Frequently Asked Questions

Tickets & Admission

  • Do I need to buy admission tickets ahead of time?

    Yes, please! Tickets frequently sell out due to a high volume of visitors. We strongly advise that you reserve tickets online in advance to guarantee entry, especially on weekends and holidays. If tickets are still available for the day, walk-ups may be directed to purchase tickets through our website. 

    If you are unable to purchase tickets online, please call 215-733-0390.

  • How far in advance should I purchase my tickets?

    General admission tickets are available on our website one month in advance. 

    For weekends and holidays, we recommend booking at least 1-2 days in advance.

    For weekdays, tickets are typically still available the day before or the morning of. If you are set on visiting at a certain time, we recommend booking earlier to ensure availability in that time slot.

  • Can I enter before or after my ticket time?

    We ask that you aim to arrive as close to your ticket time as possible. You will not have access to any part of the museum, including the gift shop and restrooms, before your ticket time. 

    Late arrivals may be refused entry. If you can no longer make your ticket time please call 215-733-0390 up until your ticket time to reschedule pending availability. If there are no tickets left for the day you will be asked to reschedule to a future date. Tickets are no longer valid once your ticket time has passed.

  • How long do people typically spend at PMG?

    We recommend at least 30 minutes to enjoy both the outdoor sculpture labyrinth and the indoor galleries. However, once you’ve entered the museum you don’t have to leave until PMG closes so you’re welcome to spend as much time as you can!

  • When is the last admission?

    The last admission is 15 minutes before closing, and all visitors must exit promptly upon closing. Please keep in mind that tickets frequently sell out earlier in the day, especially on weekends and holidays.

    PMG’s hours may vary due to special events. We recommend checking our calendar for updated hours.

  • Is the space child-friendly?

    Many children visit PMG on a daily basis! We can provide scavenger hunts to guide your child’s looking while in the space, and are happy to answer questions. Special guided tours can be booked for groups of children, and every second Sunday of the month we offer PECO Family Jams, family-friendly crafts that are FREE with admission.

    Please be aware that our space contains artworks that display the nude human figure. PMG was created by Isaiah Zagar as a journal of his life. He, like many artists over the centuries, believes the human figure is its own beautiful work of art. The works are present throughout the site, along with countless other themes and objects, and are not the primary focus of our space. Our staff are happy to answer any questions you may have about nudity in the space prior to your visit.

    PMG has a limited amount of space outdoors to park strollers. We recommend leaving strollers off-site or folding them up when at all possible.

    Children must be supervised by an adult at all times. Children under 16 years old will not be admitted without an adult. 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 who violate this policy will be required to leave PMG immediately.

What To Bring

  • Can I bring a backpack/luggage?

    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.

  • Can I bring a stroller?

    PMG has a limited amount of space to park strollers outdoors. We recommend leaving strollers off-site or folding them up when at all possible.

    Much of the indoor galleries and parts of the outdoor sculpture garden are accessible for strollers. Both the basement (open for guided tours only) and the sculpture garden have narrow passageways and stairways that are not equipped with ramps or elevators.

  • Can I bring food/drink?

    Snacks are permitted as long as waste is properly disposed of, but there is no dedicated space for picnicking.

    Visitors are welcome to bring in non-alcoholic drinks. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited during normal business hours.

  • Can I bring my dog?

    Child/dog friendly dogs and service animals are welcome at PMG! We ask that you keep your pet on a leash at all times and clean up after them.

  • Can I bring a tripod/selfie stick?

    Tripods and selfie-sticks are not permitted in the museum to help us protect the artwork and ensure access for all visitors.

Getting Here

  • How do I get to PMG?

    Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens is located at 1020 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, between 10th and 11th Streets on South Street.

    Check out Directions & Parking for information on getting to PMG by public transportation or car.

  • Where can I park?

    Metered and two-hour parking in the immediate vicinity is available along South and Bainbridge Streets, and along numbered streets. Free untimed parking is available on streets farther south. Several parking garages are located nearby. The closest garage is at 11th and South Streets.

  • Where can I eat/stay in the area?

    South Street is home to many restaurants and attractions!

    Are you looking for hotels nearby? Check with HotelsCombined.

    Guests of Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens can also stay at YOWIE at a discounted rate! Use code YOWIEXMAGICG at helloyowie.com for a 10% discount through the end of 2024.

While You're Here

  • Do you have a restroom?

    Yes! There are three single-stall, gender-neutral restrooms located inside the museum. Please keep in mind, you will not have access to the restrooms before your ticket time. 

    A changing table is located in the restroom in our front gallery, and a wheelchair-accessible restroom is located in our back gallery.

  • Do you have a water fountain?

    Unfortunately no! We encourage visitors to come prepared with their own water bottles, especially in the summer as a significant portion of the museum is outdoors. Water can also be purchased at CVS, Acme, or Whole Foods which are all within a block of the museum.

  • Why can't I touch the artwork?

    We ask that you refrain from touching or leaning on any of the artwork (including all of the mosaicked walls, passageways, and all the objects sticking out of them) to protect both the artwork and yourself! Many of the objects in the mosaics are fragile and one-of-a-kind, and a lot of the tiles and mirror have sharp edges.

    By not touching, you help us ensure that PMG will be here for other visitors to enjoy for years to come!

  • Can I take photos?

    PMG encourages casual photography for personal use or social media. Posed/professional photo shoots must be scheduled in advance. Please read our photography policy and/or fill out a photo shoot request form for more information. 

    Tripods and selfie-sticks are not permitted to help us protect the artwork and ensure access for all visitors.

  • Is the museum wheelchair accessible?

    Due to the nature of the artwork, accessibility inside the museum is somewhat limited for wheelchair users and others who need stair-free access. Much of the indoor galleries and parts of the outdoor sculpture garden are accessible. Both the basement (open for guided tours only) and the sculpture garden have narrow passageways and stairways that are not equipped with ramps or elevators. A wheelchair-accessible, single-stall restroom is located in the back gallery.

    Please click here for more information about accessibility at PMG.

  • What happens when it rains/snows?

    Tickets are rain or shine. We do not allow open umbrellas in the space, so we recommend bringing a rain jacket/poncho if the forecast is calling for rain. Visitors may reschedule their tickets pending availability up until their ticket time by calling 215-733-0390.

    In the event of severe weather/thunderstorms, we may have to close the outdoor sculpture garden immediately in which case admission will be half-priced to view the indoor galleries.

Other Questions

  • Can I give PMG my broken dishes/tiles/etc.?

    Maybe, but please don’t leave them at our doorstep! Our preservation team often accepts tile, mirror, and other donations depending on space restrictions and current inventory. Please email facilities@phillymagicgardens.org to discuss approved materials and coordinate drop-off.

  • Can I rent the space for a wedding or other private event?

    No, sorry! As of January 2020 PMG is no longer booking private events.

  • Can I propose to my significant other at Philadelphia's Magic Gardens?

    Of course! Guests who would like to propose need to follow all the same rules as for informal photo shoots. Group size is limited to 4 people (photographers included) and we do not allow any props or external camera equipment. All guests/ photographers must purchase a general admission ticket.  Proposals may not block off any area of PMG to other visitors during their stay, we do not allow music, and guests must refrain from touching the art. If you have any questions please contact events@phillymagicgardens.org.

If you are unable to find the answer to your question above, please give us a call at 215-733-0390.