Experience the Vanka Murals Private Tour in Pittsburgh
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for individuals with basic mobility as the tour is mostly stationary with some walking inside the church and immediate grounds.
Overview
Discover the compelling murals of Maxo Vanka on a private tour in Millvale, Pennsylvania. Dive into local history and art with an expert guide in an intimate setting.
Vanka Murals Private Tour
Schedule a private tour to fit your group's interests and itinerary
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About This Adventure
Explore the murals of Croatian-American artist, Maksimilijan "Maxo" Vanka on a private group tour
Choose from the listed availabilities, or submit a private tour inquiry
Plan a trip to see the murals of Maxo Vanka at St. Nicholas Catholic Church with your class, club, congregation, family, or company! An outing to the murals provides opportunities for art lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Created during the Great Depression and World War II, Croatian immigrant artist Maxo Vanka painted provocative works that cover the walls and ceiling of the sanctuary to reflect the lived experiences of the church’s working-class, immigrant congregation and timeless themes of struggle, sacrifice, faith, and hope. During your private guided tour, a knowledgeable and passionate docent will share the stories behind the artist himself, the murals, and the history of the church and its Croatian immigrant congregation.
Private tours start at $120 (for groups of up to 8) for a 1-hour guided group tour. Additional guests are $15 each.
Adventure Tips
Book Ahead for Private Access
Reservations are required for the private tour to ensure a personal experience without crowds.
Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes
The tour involves walking inside a historic church and nearby areas, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
Respect the Sacred Setting
Photo restrictions may apply inside the church; always follow guide instructions to preserve the artwork and interior.
Check Weather for Nearby Outdoor Exploration
Plan for local weather if combining the tour with exploring Millvale village and other outdoor areas.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Eastern gray squirrels often seen near the church grounds
- Various songbirds inhabiting nearby park areas
History
Maxo Vanka created these murals between 1937-1941, depicting struggles of immigrant workers and calls for peace during challenging historical periods.
Conservation
The Society to Preserve the Millvale Murals actively maintains the artwork with sustainable restoration practices to protect the murals' integrity for future generations.
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Adventure Hotspots in Pittsburgh
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Necessary for navigating church interiors and nearby sidewalks comfortably.
Light jacket or sweater
Spring temperatures can be cool, especially indoors or during early mornings.
spring specific
Sunscreen
Useful if combining the tour with outdoor exploration in the village.
summer specific
Camera (with flash off)
Capture exterior shots while respecting photography restrictions inside the church.