Get a dose of art, history and a free beer on the Mural Arts neighborhood walking tour
The Spring Garden Tour ends at Yards Brewery, where tour participants are treated to a FREE beer.
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Mural Arts Philadelphia has launched a new "neighborhood" walking tour designed to showcase what the organization calls the world's largest outdoor art gallery.
Karen Rogers has details in this week's 6abc Loves the Arts.
The "Mural Mile Center City Walking Tour" has been the nonprofit's staple tour.
"It's almost the autobiography of Philadelphia," said Jane Golden, executive director of the Mural Arts Program.
But now, Mural Arts is offering three neighborhood tours as well.
"We've never done this before," said Golden.
"They each display unique aspects of the community," said Richard DiLullo, tour guide of the Mural Arts Program.
The "West Philly Inspired Tour" highlights inspirational figures in the city's history.
"Many of whom lived in West Philadelphia," said DiLullo.
One mural is dedicated to Bishop Richard Allen, a pioneer for social justice and civil rights.
"He was the first African American Bishop in the United States," said DiLullo.
And this 1,100-square-foot mural titled the "Silent Watcher" is like a maternal figure at the gateway to University City.
"That represents fertility and prosperity and growth," DiLullo said.
The "Bella Vistas Walking Tour" tells the stories of people who exemplify Philadelphia's pioneering spirit and grit, such as Octavius Catto.
"After the Civil War, Catto was instrumental in signing up the newly minted citizenry among Blacks," said DiLullo.
Take the "The Spring into the Arts Walking Tour" and you'll learn about "Folding the Prism."
"Kind of a kaleidoscope of color," said DiLullo, "harkens back to the illustrious industrial past."
The Spring Garden Tour ends at Yards Brewery, where tour participants are treated to a FREE beer.
"In fact, there's a new mural going up at all yards," said Golden.
"Philadelphia after all is the mural capital the world," said DiLullo.
All of the walking tours last about 90 minutes.
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Upcoming Neighborhood Walking Tours Schedule:
Spring into the Arts Walking Tour - August 21
New Bella Vistas Walking Tour - August 22
Mural Mile Center City Walking Tour - August 21
West Philly-Inspired Walking Tour - August 28
