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Philadelphia may be known as the City of Brotherly Love, but it could also be called the City of Murals. With more than 3,500 murals painted on walls all around the city, you can see buildings and neighborhoods transformed with images of heroes, beautiful landscapes, or some of the city’s most famous celebrities. The Mural Arts Program, run by the city, was started in 1984 in hopes of discouraging young artists from graffiti and encouraging them to express themselves in a way that would benefit them and the community. The result is an ever growing collection of art for the residents and visitors of Philadelphia to enjoy!
Teenagers play basketball in front of an audience from the ‘Everyday Heroes’ mural at 4th & Shunk Streets in South Philadelphia
Before starting Say Hello To America, I ran a photoblog of Philadelphia called Picture Philly. It was a way for me to get to know my city better, and one of the things that I immediately fell in love with was the gigantic, colorful murals everywhere you looked. I would plan my own walking tours specifically to seek out new murals to photograph. While I have a vast collection documented, I still have thousands that I have yet to see.
The ‘East Passyunk Historical Street Scenes’ mural located at East Passyunk & Tasker
The ‘Secret Book’ mural located at 19th and Carlton Streets
A section of the ‘Mapping Courage: Honoring W.E.B. Dubois and Engine #11′ mural on the corner of 6th & South Streets
The ‘People’s Progression Toward Equality’ mural at 8th and Market Streets
Although it may sometimes be overshadowed by other cities, with the most murals in the United States, Philadelphia can truly lay claim to the title of the City of Murals. If you’re a fan of street art, then Philly is a must-see destination for you. With every turn, you’ll discover a new story just waiting to be told!
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Mural of former Mayor Frank Rizzo in the Italian Market
Mural at 13th & Sansom
The ‘Spring’ mural at 13th & Pine
The ‘Sounds of Philadelphia’ mural in South Philly
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Murals and/or tasteful graffiti add so much character to a place. One of my favourite cities is Buenos Aires which has wonderful murals and graffiti.
Nomadic Samuel recently posted..Monkey eating fruit at the Temples of Angkor, Cambodia | Travel Photo
It really does! It’s one of the things I keep an eye out for whenever I visit a new city now.