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PHILADELPHIA, February 27, 2025 – Philadelphia reclaims its title as the nation’s Best City for Street Art in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards contest. Public voting pushed Philly past other nominees – including Nashville, Chicago and Detroit – further solidifying the city’s reputation as a prolific incubator for seasoned and emerging street artists.
A panel of experts, including editors from USA TODAY and 10Best.com, nominated Philadelphia for the accolade through a careful review process. The city previously garnered this recognition in 2023.
For over 40 years, Philadelphia has been known as the “Mural Capital of the World.” Mural Arts Philadelphia, the force behind many of the city’s murals, began as an initiative to change perceptions of graffiti, creating a framework that helped turn unauthorized tags into celebrated public art.
Beyond murals, Philadelphia’s street art landscape continues to evolve, with artists and collectives transforming well-known surfaces – such as Graffiti Pier on the Delaware River – as well as small businesses, abandoned structures and construction sites into open-air canvases.
The city embraces independent artists who turn public spaces into dynamic, large-scale works, helping to elevate their art beyond the streets. Many local artists have gained national recognition, cultivating large followings and securing gallery exhibitions.
Conrad Benner, founder of Streets Dept, a multi-platform showcase of Philadelphia public art and public space, highlights a few notable groups and artists contributing to the city’s vibrant street art scene, including:
- HAHA x Paradigm – A three-person artist group that has created knockout work in and beyond Queen Village.
- V.U.R.T. Creative – An urban renewal nonprofit known for making playful murals in Port Richmond and Fishtown.
- Percy Street Project – A small block in South Philadelphia illuminated with original neon and artwork, known as “The Electric Street.”
- Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens – The ever-present tiled mosaics of veteran artist Isaiah Zagar, with his South Street landmark serving as a gateway to his work throughout the city.
- Symone Salib, Amberella and Alloyius Mcilwaine – Philadelphia-based wheatpaste and graffiti artists who have built major followings through their street art.
Philadelphia is proud to be home to one of the world’s largest – and most accessible – public art collections. From breathtaking murals and sculptures to dynamic installations, the city’s streets, parks and public spaces serve as an ever-evolving, open-air gallery for residents and visitors alike to explore and enjoy.
To explore Philadelphia’s eminent street art scene, check out this article on visitphilly.com.
About Visit Philadelphia:
VISIT PHILADELPHIA® is our name and our mission. As the region’s official tourism marketing agency, we build Greater Philadelphia’s image, drive visitation and boost the economy. On Greater Philadelphia’s official visitor website, visitphilly.com, visitors can explore things to do, upcoming events, themed itineraries and hotel packages.
Compelling photography and videos, interactive maps and detailed visitor information make the site an effective trip-planning tool. Visitors can also find loads of inspiration on Visit Philly’s social media Channels.
Note to Editors: For high-resolution photos and high-definition B-roll of Greater Philadelphia, visit the Photos & Video section of visitphilly.com/mediacenter.
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