Renowned artist Isaiah Zagar dies at 86

Zagar was known for his vibrant mosaics that covered buildings and public spaces in South Philadelphia.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Isaiah Zagar, a renowned artist known for his vibrant mosaics that covered buildings and public spaces in South Philadelphia's Bella Vista and South Street neighborhoods, has died at the age of 86. Zagar passed away on February 19, 2026, due to complications from Parkinson's disease and heart failure. He was a longtime South Philly resident who used his art as a form of therapy during his battle with Parkinson's.

Why it matters

Zagar's art was deeply intertwined with the identity and culture of South Philadelphia, with his iconic mosaics adorning numerous buildings and public spaces in the area. His death marks the end of an era for the neighborhood and the Philadelphia art scene, as he was considered one of the most renowned mosaicists in the world.

The details

Zagar opened the Magic Gardens, a large-scale mosaic installation on South Street, and more recently unveiled the Magic Gardens Studio on Watkins Street, which also showcased his intricate mosaics. He used his art as a form of therapy to cope with his Parkinson's disease, working tirelessly from sunrise to sunset each day to create hundreds of public murals, dozens of buildings and facades, and thousands of drawings, paintings, prints, and photographs.

  • Zagar was born in Philadelphia in 1940 and raised in Brooklyn.
  • He married his wife Julia in 1963 and spent three years in the Peace Corps in Peru with her before returning to live permanently on South Street in 1968.
  • Zagar passed away on February 19, 2026, at the age of 86.

The players

Isaiah Zagar

A renowned artist known for his vibrant mosaics that covered buildings and public spaces in South Philadelphia's Bella Vista and South Street neighborhoods. He used his art as a form of therapy to cope with his Parkinson's disease.

Julia Zagar

Isaiah Zagar's wife and muse, with whom he spent three years in the Peace Corps in Peru before returning to live permanently on South Street in 1968.

Emily Smith

The executive director of Magic Gardens, the large-scale mosaic installation created by Isaiah Zagar on South Street.

Zeke Zagar

One of Isaiah Zagar's two sons.

Jeremiah Zagar

One of Isaiah Zagar's two sons.

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What they’re saying

“He loved South Street, the city of Philadelphia and the community fostered here with all of his heart.”

— Emily Smith, Executive Director, Magic Gardens (southphillyreview.com)

“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.”

— Emily Smith, Executive Director, Magic Gardens (southphillyreview.com)

“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.”

— Emily Smith, Executive Director, Magic Gardens (southphillyreview.com)

“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.”

— Emily Smith, Executive Director, Magic Gardens (southphillyreview.com)

What’s next

A public memorial for Isaiah Zagar will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the Zagar family has requested donations to the Magic Gardens' Preservation Fund to help maintain and preserve Zagar's iconic mosaics and installations.

The takeaway

Isaiah Zagar's vibrant and visionary mosaics were deeply woven into the fabric of South Philadelphia, serving as a testament to his creative spirit and the power of art to transform public spaces. His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy will live on through the countless murals, installations, and works of art he leaves behind, which will continue to inspire and captivate residents and visitors alike.