Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens (PMG) is a nonprofit organization that preserves and interprets the artwork of Isaiah Zagar and furthers the legacy of Isaiah and his wife Julia. PMG celebrates art in its many forms through community outreach, public programs, hands-on activities, exhibitions, and tours.
Isaiah & Julia Zagar
Isaiah and Julia Zagar moved to Philadelphia’s South Street in 1968 and have devoted their lives to beautifying their neighborhood and celebrating art and artists. Julia opened the Eye’s Gallery folk art store in 1968 and continues to run it today. Isaiah has mosaicked more than 200 walls and buildings over 50 years. Learn more about the Zagars’ life and work.
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
The organization Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens (PMG) provides access to Isaiah Zagar’s two largest immersive mixed media art environments: the Magic Gardens Museum and the Magic Gardens Studio. (What is an art environment?) They are completely covered with mosaics. Isaiah used handmade tiles, bottles, bicycle wheels, mirror, and international Folk Art to chronicle his life and influences.
The Magic Gardens Museum
Isaiah began work at the Magic Gardens Museum (1020 South Street) in 1986 in a building that was his art studio. The work expanded to several adjacent properties and opened as a museum in the mid-2000s. The space is made up of two indoor galleries and a bi-level outdoor sculpture garden. The site is open six days a week for general admission, tours, and programs. Learn more about the The Magic Gardens Museum.
The Magic Gardens Studio
Isaiah began work at the Magic Gardens Studio (1002 Watkins Street) in 2007, and it opened to the public in 2024. The space is a two-story former auto repair shop that served as Isaiah’s final studio and storage for his mixed media works. The site is open for tours and special programs on select dates. Learn more about the Magic Gardens Studio.
Other Zagar Work
In addition to these two sites, Isaiah created several other art environments. He has mosaicked more than 200 walls, which are listed on our Mosaic Mural Map. The majority are in Philadelphia, but he has murals throughout the United States and in several other countries. Isaiah has also created thousands of artworks in other media, including paintings, drawings, prints, and more.
