How long is the mural tour?

The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes, covering key murals in the Fairmount neighborhood.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

The tour takes place on city sidewalks and streets; some areas may be uneven, so accessibility may be limited.

Are refreshments included?

Light refreshments are provided at the Mural Arts office at the end of the tour.

Can I take photos during the tour?

Yes, photography is encouraged to capture the vibrant murals.

Is the tour family-friendly?

Yes, the tour is suitable for all ages interested in art and culture.

Do I need to book in advance?

Booking in advance is highly recommended due to limited group sizes and popularity.

Discover Philadelphia's Evolving Mural Arts: A Guided Tour with Jane Golden and Conrad Benner | City Tour | Guided Tour

Philadelphia’s Fairmount neighborhood hosts one of the most dynamic public art experiences in the U.S.—an evolving canvas of murals that reflect the city’s history, culture, and vibrant communities. This specialty 90-minute tour, led by Executive Director Jane Golden and Streets Dept's Conrad Benner, offers a unique chance to witness the city’s mural scene through the eyes of two visionary leaders. Starting from the iconic "Folding the Prism," visitors journey through a thoughtfully curated selection of murals representing both landmark early works and more recent, boundary-pushing pieces. What sets this tour apart is the personal insight from the guides. Jane Golden has been a driving force behind Philadelphia's Mural Arts Program, which began as an anti-graffiti initiative and grew into one of the country's largest public art programs, offering meaningful community engagement and visual storytelling. Conrad Benner, founder of Streets Dept, brings a contemporary perspective on how public art interacts with urban landscape and youth culture. Participants not only move through the streets of Fairmount, gaining vivid context about each artwork’s origins and impact, but also end the excursion with a welcoming gathering at the Mural Arts office. This final stop includes light refreshments and a chance for conversation—giving visitors an in-depth appreciation for the people and processes behind the murals. Fairmount itself offers a lively backdrop, combining historic architecture with a progressive artistic spirit. The murals are painted on brick and stone surfaces, blending seamlessly with the cityscape. This combination of history, urban grit, and creative expression makes the area a standout destination for outdoor and cultural explorers. Why book this experience? It delivers more than sightseeing—it’s an immersive storytelling session exploring community, art, and activism through vibrant public canvases. Whether you’re an art lover, urban adventurer, or cultural historian, this tour transforms the streets of Philadelphia into an open-air gallery that’s both educational and inspiring. Nearby City: Philadelphia provides abundant accommodation and dining options, making it easy to extend your stay and explore more of the city’s rich offerings. From historic landmarks to green spaces like Fairmount Park, this tour adds a colorful layer to a well-rounded visit. Join this specialty tour and unlock the stories behind Philadelphia’s murals—a living, breathing art gallery that continuously shapes the city’s identity.

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

1.5 hours.

Fitness level

Suitable for most fitness levels as it is a moderate walk through city streets.

Wildlife

Urban birds such as peregrine falcons nesting on nearby buildings
Squirrels common in nearby green spaces

History

Philadelphia's Mural Arts Program began in 1984 as an anti-graffiti effort and has grown into the nation's largest public art program.

Conservation

The program emphasizes community involvement and sustainable urban art practices to maintain murals without further environmental impact.

Mural Arts Philadelphia is a Philadelphia-based organization that offers guided tours and public art experiences across the city. The organization leads a variety of 90-minute walking tours and trolley tours through what is described within its experiences as Philadelphia’s largest outdoor gallery. Tours cover four decades of mural work and explore neighborhoods including the Spring Arts District, Fashion District, South Street, Germantown, Bella Vista, and Hawthorne. Guided options include themed walking tours — such as Center City East, Center City West, South of South, Historic Germantown, and the New Bella Vistas route — as well as trolley tours like the Masterpieces East Trolley Tour and the Black History Month Civic Heroes Trolley Tour. Specialty offerings include the Outside In Art Tour, which visits murals, mosaics, and sculptures in the Fashion District and notes small-group experiences, and a fall photography course that pairs a mini photography workshop led by a professional photographer with a guided mural walk. Tours focus on the stories behind each artwork, the artists, and the community context that shaped the pieces. Professional guides and instructors share historical, cultural, and artistic insights during each 90-minute experience. Mural Arts Philadelphia is featured on The Adventure Collective and provides consistent access to outdoor public art across Philadelphia’s diverse neighborhoods.

Base locationPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania

Tours offered18+

Specialtyland-adventures

StewardshipLeave No Trace