The Philly Magic Gardens is a renowned artistic attraction in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is a unique mosaic art installation created by the artist Isaiah Zagar. The gardens are a mesmerizing combination of sculptures, tunnels, and walls, adorned with intricate and colorful mosaic tiles, shards of glass, and various other recycled materials. Visitors to the Philly Magic Gardens can explore the enchanting spaces at their own pace. The gardens provide a truly magical experience, as each corner reveals a new piece of art. It is a place where imagination runs wild and creativity is celebrated.
Rules and Policies
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens is a mosaicked visionary art environment, gallery, and community arts center that preserves, interprets, and provides access to Isaiah Zagar’s unique mosaic art environment and his public murals. For the safety of the artwork and guests, and to ensure the best possible visitor experience, we ask that you respect the following rules and policies.
Rules & Policies
Visitor Experience
- For the preservation of the space and the safety of all staff and visitors, we ask that visitors refrain from touching or climbing the artwork (including mosaicked walls, sculptures, and special exhibition works). Visitors will be asked to leave PMG immediately if they or any member of their party do not comply with this policy.
- No soliciting.
- Luggage and other oversized bags are not permitted in the museum and visitors carrying prohibited items may be refused entry. PMG does not have a coat check facility. Smaller bags and backpacks must be worn on the front of the body or handheld throughout the museum.
- No selfie-sticks or tripods may be used on site.
- Playing music, shouting, foul language, and/or other disruptive activities are not permitted.
- PMG reserves the right to refuse entry or escort visitors off the premises who are wearing items of clothing that are deemed offensive or are making other guests uncomfortable.
- Stairways and passageways must remain clear to all visitors.
- If visitors are caught damaging or vandalizing the artwork, PMG will contact the authorities.
Food and Drink
- Visitors are welcome to bring light food and non-alcoholic drinks into PMG. Any waste should be disposed of in our garbage and recycling bins. Litter may damage the art.
- Scheduled group tours may request to bring meals to eat here for an additional $1/person.
- No alcoholic beverages are allowed during normal business hours. PMG hosts a number of public events where alcohol is permitted.
Groups
- Groups of over 20 who are interested in visiting PMG for a self-guided tour must call in advance.
- All private guided tours must be scheduled in advance. We recommend contacting our Education and Outreach Manager at least two weeks ahead of time to ensure availability.
- Formal and informal groups or parties are not allowed to hold meetings, weddings, memorial services, tours or classes at PMG.
Personal Safety
- PMG maintains a “two feet on the ground” policy. There is no running, climbing, yoga, acrobatics, or rough play anywhere on PMG property.
- For the preservation of the space and the safety of all staff and visitors, we ask that visitors refrain from touching or climbing the artwork (including mosaicked walls, sculptures, and special exhibition works).Visitors will be asked to leave PMG immediately if they or any member of their party do not comply with this policy.
- Shirts and shoes must be worn at all times.
- Children must be supervised by an adult at all times. Anyone under 16 years of age will not be admitted without an adult.
- Be respectful of areas that are marked as not open to the general public. Do not enter these areas.
- No firearms or fireworks.
- Visibly intoxicated persons will be denied entry or asked to leave the premises.
- Scooters, wheelie shoes, and skateboards are not allowed.
- Please keep your personal items with you at all times. PMG is not liable for any belongings that are lost, stolen, or broken during your visit to PMG.
Pets
- Friendly dogs and service animals are allowed at PMG. We ask that you keep your pet on a leash at all times and clean up after them.
Photography
- Casual photography is encouraged. Posed/professional photo shoots need to be scheduled in advance. Please fill out a Photo Shoot Requestform to schedule your shoot.
- No tripods or selfie-sticks.
- Please see our Photography Policyfor a complete list of our regulations.
- Unauthorized Photo Shoots may be asked to leave the premises.
Smoking/Drugs
- PMG is a tobacco-free environment. Please refrain from chewing or smoking tobacco or using e-cigarettes on the property. Anyone caught violating this rule will be asked to leave the premises.
- PMG is a drug-free zone. Visitors found consuming illegal substances will be required to leave the premises.
Weather
- Tiles may be slippery especially when wet. Please take care when walking through our outdoor space. Certain areas may be blocked off for safety purposes.
- Open umbrellas are not permitted for the safety of the artwork.
