Mercantile Library

Mercantile Library by Hagopian Arts was located in Center City Philadelphia at the former site of the Mercantile Library Company. The mural depicts a surreal combination of botanical patterning and trompe l’oeil books, some about Philadelphians, framed by the exterior of the original library. The shelves of books feature titles published within the years of the Mercantile Library’s operation between 1952 and 1989. The sign is a copy from the original on the library.

Boarded up since its closing, the developer, Brickstone Realty, planned to remodel the interior of the building, which will take several years to complete. This mural remained at the site until the facility began restoration in 2024.

Location Note: Mural no longer on view at this location (temporary project removed in 2024).