In 1986 and 1995 Isaiah and Julia Zagar purchased two buildings and a lot to be used as Isaiah’s studio. At the age of 58, after fully mosaicking those spaces, Isaiah started working on the vacant lots next to their property. He did not own those lots, but nevertheless embellished the fence on South Street and then began sculpting structures out of found objects.
In 2004, the Boston-based owner of the lots discovered Isaiah’s installation. He decided to sell the land, calling for the work to be dismantled. Unwilling to witness the art environment’s destruction, neighbors, lawyers, and art lovers stepped up to save it. Isaiah’s creation quickly became incorporated as a nonprofit organization called Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens with the intention of preserving the artwork.
After the organization formed, Isaiah developed the site further. He excavated tunnels and grottos and embellished every surface. The museum is now made up of two indoor galleries and a bi-level outdoor sculpture garden. Isaiah used handmade tiles, bottles, bicycle wheels, mirror, and international Folk Art to chronicle his life and influences. The major structures were complete by 2008, but new work is added as the site changes and grows.
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens now operates independently of the Zagars as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a Board of Directors and paid staff. Visitors can participate in tours, hands-on art experiences, concerts, and more at the Magic Gardens Museum. The Museum also exhibits and cultivates the work of artists locally and internationally while supporting values that include originality, community, and inspiring others.
