You Can Soon Go on a Scavenger Hunt for Isaiah Zagar’s Mosaics
The Magic Gardens has brought us the South Philly safari we've all been waiting for.
phiA mural by Isaiah Zagar on a home on South Street. | Photo by Beyond My Ken via Wikimedia Commons
The scavenger hunt we’ve all been waiting for is coming to South Philadelphia.
Anyone who has truly admired the work of Philly mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar knows it’s not just confined to Philly’s prized Magic Gardens: It also covers the walls and doors of homes all over South Philadelphia (and across the city, in fact).
This week — for the first time — you’ll be able to visit and learn more about the mosaics scattered across Zagar’s neighborhood.
The Magic Gardens will host its first ever neighborhood scavenger hunt on Thursday evening. Those who participate in the “South Street Safari” will receive a map and checklist before being released into the streets around South Street and Bella Vista to search out the “many depictions of animals hidden” in Zagar’s mosaics.
From the Magic Gardens’ website:
“Your goal is to find all the critters shown on your checklist and snap photos for proof – then get back to PMG. The group who finds the most within an hour, or finds them all and gets back first, wins!”
Join us for the first EVER #southstreetsafari on July 19! Grab your friends (and your dog!) and come out to compete to find elusive creatures in Zagar's mosaic murals. FREE to participate, and donations will be accepted for @MorrisAnimal! Don't miss it! https://t.co/FjkPP47Ik8 pic.twitter.com/AN3SKkSGl4
— Philly Magic Gardens (@magicgardens) July 10, 2018
If you’re inspired by a particular piece (or animal) along the way, you’re encouraged to post it to social media with the hashtag #southstreetsafari — for bonus prizes.
The best part? Participating in the scavenger hunt is free — but you can (and should!) donate to Morris Animal Refuge, an animal shelter located near the Magic Gardens, at 13th and Lombard streets.
There are a few rules:
- Group size is limited to five people
- You must respect South Philly neighbors — no littering or climbing on walls
- Watch for cars
- Don’t touch the mosaics
- Child-friendly dogs are welcome
The scavenger hunt will start at 6 p.m. at the Magic Gardens (located at 1020 South Street) and run until 8:30 p.m. Space is limited — you can reserve a spot and find more information online.
