Mural Arts Remembers Isaiah Zagar, Philadelphia Public Art Legend

Mural Arts Philadelphia celebrates the enduring impact of Isaiah Zagar, mosaicist and Philadelphia Magic Gardens founding artist, who sadly passed away on February 19, 2026. Zagar leaves behind a vast and beloved body of public artwork that’s become known throughout the world as a hallmark of Philadelphia.

In 2004, Zagar worked with Mural Arts and fellow artists Paul Santoleri and Henry Bermudez on a powerful North Philadelphia mosaic mural titled Men Can, which amplified a global movement to end violence against women and families.

“He said, ‘I just keep going, I don’t stop,’” Golden recalled of her very first conversation with Zagar. “I thought, does he really just keep doing art down the street—no stopping, no questions? And then he did a project with us, and it was true! He kept going. People said, ‘Who is that dude with the mosaics?’ I respected his desire to create, his creativity, his tenacity, and his love of life.”

In a statement about Zagar’s passing, Philadelphia Magic Gardens Executive Director Emily Smith writes: “In his 86 years, Isaiah became one of the most renowned mosaicists on earth, working from sunrise to sunset each day; creating hundreds of public mosaics, dozens of buildings and facades, and thousands of drawings, paintings, prints, and photographs. He loved South Street, the city of Philadelphia, and the community fostered here with all of his heart. In his lifetime, he created a body of work that is unique and remarkable, and one that has left an everlasting mark on our city.”

Golden also emphasized Zagar’s love of Philadelphia and the city’s standing as a public art destination: “He would always yell out the number of murals we have in our city whenever he saw me, and he did so with incredible pride and exuberance.”

Zagar’s legacy lives on in the walls of our city and in the many artists and community members he inspired through his vision. Mural Arts extends heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, collaborators, and all who love him.

Top Image: Open Source opening party at Bok, October 2, 2015. Photo by Steve Weinik.