Magic Gardens offers unique perspective

Were it not for the dazzling array of tile, glass and other assorted oddities jutting out from their mortar bindings, you might miss the towering gates to one of the city's most awe- inspiring attractions: Philadelphia's Magic Gardens.

A 3,000 square foot labyrinth nestled in the 1000 block of South Street, Magic Gardens takes visitors through tunnels and grottos with walls adorned with everything from bicycle parts to lighting fixtures to mom's old china set.

Spin in any direction and you'll discover your reflection staring back in the many pieces of mirror embedded in grout. As you traverse the winding paths, even the feel of the mosaic floor beneath your soles leads to an amazing sensory experience. 

Magic Gardens is the creation of Philadelphia folk artist Isaiah Zagar. 

Ellen Owens, executive director of Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, said that visitors are attracted to the full-on sensory experience that Zagar's mosaics offer.

"People don't have a mental construct for a visionary art environment," Owens said. "People don't usually experience art with all their senses. Having the artwork literally surround them is both very inspirational and sort of spiritually uplifting to be in a space created in such a pure, unintentional and organic way."

Magic Gardens had its modest beginnings in 1994 when Zagar began revitalizing a vacant lot near his South Street studio with mosaic depictions of events and experiences in his life. The barren space quickly grew into a grandiose maze, which captivated the Philadelphia community so much so that they saved the lot in 2002 when its Boston-based owner wished to sell the land because of rising property values. Magic Gardens opened its doors to the public in 2004, and it has sought to foster creativity and enable public involvement with the arts, Owens said.

Every fourth Saturday, Magic Gardens hosts a Music & Mosaics Concert Series, which provides patrons with the opportunity to experience musicians in a venue with acoustics and visuals.  This winter, Magic Gardens will launch a new program that will enable visitors to have a safe experience in the labyrinth once it snows. Tour guides will lead people out to select portions of the outside gardens and into the mosaics basement for hourly-guided tours, free with admission on the half hour.

For a $5 admission ticket, Magic Gardens promises to leave you feeling inspired.

 "It's really striking people in a particular way," Owens said. "We find that people leave really just being awestruck."

Located at 1020 South St., Philadelphia's Magic Gardens is open now through March, Sunday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Visit phillymagicgardens.org for more information.