If you didn’t know already, Philadelphia isn’t your average city; it’s a massive, open-air art museum.
Voted the best city for street art in 2023, Philly’s streets are bursting with color and creativity.
Thanks to organizations like the Association for Public Art and Mural Arts Philadelphia, thousands of murals, sculptures, and installations are all over the city.
So, are you ready to explore Philly’s incredible outdoor art scene?
Let’s dive in!
TABLE OF CONTENTS 
LOVE Sculpture
Ah, the iconic LOVE sculpture! It’s practically impossible to think of Philly without it, right?
This bold, red masterpiece by pop artist Robert Indiana has become a symbol of the city’s heart and soul. It landed in LOVE Park in 1976 for the U.S. bicentennial celebration.
Seriously, it’s a magnet for everyone—tourists snapping selfies, couples sharing a kiss, you name it.
And here’s a fun fact: Robert Indiana actually created several versions of this artwork, so you might stumble upon them in other cities across the U.S. or even around the world!
Keep your eyes peeled!
Rocky Statue
The Rocky statue stands out as a Philly classic, and there is no doubt about it. Nestled at the bottom of the steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, this bronze tribute to the legendary fictional boxer Rocky Balboa captures the city’s fighting spirit and sheer determination.
You’ll often find a line of people there, all waiting for their turn to recreate Rocky’s iconic run up the museum steps—a valid Philly rite of passage, that’s for sure.
We the Youth
In South Philly, you’ll find Keith Haring’s “We the Youth” mural, which really brings the neighborhood to life.
Created in 1987 alongside local high school students and artists, it’s full of vibrant colors and dynamic movement, all signature to Haring’s style.
It’s especially notable because it’s the only collaborative public mural by Haring that is still in its original spot, making it a genuine treasure for art lovers.
Freedom
Zenos Frudakis’ “Freedom” sculpture captures what Philly is all about.
This striking 20-foot-long bronze slab portrays figures desperately trying to break free, with one finally stepping out onto the sidewalk—a vivid symbol of liberation.
It’s a reminder of Philadelphia’s deep roots in the pursuit of freedom, inviting passersby to “stand here” and reflect on their own paths to liberation.
Like other Philly murals, this sculpture deeply enriches the city’s narrative of independence and artistic expression.
Untitled Amy Sherald Project
Amy Sherald, renowned for her portrait of former First Lady Michelle Obama, brings her signature style to Center City with an impressive six-story mural.
This captivating artwork, featuring Najee S., a young Black woman from Philadelphia, stands out as one of the city’s most impactful murals.
It explores themes of identity and representation, pushing us to consider how art can challenge conventional perspectives and inspire change.
OY/YO at The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
Outside the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, the “OY/YO” installation offers a clever twist on words and meaning.
Viewed one way, it spells “YO,” mirroring a classic Philadelphia greeting, while from the opposite direction, it reads “OY,” a Yiddish word conveying sorrow or frustration.
Since its installation in 2022, this thought-provoking piece has become a popular photo spot, encouraging visitors to reflect on the emotions and meanings words can carry from different perspectives.
A Love Letter For You
In West Philly, local artist Steve Powers created a touching homage to his hometown with his project “A Love Letter For You,” a collection of 50 murals that celebrate love in many forms.
From heartfelt romantic messages to an artist’s tribute to the city, these murals, featuring phrases like “If you were here I’d be home now” and “Co-sign on our lifetime,” are spread along the Market Street corridor.
The best way to absorb it all is to hop on the Market-Frankford elevated train and watch the love story unfold.
Pro tip: Don’t forget to stop at 46th Street Station to check out Barbara Bullock’s stainless steel “El Dancers” installation along the way.
Dreams, Diaspora, and Destiny
In West Philadelphia’s Conestoga neighborhood, you’ll find a really cool piece of Philly mural arts—Philadelphia’s first augmented reality mural, “Dreams, Diaspora, and Destiny.”
It debuted in 2018 and was a collaborative effort by DJ King Britt, muralist Joshua Mays, and some talented students.
They designed what they call a “monumental time portal” that honors ancestral legacies and imagines utopian futures.
By using the MuralArtsAR app, visitors get to add another layer to their experience, hearing and seeing community interviews as they walk by, making the whole thing even more interactive and immersive.
The Silent Watcher
Faith XLVII’s mural, “The Silent Watcher,” covers an impressive 11,000 square feet on the side of a building at 3911 Market Street, acting as a striking entryway to University City.
