Saddened to hear that Isaiah Zagar—creator of Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, one of the great visionary art spaces of the world, as well as the creator of many mosaic murals across that city—died today at age 86. Zagar was a dynamo, a relentless creator, and an eccentric (see the 2008 documentary “In a Dream” below about him by his son Jeremiah). Magic Gardens features mosaic corridors and plazas that bring you up and down through the lot between two buildings like a wondrous maze. I’ve been fortunate to photograph a number of Zagar’s artworks, and tried to meet him, but he was too ill.
Emily Smith, executive director of Magic Gardens, writes:
“Isaiah Zagar (March 18, 1939 – February 19, 2026). Today, we are heartbroken to announce the death of our founding artist, Isaiah Zagar. He died from complications of heart failure and Parkinson’s Disease.
“Isaiah was born in Philadelphia and raised in Brooklyn, NY. He married his wife Julia in 1963, spent three years in the Peace Corps in Peru with her, and returned to live permanently in Philadelphia in 1968. That year, they moved to South Street and never left. He loved South Street, the city of Philadelphia, and the community fostered here with all of his heart. While Isaiah lived with ups and downs of mental health struggles, and later with Parkinson’s Disease, he endlessly turned to his art-making to not only express himself, but as a tool to survive.
“In his 86 years, Isaiah became one of the most renowned mosaicists on earth, working from sunrise to sunset each day; creating hundreds of public mosaics, dozens of buildings and facades, and thousands of drawings, paintings, prints, and photographs. One of Isaiah’s greatest joys was collaborating with other artists, specifically with folk artists and other art environment creators around the world. His other great joy was being with friends and family, particularly his two sons, Zeke and Jeremiah, and his wife, muse, and partner in visionary thinking, Julia.
“Isaiah was more than our founder; he was our close friend, teacher, collaborator, and creative inspiration. He was unlike anyone we have ever met and will ever meet. Above all things, he was an artist. In his lifetime, he created a body of work that is unique and remarkable, and one that has left an everlasting mark on our city.
“He always told us that the staff and visitors were the beating heart of his artworks, and with us it will beat on. We love you, Isaiah. We will miss you so much.
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“We ask for understanding and privacy during this period of grief for the staff and family. A public memorial will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers the Zagar family requests donations to the PMG Preservation Fund.”
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