Experience Maxo Vanka’s Murals — Guided Tours, Sketch Workshops & Community Events
Explore the Millvale murals at St. Nicholas Croatian Catholic Church with guided Vanka Murals Tours, Sketching Sessions, and Creative Happenings in Pittsburgh.
Featured Tours & Experiences
Guided mural tours, sketch workshops, and community art happenings that bring Maxo Vanka’s work to life.
About the Society to Preserve the Millvale Murals of Maxo Vanka
The Society to Preserve the Millvale Murals of Maxo Vanka is a Pittsburgh-based organization focused on protecting and promoting the murals painted by Maxo Vanka at St. Nicholas Croatian Catholic Church. The Society curates public programs that invite residents and visitors to engage with the murals’ history, artistic significance, and ongoing conservation work.
Program offerings include the Vanka Murals Tour, a guided walkthrough of the church murals that highlights the stories behind the 1930s paintings and their connection to the immigrant and working-class experience. Sketching Sessions pair local artists with participants for indoor and outdoor drawing exercises inspired by Vanka’s views of Pittsburgh and the Cathedral of Learning. Creative events such as "These Walls Can Talk" blend public poetry readings, family-friendly art activities, and community conversation centered on themes found in the murals.
Tours and programs emphasize education, accessibility, and stewardship, providing a structured way to experience the Vanka Collection while learning about preservation practices. The Society coordinates with volunteer guides and local artists to deliver informed, respectful visits that honor the site’s cultural context.
Visitors can expect curated experiences that balance interpretation, hands-on activity, and opportunities to observe conservation efforts. The Society’s public programs create meaningful cultural access to Maxo Vanka’s murals, connecting art history, community memory, and contemporary creative practice for audiences in Pittsburgh and beyond.
Programs are suitable for a range of ages and interests; scheduling varies seasonally — check local listings or the Society’s program information for current dates and details, and accessibility accommodations are described online.
See the Murals — Book a Tour or Join an Event
Reserve a spot for a Vanka Murals Tour, Sketching Session, or the Creative Happening: These Walls Can Talk in Pittsburgh.