The History
In the 1960s, a group of artists and entrepreneurs began renting derelict storefronts and recreating the South Street neighborhood. At the forefront of that movement was Isaiah Zagar.
Zagar's mosaic wonderland is constructed from bicycle spokes, bottles and other knick-knacks.
In its early years, the Magic Gardens faced an uncertain future. Zagar began building the labyrinthine sculpture on land he didn’t own and, in 2004, the absentee landlord put it up for sale.
After a public outcry that resulted in an outpouring of community support and donations, the nonprofit organization Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens was formed to purchase and maintain the grounds.
Today, the Magic Gardens complex is the gateway to both a moment in Philadelphia’s history — the South Street Renaissance — and the work of an extraordinary artist whose odyssey continues to be living, working and playing on Philadelphia’s South Street.
Don’t Miss
More of Isaiah’s incredible work is on display at The Eye’s Gallery, a Mexican folk art shop owned by Isaiah’s wife, Julia.
In the six-block walk down to The Eye’s at 402 South Street, much of Isaiah’s artistic portfolio lines the walls and sidewalks of his favorite neighborhood.
