Eye\u2019s Gallery\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Where: 327 South Street<\/p>\n

Isaiah Zagar\u2019s wife and partner, Julia, is a large part of his history and legacy. Her store, the Eyes Gallery<\/a>, moved to its new location down the block on South Street in 2023. The store is full of beautiful knits, collected folk art from local artists, and various Zagar mosaics.<\/p>\n

Schell Street Walls\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Where: 601\u202fSouth\u202fSchell\u202fStreet<\/p>\n

\"\"\u00a9 Google<\/p>\n

There is something both delightful and casual about Zagar\u2019s murals winding down Schell Street.\u00a0 For years, Zagar would teach community workshops while creating his murals at the location \u2014 making his art not only public, but also truly a staple of the Philly community from start to finish.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Find the Zagar Mural Closest to You<\/p>\n

Where: Wherever you are<\/p>\n

Including every iconic Zagar mural in this list is not possible. Especially, considering some personal favorites are the ones we pass everyday on our block. Find the Zagar murals scattered throughout your neighborhood with the Magic Gardens interactive map<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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