Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How big is an average mural?
    An average mural is about the size of a Philadelphia row house-three stories high (35 feet) by 30 feet across. Our murals, however, range in size from small one-story projects to the eight-story high mural, Common Threads, at Broad and Spring Garden Streets.

  2. How long does a mural take to paint?
    The amount of time it takes to paint a mural is determined by the size of the wall and the complexity of the design. On average, a standard, row-house sized mural takes about two or three months to complete.

  3. What kind of techniques do muralists use?
    One challenge every muralist faces is how to transfer a design from paper onto a wall, while preserving its scale, perspective, composition, and overall integrity. Muralists rely on four basic transfer methods: the Grid System, the Michelangelo Method, the Parachute Cloth Method, and the Projection Method.

  4. What kind of paint does MAP use?
    MAP uses a special acrylic mural paint called NovaColor, which is produced by a small company in Los Angeles called Artex Manufacturing. A mural painted with NovaColor and properly sealed with weather resistant gel can last 20 to 25 years.

  5. How much does a mural cost?
    The cost of a mural averages between $15,000 and $25,000. This includes paint, the muralist's commission, scaffolding, and all brushes and other painting supplies.

  6. How many murals has The Mural Arts Program painted?
    We have painted over 2,800 murals throughout Philadelphia. Murals are located on exterior walls and inside buildings, such as schools and recreation centers.

  7. Are there tours of the murals?
    We offer a series of public tours and arrange tours for private groups. Tours are on historic trolleys, which can accommodate approximately 35 people, and are lead by knowledgeable docents. To receive notification of public tours, please sign up for our mailing list.

  8. I'm an artist who would like to paint a mural or teach a workshop. How do I get involved?
    We are committed to providing professional development and employment opportunities to artists in the Philadelphia area and are always on the lookout for new talent. If you are interested in working with the program, please send the application, a letter, resume, and work samples to our office. Please highlight any applicable experience. Creating a mural involves special technical skills. Before we commission new artists to paint murals, we often ask them to assist experienced muralists as volunteers or, if funds permit, as paid helpers.

  9. Are there volunteer opportunities?
    We are looking for volunteers to serve as docents for mural tours. If you are interested, please call (215) 685-0750. Currently Mural Arts does not have a regular volunteer program. It does, however, schedule periodic volunteer days throughout the year. To receive information on volunteer days, please sign up for our mailing list.

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