No artist has shaped Philadelphia’s public art landscape quite like Isaiah Zagar.
It’s 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.
News of Zagar’s death came Thursday morning on Philadelphia’s Magic Garden’s Instagram account. The artist was 86 years old. According to the post, he passed away from complications of heart failure and Parkinson’s disease.
“One of Isaiah’s greatest joys was collaborating with other artists, specifically with folk artists and other art environment creators around the world,” said Emily Smith, executive director of the Magic Gardens in the statement.
“Isaiah was more than our founder; he was our close friend, teacher, collaborator, and creative inspiration,” she said. “He was unlike anyone we have ever met and will ever meet. Above all things, he was an artist.”
In order to remember Zagar and his global legacy, Billy Penn is celebrating some of his most significant artworks.
Zagar’s Watkins Street workshop
Where: 1002 Watkins St
© Google
Most head to the Magic Gardens for a concentrated look at Zagar’s 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. Zagar worked on the space for around two decades, creating and building upon tiles. While it may be hard to get inside, the building’s exterior is a work to behold in itself.
Southwark/Queen Village community garden
Where: 315 Christian Street
© Google
Sometimes great public art is all about location, location, location. Zagar’s 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’s 20th birthday in 1997. It may just be the perfect local getaway as we head into spring.
Painted Bride Art Center
Where: 230 Vine Street
The Painted Bride’s facade in Old City, with its Isaiah Zagar mirrored mosaic. (Emma Lee/WHYY)
News of Zagar’s passing makes the recent demolition of the Painted Bride Art Center 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, where you can see the Painted Bride Art Center in its former glory and learn more about the efforts to save it.
Homage to Mike Matteo: Master Plumber
Where: 510 Bainbridge Street
© Google
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’s actual former plumber. Visitors can find a portrait of Mike Matteo himself on the bottom right as well as images of Isaiah’s children throughout.
Carlos Carpet building
Where: 515 Bainbridge Street
© Google
Across the street from the mural for Mike Matteo is another building covered with Zagar’s 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’s facade while his father was away in Israel. Zagar created the piece before Carlos Ascher returned without him even knowing about it.
The Magic Gardens
Where: 1020 South Street
A staircase in Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, featuring artist Isaiah Zagar’s mosaics of glass, bicycle wheels, bottles, and ceramic works. (Courtesy Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens)
While Philadelphians can see much of Zagar’s artwork for free around the city, heading to the Magic Gardens, exploring the mini wonderland of murals, and learning more about the artist’s process, intention and history is a wonderful way to honor the artist’s legacy.
Jim’s Steaks interior
Where: 400 South Street
The refurbished exterior of 402 South Street, formerly Eyes Gallery and now part of Jim’s Steaks. (Ali Mohsen/Billy Penn)
Jim’s has long been one of Philly’s most legendary cheesesteak spots. However, after a two year renovation project in 2024, it is also one of the most artistic. The restaurant expanded into the adjoining building, the former Eyes Gallery owned by Zagar’s wife Julia, after a fire damaged both sites in 2022. The restoration brought something completely new — behind the drywall, Jim’s team uncovered original mosaic artwork that had been hidden for decades.
Mosaics at Eye’s Gallery
Where: 327 South Street
Isaiah Zagar’s wife and partner, Julia, is a large part of his history and legacy. Her store, the Eyes Gallery, 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.
Schell Street Walls
Where: 601 South Schell Street
© Google
There is something both delightful and casual about Zagar’s murals winding down Schell Street. For years, Zagar would teach community workshops while creating his murals at the location — making his art not only public, but also truly a staple of the Philly community from start to finish.
Find the Zagar Mural Closest to You
Where: Wherever you are
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.
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