In 2002, the owner of the once-vacant lot at 1022-1026 South Street in Boston decided to sell the land due to rising property values in the area. Concerned about the potential destruction of Isaiah Zagar’s neighborhood art environment, the community rallied to support the artist. This led to the establishment of Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens as a nonprofit organization, dedicated to preserving and promoting Zagar’s works at the Magic Gardens and across the South Street region.
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens has since become a permanent art institution open to visitors year-round. Trained guides offer tours of the Magic Gardens and Zagar’s nearby public murals. Additionally, PMG hosts monthly mosaic workshops led by Zagar himself and regularly features concerts, dance performances, and other public events.