The city’s artistic vibrancy has also been recognised internationally: PHLCVB
Securing the title for the second time in a row, Philadelphia has been declared by USA Today Best Readers’ Choice Awards as the best city for street art in the United States.
In a press statement, Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau says that the recognition highlights Philadelphia’s vibrant collection of outdoor murals, sculptures, and public art installations, which is easily accessible to both locals and visitors. The city was selected by a panel of experts and it has won through public voting.
It adds that much of the city’s global reputation as a street art destination stems from the ongoing work of mural arts in Philadelphia.
PHLCVB adds that since its founding in 1984, the organisation has been instrumental in producing over 4,000 works of public art, involving local communities and artists throughout the process. This continued commitment has earned the city the distinction of being the ‘Mural Capital of the World’.
According to the statement, in 2024, while marking the 40th anniversary of the city’s mural arts, The New York Times praised Philadelphia as “a city of murals, decades in the making,” applauding the community-focussed and collaborative spirit behind the creation of these artworks.
“Given a chance to improve my adopted city through art, include both officials and unknowns in art projects, bring meaning to the lives of young people from complex backgrounds, and change mentalities, I instantly realised that my life would be in Philadelphia,” says Jane Golden, Executive Director, Mural Arts Philadelphia.
PHLCVB says the city’s artistic vibrancy has also been recognised internationally, as Michelin’s Philadelphia destination guide commends the city’s commitment to art and urban planning, describing the city as “an open-air museum” where visitors can encounter statues, neoclassical pediments and Greek Revival architecture throughout its streets.
“The art is what I love the most about Philadelphia. It has museums, cultural centres, murals, public art, everyone has access to art; no neighbourhood is left out. Our diversity! Philadelphia’s history, multiculturalism colours, aromas. Our murals vouch for it: Philadelphia is an incredible patchwork,” adds Golden.
Moreover, aiming to make the mural experience accessible to everyone, PHLCVB says that the city offers a variety of ways to explore its street art, including walking, trolley, bicycle, and both guided and self-guided tours. It also mentions that the organisation recognises city’s street art as a key element in helping visitors connect with Philadelphia’s history, culture and community spirit.
“We consistently hear that our street art is a large part of what helps visitors learn about and connect with Philadelphia, some people wear their hearts on their sleeves. In Philadelphia, you could say we wear our hearts on our buildings, playgrounds, and public spaces in the form of street art,” says Gregg Caren, President, CEO, Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau.
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