1997
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Mario Lanza
Mario Lanza by artist Diane Keller, located on South Broad Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, celebrates the life of Mario Lanza. Mario Lanza (1921-1959) was an Italian opera singer from South Philadelphia who became a movie star. The mural depicts a montage of memorabilia provided by the Mario Lanza Institute, including references to Lanza’s roles, including Enrico Caruso, Othello, and Caneo the clown from Il Pagliacci. The record player and The Touch of Your Hand album pay tribute to his recording career. The silhouetted figures are from the credits portion of movie in which he starred, The window and historic plaque are from the house in South Philadelphia where he was born.
The mural was conceived as part of a series on famous Philadelphians. The Mario Lanza Society raised the $10,000 needed to do the mural from Lanza fans worldwide. Contributions often arrived in small donations of $10 and $25. Muralist Diane Keller is a long-time South Philadelphia resident. She attended Moore College of Art and taught art at the University of Pennsylvania. She was chosen to do this mural because of her strength as a portraitist. Keller was challenged to devise a composition that would work on the odd shaped wall. When painting this mural, she played Lanza’s music. Neighbors came by to watch and listen. Many of them cried, recalling their feelings for this beloved singer. Despite pouring rain, 150 people attended the original mural dedication.
The mural was conceived as part of a series on famous Philadelphians. The Mario Lanza Society raised the $10,000 needed to do the mural from Lanza fans worldwide. Contributions often arrived in small donations of $10 and $25. Muralist Diane Keller is a long-time South Philadelphia resident. She attended Moore College of Art and taught art at the University of Pennsylvania. She was chosen to do this mural because of her strength as a portraitist. Keller was challenged to devise a composition that would work on the odd shaped wall. When painting this mural, she played Lanza’s music. Neighbors came by to watch and listen. Many of them cried, recalling their feelings for this beloved singer. Despite pouring rain, 150 people attended the original mural dedication.
The mural was restored in 2007 and again in 2024.