- In the event of unsafe conditions (such as snow, ice, sleet, or lightning) the outdoor space will be closed immediately and will remain closed until conditions improve. While there is snow and/or ice on the ground the outdoor portion will remain closed until all precipitation has melted away. During this time PMG will offer half price admission to visitors to view the indoor galleries.
Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
The creator of Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, Isaiah Zagar, used handmade tiles, bottles, bicycle wheels, mirrors, and international folk art to chronicle his life and influences. In 1991, Zagar started working on the vacant lots located near his studio at 1020 South Street. He first mosaicked the buildings on either side of the property, then spent years sculpting multi-layer walls out of found objects. In 2004, the Boston-based owner of the lots discovered Zagar’s installation and decided to sell the land, calling for the work to be dismantled. Unwilling to witness the destruction of the now-beloved neighborhood art environment, the community rushed to support the artist. His creation, newly titled Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, quickly became incorporated as a nonprofit organization with the intention of preserving the artwork at the garden site and throughout the South Street region. Zagar then developed the site even further, excavating tunnels and grottos.
In 2008, Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens opened to the public, and visitors can now participate in tours, art activities, hands-on interpretive experiences, workshops, concerts, exhibitions, and much more. The space is made up of two indoor galleries and a bi-level outdoor sculpture garden. As a nonprofit museum, Philadelphia's Magic Gardens celebrates art in its many forms and welcomes everyone to explore the space and embrace the possibility of self-expression.
It is a place where imagination runs wild and creativity is celebrated. If you are planning a visit to the Philly Magic Gardens, it is important to know the operating hours. The gardens are open from Wednesday to Monday, with Tuesday being the only day when they are closed.
Benefits for National Trust Members
$2 Off Adult Admission With Code "Historic"
Join the National Trust to enjoy a host of membership benefits.
Philadelphia's Magic Gardens reopening in April with timed tickets
The opening time is at 11:00 AM, and the closing time is at 6:00 PM. The hours of operation allow visitors to spend ample time discovering the beauty and inspiration that the Philly Magic Gardens have to offer. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a photographer, or simply someone looking for an extraordinary experience, the gardens are sure to leave you in awe. It is advisable to check the official website or call ahead before your visit, as the operating hours may be subject to change. Additionally, it is recommended to arrive early to avoid crowds and ensure a more intimate and immersive experience. In conclusion, the Philly Magic Gardens is a must-visit destination in Philadelphia. Its unique mosaic art and captivating ambiance make it a truly magical place. Remember to plan your visit during the operating hours, and get ready to be amazed by the incredible craftsmanship and creativity that awaits you at the Philly Magic Gardens..
Reviews for "Experience the Magic of Philly Magic Gardens: Hours and Guided Tours"
1. John - 1 star - I was extremely disappointed with the hours at Philly Magic Gardens. First of all, the place closes way too early. By the time I finished work and made my way there, it was already closed. Additionally, the hours of operation are not consistent and can change without notice. This lack of reliability made it difficult for me to plan a visit, and ultimately, I couldn't even see the gardens. I would not recommend this attraction to anyone looking for a reliable and convenient experience.
2. Sarah - 2 stars - The limited hours at Philly Magic Gardens were a major inconvenience for me. As a tourist traveling from out of town, I had limited time to visit all the attractions I wanted to see, and the fact that this place closed early in the evening made it impossible for me to fit it into my schedule. It was frustrating to have such a unique and interesting destination be so inaccessible due to the limited operating hours. I would suggest Philly Magic Gardens extend their hours to accommodate tourists who are not able to visit during the day.
3. Mark - 2 stars - I was quite disappointed with the operating hours of Philly Magic Gardens. The fact that they close early and are not open on certain days of the week made it difficult for me to plan a visit. It's a shame because the place looks fascinating, but the inconvenience of their hours made it impossible for me to experience it. I would recommend that they reconsider their operating schedule to allow more flexibility for potential visitors.
4. Emily - 1 star - Philly Magic Gardens' limited hours hindered my experience and left a sour taste in my mouth. I made the effort to travel to this attraction during their listed operating hours, only to find it closed without any prior notice. It was a waste of time and money, and I left feeling extremely frustrated. The lack of reliability and consideration for visitors' time was incredibly disappointing. I would not recommend Philly Magic Gardens to anyone if they cannot guarantee consistent and accurate hours of operation.