Philadelphia artist turned junk into 3,000-sq-ft maze now drawing sellout crowds

Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, a vibrant masterpiece by Isaiah Zagar, comprises stunning mosaics made from found objects that capture his personal journey and artistic influences. In 2004, when demolition loomed, local advocates banded together to form a nonprofit, securing the beloved site. Over the years, Zagar enriched the gardens with imaginative tunnels and diverse mosaics, right up to his death in 2026.