Isaiah Zagar, Founder of Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, Dies at 86

Philadelphia mourns the loss of a hometown great, Isaiah Zagar. The celebrated mosaic artist and founder of Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, passed away on February 19, 2026, at the age of 86. Zagar died at home from complications of heart failure and Parkinson’s disease, leaving behind a legacy of transformative art that has become synonymous with the city’s vibrant culture.

Born on March 18, 1939, in Philadelphia and raised in Brooklyn, Zagar studied art at Pratt Institute before embarking on a life of creativity and community engagement. After serving in the Peace Corps in Peru with his wife, Julia, the couple returned to Philadelphia in 1968, settling on South Street. It was here that Zagar began his lifelong mission to beautify the city through his intricate mosaics, which adorned walls, alleyways, and buildings with a kaleidoscope of broken glass, tiles, mirrors, and found objects.

Zagar’s most iconic creation, Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, began in the 1990s as a project to transform a vacant lot on South Street into an immersive art environment. Beyond the Magic Gardens, Zagar’s work includes hundreds of public mosaics and the elaborate facade of the former Painted Bride Art Center in Old City.

Despite battling mental health challenges and Parkinson’s disease, Zagar remained committed to his art, working daily to create and inspire. His son, filmmaker Jeremiah Zagar, captured this dedication in the 2008 documentary In a Dream, which chronicled the artist’s life and struggles.

Emily Smith, Executive Director of Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, described Zagar as “unlike anyone we have ever met and will ever meet,” adding that his work has left “an everlasting mark on our city.”

Zagar is survived by his wife, Julia, his sons Zeke and Jeremiah, and a city forever changed by his artistic contributions. A public memorial will be announced at a later date, and the Zagar family has requested donations to the Magic Gardens’ Preservation Fund in lieu of flowers.

Isaiah Zagar’s life and work remind us of the power of art to transform spaces, foster community, and leave an indelible legacy. His mosaics will continue to inspire generations, ensuring that his spirit lives on in the vibrant streets of Philadelphia.

Isaiah Zagar, Visionary Mosaic Artist and Founder of Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, Dies at 86 was originally published on rnbphilly.com