The artwork shows a woman sitting 19 stories above the sidewalk, gazing over the city. With its geometric shapes, gold accents, and smooth color transitions, the mural naturally draws the eye upward, evoking a sense of hope and strength.
At night, it remains just as captivating, brought to life by illuminating lights.
The Electric Street
Right near the famous cheesesteak spots Pat’s and Geno’s in South Philly, you’ll stumble upon “The Electric Street,” a hidden gem.
Found on the 1300 block of Percy Street, this charming little alley comes alive with a permanent mural and light installation.
Vibrantly lit by neon green, pink, blue, and yellow LED lights, the installation casts a glow that beautifully highlights the mural’s geometric lines and shapes.
The Stamp of Incarceration: James Anderson
Shepard Fairey, the artist behind iconic works like the “Andre the Giant Has a Posse” campaign and the Barack Obama “Hope” poster, also created “The Stamp of Incarceration: James Anderson.”
Inspired by conversations with inmates and formerly incarcerated individuals, this mural aims to raise awareness about criminal justice issues.
You can spot it from the city’s Rail Park, which stands as a powerful reminder of the human cost of incarceration.
La Borinqueña
Over in Norris Square, the vibrant mural “La Borinqueña” shines a spotlight on the strength and dedication of Puerto Rican women, particularly in their efforts to preserve the planet.
This striking piece, brought to life by Marvel Comics graphic novelist Edgardo Miranda Rodriguez, illustrator Mike Hawthorne, and colorist Emilio Lopez, showcases the superheroine La Borinqueña.
She’s depicted soaring with the original Bandera de Puerto Rico, framed by portraits of five influential Puerto Rican women, each representing their rich cultural heritage and fierce commitment to their causes.
Electric Philadelphia
The I-676 underpass on North Sixth Street has been completely transformed into something special—an eye-catching light installation called “Electric Philadelphia.”
Neon-like LED lights brighten up the underpass, adding a vibrant experience for pedestrians and motorists.
When the lights are off, a striking image of Philadelphia’s past appears, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich history and how it has evolved over time.
Sanctuary City, Sanctuary Neighborhood
In North Philadelphia, you can discover the striking 3,000-square-foot mural, “Sanctuary City, Sanctuary Neighborhood,” crafted by Ian Pierce and Betsy Casañas.
Commissioned by Mural Arts Philadelphia, this mural is a vivid tribute to the strength and resilience of immigrant communities.
The artwork features compelling imagery, including an Afro-Caribbean woman creating an opening in the southern border wall.
Around her, about 400 other figures vividly illustrate immigrants’ diverse experiences and journeys.
The Thinker
Silently perched along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Auguste Rodin’s iconic sculpture “The Thinker” greets passersby outside the Rodin Museum.
This contemplative figure, originally part of Rodin’s monumental bronze portal “The Gates of Hell,” represents the Italian poet Dante Alighieri’s deep thought over his epic work, “The Divine Comedy.”
PhilaGuernica
“PhilaGuernica” offers a unique twist on Picasso’s famous “Guernica,” depicting war as a symbol of inspiration and hope.
This mural, a part of Mural Arts’ Rendering Justice project, was created with input from a class at a recovery facility.
Together, they crafted a piece that radiates a positive message about Philadelphia’s youth culture.
Horwitz-Wasserman Holocaust Memorial Plaza
Since 1964, Nathan Rapoport’s bronze sculpture “Monument to Six Million Jewish Martyrs” has been located at the tip of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
In 2018, it became part of the larger Horwitz-Wasserman Holocaust Memorial Plaza, dedicated to honoring the memory of the millions of Jews who were killed during the Holocaust and educating the public about this horrific event.
Will Smith and Kevin Hart: Live. Love. Laugh.
Philadelphia is proud to call two of the world’s most beloved movie stars and comedic icons its own: Will Smith and Kevin Hart. Both celebrities are celebrated with murals in their respective neighborhoods.
The 65-foot-tall Will Smith mural, painted by artist Richard Wilson, adorns the wall of the Global Leadership Academy Charter School.
Meanwhile, the late Willis “Nomo” Humphrey captured Kevin Hart’s infectious laughter in a two-story mural that overlooks Max’s Steaks, Hart’s favorite cheesesteak joint.
Clothespin
“Clothespin,” a 45-foot-tall steel sculpture by Claes Oldenburg, stands tall across from City Hall.
