1989

Renowned portrait muralist Kent Twitchell unveiled Dr. J at 1234 Ridge Avenue, blending exceptional artistry with a figure deeply significant to Philadelphia’s community. This mural marked a pioneering moment as the first in Philadelphia created using the "parachute cloth technique." Twitchell conducted a photo shoot with Dr. J in California, where he painted the mural panels in his studio. These completed panels were then transported to Philadelphia by plane and installed on-site. Twitchell introduced the parachute cloth method to the Mural Arts team, with artist Meg Saligman later incorporating it partially in her Common Threads mural (1997-1998). Although initially used sparingly, the technique became widespread in Philadelphia around 2002-2003, particularly through Mural Arts' educational programs at SCI Graterford.

1997

Under the administration of Mayor Ed Rendell, the Mural Arts Program was established, evolving from the Anti-Graffiti Network's successful mural-making initiatives.

Recognizing the community's deep connection to these artworks, the Philadelphia Mural Arts Advocates was founded as an independent nonprofit organization, designated as a 501(c)(3). Consequently, the Mural Arts Program transitioned from the Anti-Graffiti Network to become a part of the Department of Recreation within the city's government, solidifying its role in enhancing Philadelphia's urban landscape.

1998

Meg Saligman paints Common Threads emerges at Broad and Spring Garden Streets, towering eight stories high above Broad Street. This striking mural is one of the most iconic images in the city's public art landscape.

2004

Over 300 neighbors, community partners, and volunteers gathered at 39th and Aspen Streets to help create the Holding Grandmother’s Quilt project with Donald Gensler, Jane Golden, and students from their mural class at the University of Pennsylvania. Together, they painted two murals, reclaimed ten vacant lots, and revitalized an adjacent recreation center. The project was a catalyst for positive change in the neighborhood

2008

Mural Arts completes its first collaborative project with the City of Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and disAbility Services (DBHIDS), Bridging the Gap by Willis “Nomo” Humphrey at 57th and Woodland. This collaboration was foundational to the formation of Mural Arts’ Porch Light program several years later.

2010

In collaboration with artist J. Meejin Yoon, Mural Arts presented Light Drift, an engaging temporary interactive lighting installation along the Schuylkill Banks, spanning from Market to Chestnut Streets, from October 15-17, 2010.

2013

Mural Arts unveils Legendary, a new mural project crafted by Amber Arts & Design featuring Tatyana Fazlalizadeh, celebrating the GRAMMY Award-winning group The Roots.

2021

Declaration, a project by Dwayne Reginald Betts and Titus Kaphar, was developed under Mural Arts Philadelphia’s Reimagining Re-Entry Fellowship. It critically examined the outdated and unjust Three-fifths Compromise embedded in the Declaration of Independence. By redacting the document, the artists uncover this clause's inherent truths and contradictions from the perspective of contemporary American citizens, mainly focusing on communities of color.

2023

Finally on 13th