Explore Maxo Vanka Murals in Pittsburgh, PA
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels with minimal walking and no strenuous activity required.
Overview
Explore the vivid murals of Maxo Vanka at St. Nicholas Church on a private guided tour. Discover immigrant stories through powerful artwork and live conservation efforts in Pittsburgh.
Vanka Murals Tour
Saturdays, 11am & 12:30pm • Mondays & Thursdays 6:30 pm
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About This Adventure
Embark on a captivating guided tour of Maxo Vanka's stunning murals at St. Nicholas Croatian Catholic Church. Discover the rich stories behind these 1930s masterpieces that celebrate the immigrant experience. Experience conservation efforts firsthand while enjoying a unique glimpse into the cultural heritage of the working-class community.
Explore the murals of Croatian-American artist Maksimilijan "Maxo" Vanka on this immersive guided tour
Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring murals of Croatian artist Maxo Vanka on a guided tour at the historic St. Nicholas Croatian Catholic Church in Millvale. Discover how these striking works were painted by Vanka in 1937 and 1941 to reflect the culture and lives of the working-class immigrant congregation. While on the tour, you’ll see conservation in action as you learn about the stories behind the murals and their timeless messages.
Docent-led guided tours are 60 minutes.
*registration is required for Maxo Mondays
The St. Nicholas Sanctuary is not air conditioned, but we'll do our best to keep you comfortable. Fans will be running throughout the building. On hotter days (above 85°F), personal hand fans and chilled water will be offered.
Scheduling Flexibility: Public tours will continue as planned, even on hot days. However, we completely understand if you'd prefer to reschedule for a cooler time. If that's the case, simply contact mbfazio@vankamurals.org to receive a new tour date or booking code. You're welcome to reschedule for another public tour (Mondays/Thursdays/Saturdays) at your convenience.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Adventure Tips
Book Your Tour in Advance
Tours have limited availability, so reserving your spot ahead is essential.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The tour involves walking inside and around the church, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
Respect the Sacred Space
Photography is allowed but refrain from using flash to protect the murals and respect the church environment.
Allow Enough Time for the Experience
Set aside at least 1–2 hours to fully appreciate the murals and ask questions during the guided tour.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Eastern gray squirrels often seen near the church grounds
- Various songbirds commonly found in the surrounding neighborhood trees
History
Maxo Vanka painted these murals during the 1930s and 1940s to reflect the hardships and hopes of Croatian immigrant workers in the Pittsburgh area.
Conservation
The Society actively preserves the murals using environmentally conscious materials and techniques to maintain their integrity for future generations.
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Adventure Hotspots in Pittsburgh
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Supports easy movement inside the church and nearby areas.
Light Jacket or Sweater
Keeps you comfortable during cooler spring days and evenings.
spring specific
Water Bottle
Stay hydrated during warmer summer months.
summer specific
Compact Umbrella
Useful for occasional rain while exploring the neighborhood.
fall specific