Common Threads by Meg Saligman completed 1997 Broad &
Spring Garden Streets Photo credit: Jack Ramsdale
for Mural Arts Program (c) City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program

One of the first things I noticed about Philadelphia was that walls were canvases for art, all across the city. In more than 100 communities, walls that would otherwise seem, well, like a big old ugly wall, now reflect the history and heritage of the city.

Although it’s certainly possible to simply explore the city, noting these works of wall art along the way, the process doesn’t have to be haphazard.

Mural art tours are regularly available to help visitors find and enjoy these colorful city-brighteners.

The program began in 1984 as a component of the Philadelphia Anti-Graffiti Network, creating super-size works of art where once there might have been unsanctioned creations.

According to their website, Jane Golden, the force behind this inspiration program “reached our to graffiti writers to help turn their destructive energies into creative ones. In the process, she recognized the raw artistic talent among the graffiti writers as she began to provide opportunities for them to channel their creative forces into mural-making.”

With over 3,000 murals gracing their walls, Philadelphia has become internationally know as The City of Murals. And each year about 50 new murals are added to the list - both indoors and out.

If you can’t take the tour, there’s a DIY version along what’s called Mural Mile. You’ll find 17 of Center City's murals along this 2 mile walking route. And, coming soon, you'll be able to download the free podcast of the Mural Mile to hear the stories behind the murals.

Plus, they have an intriguing menu of other tours from ones focused on a particular neighborhood, a Center City tour, and an antique trolley tour.

You want a drink of ale with your art? Or, perhaps food? Yes, they have those tours, too.

Check out the events listing for more innovative art-inspired events and tours.

And see the slideshow - the images amaze and delight.

Subscribe above to receive notices about future fascinating and informative columns in your emailbox. Read about more Offbeat Travel and follow me on twitter as OffbeatTravel