Installed in 1976, this whimsical piece resembles a giant clothespin and injects a playful vibe into the urban landscape.
Oldenburg even linked its design to Constantin Brancusi’s “The Kiss” in the Philadelphia Museum of Art, hinting at a deeper exploration of intimacy and connection between the two sculptures.
AMOR Sculpture
In Sister Cities Park, you’ll come across Robert Indiana’s “AMOR” sculpture, a beautiful testament to love and connection.
This six-foot-tall piece, whose name means “love” in Spanish and Latin, was first installed in Philadelphia in 2015 to commemorate Pope Francis’s visit.
Now a permanent feature in the park, it provides a thoughtful space for visitors to ponder the power of love.
You can also download an audio program from the Association for Public Art to learn more about the sculpture and listen to rare archival recordings of Indiana himself.
A Quest for Parity: The Octavius V. Catto Memorial
In a city home to over 1,500 public statues, the Octavius V. Catto Memorial distinctly stands out.
It is located in Center City and is the first statue dedicated to a specific African American.
Rising 12 feet tall in bronze, the sculpture honors Catto, a 19th-century civil rights crusader who passionately fought for desegregation, voting rights, and educational opportunities. So, it’s a powerful reminder of his legacy and the ongoing fight for equality.
MVP
In July 2019, Philadelphia unveiled its first public, freestanding sculpture of an African American girl.
Named “MVP,” the piece by artist Brian McCutcheon portrays a young basketball player, drawing inspiration from Ora Washington, a legendary Philadelphia athlete known for her skills in both basketball and tennis.
With its dynamic pose and strong message, the sculpture serves as a vibrant celebration of female empowerment and athleticism, really capturing the spirit of achievement.
Swann Memorial Fountain
At the heart of Logan Square, you’ll find the Swann Memorial Fountain, an impressive creation by Alexander Stirling Calder.
This fountain is adorned with large Native American figures that symbolize the area’s major waterways: the Delaware River, the Schuylkill River, and Wissahickon Creek.
It’s safe to say it’s a favorite spot for both locals and visitors to cool off and enjoy the detailed sculptures.
Fountain Street Steps (Water Under the Bridge)
Philadelphia’s iconic steps go beyond the famous Rocky Staircase. In Manayunk, the Fountain Street Steps, also known as “Water Under the Bridge,” present an artistic twist.
This ornate urban staircase features 70 colored glass steps that create the illusion of a cascading waterfall.
Complemented by vibrant murals and artistic plantings, it is a stunning visual link between the neighborhood and the Schuylkill River.
Destinations for Public Art
Philadelphia’s streets are full of surprises regarding public art, with every corner offering something creative and unexpected.
On South Street, between the funky shops and restaurants, you’ll find bursts of color in Isaiah Zagar’s mosaics.
Along the Delaware River Waterfront, you can catch impressive art installations and live performances that bring a different energy.
The Benjamin Franklin Parkway is a landmark all on its own, with its iconic sculptures and monuments.
For something a little different, step inside Fashion District Philadelphia, where Pennsylvania’s largest free public art display lives in a retail space.
Over at Fairmount Park, sculptures blend into the natural landscape, creating a peaceful setting for art lovers.
Callowhill—or the Spring Arts District—is home to Mural Arts Philadelphia’s first outdoor rotating gallery, with murals that change and refresh the neighborhood.
In Chinatown, you’ll find intricate mosaics, calligraphy, and murals that honor the area’s rich cultural roots.
Public Transportation as an Art Gallery
In Philly, even your commute can feel like a mini art tour.
The city’s public transportation system doubles as a rolling gallery, with permanent art installations scattered across stations and stops, thanks to SEPTA’s Art in Transit program.
So whether you’re catching the subway or hopping on a bus, there’s a good chance you’ll run into something creative that brightens up your ride.
Murals in Philadelphia: Art Around Every Corner
Philadelphia is like one big, living art gallery. It’s not known as the mural capital of the world for no reason.
Everywhere you go—whether it’s murals on building walls or sculptures tucked into parks—you’ll find creativity woven into the city’s fabric.
Amazingly, groups like Mural Arts Philadelphia and the Association for Public Art keep these treasures thriving, making sure art is something everyone can experience.
Just step outside, hop on the train, and you’ll be surrounded by it—art that’s as much a part of the city as its people.
If you’re looking for more to explore, check out our guide to the top outdoor activities in Philadelphia.
