In Philadelphia, every street and mural tells a story. Bring that same spirit home with Philadelphia’s Local Art—letting your walls reflect the city’s creativity and your personal style.
Why Philadelphia's Local Art Matters
Philadelphia’s art community is tight-knit, innovative, and remarkably accessible. When you choose pieces from neighborhood creators, you’re doing more than decorating: you’re investing in new voices, supporting small businesses, and keeping Philly’s cultural heart beating.
“Art isn’t just something you hang—it’s a conversation you start every time someone walks through your door.” — Gaurav Gambhir, BlackLabel KW Partner
Where to Find Original Pieces
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Old City’s First Friday
On the first Friday of each month, Old City’s narrow blocks turn into an open-air gallery. Galleries toss open their doors, painters and sculptors greet visitors, and musical buskers add a soundtrack to the evening. Spend an hour or two strolling: often you’ll meet an emerging artist and snag a one-of-a-kind piece before it shows up in bigger galleries—or bigger price tags. -
Mural Arts Philadelphia Tours
More than 4,400 murals turn Philly’s public spaces into the world’s largest outdoor art gallery. Snap photos of designs that spark joy, then reach out to the artist (most are tagged by name on Mural Arts’ interactive map) to buy prints or commission a smaller canvas. -
Pop-Up Markets & Fairs
Locations such as Cherry Street Pier, The Piazza, and Clark Park regularly host craft fairs where painters, photographers, and mixed-media makers table side-by-side. Follow Instagram hashtags like #ArtInPhilly and #PhillyMakersMarket to stay informed. -
Neighborhood Galleries Beyond Center City
Fishtown’s Bunker Projects, South Philly’s Paradigm Gallery + Studio, and Germantown’s Imperfect Gallery are gold mines for affordable, thought-provoking pieces. -
University Student Shows
Penn, Temple, and UArts exhibit graduating seniors’ work every spring. Quality is high, prices are reasonable, and you support the next generation of Philly creatives.
Choosing Art That Fits Your Space
Your home’s story matters just as much as the artwork’s. Keep these tips in mind:
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Measure Twice, Buy Once: Record dimensions of available wall space before you head out. A painting that looks modest in a lofty gallery may dwarf a rowhome hallway.
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Study Your Light: Natural sunlight in a south-facing window can bleach certain pigments. Ask artists about UV-protective varnish or frame glass.
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Mix Media for Texture: Pair a framed watercolor above the sofa with a small metal sculpture on the shelf. Variety keeps a room lively.
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Consider Color Echoes: Pick one hue from an abstract print—maybe the electric blue swirl—and repeat it in throw pillows or a rug for instant cohesion.
Installing Art Like a Pro
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Map the Layout with Paper Cutouts
Trace each frame onto kraft paper, cut them out, and tape them to the wall until you love the arrangement. This avoids extra nail holes. -
Keep Center Lines Consistent
Galleries often hang pieces so their center point is about 57 inches from the floor—eye level for an average adult. -
Wall Anchors Matter
South Philly bricks and Old City plaster can crumble. Use appropriate anchors and weight-rated hooks. -
Create a Salon Wall
Cluster smaller works together. To maintain balance:
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Align either the tops, bottoms, or centers—pick one, and stick to it.
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Keep 2–3 inches of breathing space between frames.
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Add Flexible Lighting
Plug-in picture lights or simple track lighting let you highlight new pieces without costly rewiring.
Storytelling Through Murals Inside Your Home
Philadelphia’s exterior murals inspire plenty of residents to bring oversized color indoors. Here’s how:
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Commission a Mini Mural: Many street artists accept home commissions for accent walls, nursery designs, or stairwell surprises. Contact them directly via Mural Arts’ artist registry.
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Use Removable Wallpaper: Companies like WallsNeedLove and Quincy Street Press turn local mural images into peel-and-stick panels—perfect for renters or commitment-shy homeowners.
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Frame Mural Photographs: Blow up your favorite cellphone shot of “The Electric Street” or “Common Threads” mural onto canvas. It’s a personal memory and an art piece.
Telling a Cohesive Story Room by Room
Even with eclectic finds, you can weave a unifying thread throughout the home.
Kitchen: Ceramic tiles hand-painted by a Kensington artist double as trivets and conversation starters.
Living Room: A large abstract from a First Friday newbie sets the color palette. Echo tones in throw blankets and an area rug.
Hallway: Narrow spaces love vertical works—a tall linocut print or vintage concert poster from The Fillmore.
Bedroom: Soft textile art (think macramé dyed with natural indigo) muffles sound and adds cozy vibes.
Outdoor Space: Weather-sealed metal sculptures on a patio connect the interior’s creative energy with the fresh air.
How Buying Local Art Strengthens Community & Home Value
Home equity is more than a number—it’s how your property feels to you and to future buyers.
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Unique Means Memorable: A distinctive living room backdrop can set your listing photos apart in a crowded market.
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Neighborhood Pride Sells: Showcasing artists from the block signals a cared-for home and an engaged homeowner.
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Art Retains Value: While not every painting becomes a Basquiat, original works typically hold value better than mass-produced big-box pieces.
Caring for Your Investment
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Dust frames with a microfiber cloth—no sprays needed.
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Keep pieces out of direct heat vents to prevent warping.
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For canvas or textile art, rotate them seasonally if one wall gets more sun exposure than the other.
Real-World Scenario: The Rowhouse Reinvention
Imagine Sam and Jordan, first-time buyers who just closed on a 2-bedroom rowhome in Passyunk Square. The walls were pale, the rooms small. They attended Old City’s First Friday, fell in love with a 24" × 30" oil painting of the Ben Franklin Bridge at dusk, and hung it above their mantel. From there:
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They matched the painting’s warm oranges with new throw pillows.
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A photo series of South Philly stoops went up the stairwell.
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A local graffiti artist painted a bold but tasteful mural on their backyard brick wall.
Their once-plain house transformed into a reflection of the city—and when friends visit, every corner sparks a story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How much should I budget for a first piece of original art?
Start with $150–$500. Many emerging Philly artists price work in that range, especially for small-to-mid size canvases.
Q2: Can I negotiate prices with gallery owners or artists?
Respectfully, yes. Ask if there’s wiggle room or a payment plan. Most prefer a committed buyer at a fair discount over a missed sale.
Q3: What’s the best way to find the artist behind a mural I love?
Check the lower corners of the mural for a signature or visit Mural Arts Philadelphia’s interactive online map, which lists artist names and contact links.
Q4: Will too much art make rooms feel cluttered?
Balance is key. Use consistent framing styles or a limited color palette to create unity. Negative space (blank areas) lets each piece breathe.
Q5: I rent—can I still hang heavy pieces?
Absolutely. Command strips and damage-free hooks can hold up to 16 lbs. For larger works, ask your landlord for permission, then use proper anchors and patch holes before moving out.
Embrace Philadelphia’s creativity, and your home becomes more than shelter—it’s a living gallery that grows with every stroll through Old City, every festival at Cherry Street Pier, and every mural that sparks a smile on your commute.
