PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The clock is ticking on one of Philadelphia’s most recognized works of public art. After years of very public legal battles, the iconic Painted Bride Art Center at 230 Vine Street in Old City is scheduled to be demolished in October.
The facade of the building is composed of a mosaic mural entitled “Skin of the Bride,” the globally recognized work of Philly artist Isaiah Zagar, creator of Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens on South Street. It took nine years for Zagar to complete the project, from 1991 to 2000.
Emily Smith, executive director of the Magic Gardens, has been at the forefront of the fight to save the Painted Bride building. “Just in the last week, the news has been reported that the Painted Bride building is going to be demolished,” said Smith. “Now, we were told two years ago. The developer told us then that it was coming down in 2023.”
A security wall made of black boards is being constructed around the building and a single sheet of paper taped to the door reads, “Notice of demolition: will be demolished on or after 10/15/25.”
An approved alternate proposal that would have saved the building was successfully appealed by neighbors, meaning the Painted Bride would come down. Developer and architect Shimi Zakin announced plans to construct a 65-foot-tall apartment building at the site, expected to be completed in two to three years. However, Zakin did allow many of the mosaic’s tiles to be removed and preserved — filling more than 60 boxes.
“It was very difficult to remove the tiles. We tried the best we could to save as much as we could,” Smith said.
Neighbors like Don called it a substantial loss for the city. “I have great memories being there and it’s part of Philadelphia,” Don said.
For Smith, it’s a hard goodbye. “It's like my beautiful friend who passed away and I’m still loving on her and grieving her,” she said.
“We’re hoping people might go and say goodbye and watch the demo. We’ll be picking pieces out of the rubble as well, I’m sure.”