It pays to look up when your in Philadelphia. In a city known for public art, our Mural Arts Program (MAP) really stands out. The program began in the 1980s as a way to stop the spread of graffiti and transform Philadelphia neighborhoods with large murals painted on the sides of buildings. They celebrate the people and culture of the city. Professional artists work with community members and local organizations to create the murals, which can take thousands of man hours to complete. MAP also provides art education to thousands of kids. Since 1984, the program has produced an astonishing 3,800 murals (2,000 are still visible), making Philadelphia the world’s largest outdoor art gallery.