Chester County is a necessary stopping point when discovering Pennsylvania’s art – between the famed Wyeth family and the number of various museums, galleries, and studios in the area, Chester County is a vibrant art hot spot. The creative urges here are strong, and over the past few years artist and members of the county have begun to think outside of the frame, literally.
Today Chester County has a number of beautiful murals on display that not only add character to our already charming county, but also tell a story about the people who are here. These murals reflect the rich history and the bright future of Chester County. From Phoenixville and Malvern, down to West Chester and Kennett Square, Chester County has a display of murals that both locals and visitors will be sure to appreciate.
PHOENIXVILLE
Welcome to Phoenixville Mural
Located on the exterior wall of Marly’s BYO on Bridge Street in Phoenixville, the mural reads “Welcome to Phoenixville” and is based off of a 1932 photo that displays a view of the factory that can still be seen today. The mural was painted by Teresa Haag and was completed in September 2015.
Find it at: 106 Bridge St.
Bridge Street Mural
Located on the side of the Phoenix Village Apartments in Phoenixville, this mural, painted by artist Charles Sagal, has been infamously nicknamed the ‘Godzilla’ mural after a council member stated the mural reflects a certain Hollywood movie. The image actually depicts a phoenix rising from the “ashes” of the now-shuttered industries that gave rise to the town – steel and coal.
Find it at: 131 Bridge St.
Phoenixville has several new murals that have been painted in the last year that you will find driving down main street or even on private businesses located more in the suburbs.
MALVERN
125th Anniversary Mural (top right pictured above)
Located in the Lobby of Borough Hall in Malvern this was the fifth project for the Malvern Community Art Project. The mural depicts King Street in 1889 and 2014. The pieces were painted by artist Randall Graham and were completed in 2015.
Find it at: 1 E. First Ave.
Malvern Today
Located on the bridge on Bridge Street, this was the fourth project commissioned by the Malvern Community Arts Project. It is a series of five painted panels mounted along the bridge that depict what life in Malvern is like today. The mural was painted by the Garnet Valley High School National Honors Art Society and Mural Club and was completed in 2015.
Find it at: Bridge Street
Patriotic Historical Mural
Located on the back of Gallagher’s Auto Services by the train station in Malvern, it was the second mural completed by the Malvern Community Arts Project. This neighborhood favorite depicts Victorian era life in the small railroad town of Malvern. The mural was painted by Carrie Kingsbury and was completed in 2013.
Find it at: 31 W. King St.
Victorian Era Historical Mural
Located on the side of Malvern Pizza in Malvern, it was the first mural completed by the Malvern Community Arts Project. The mural represents the Paoli Battlefield and Memorial Parade. It depicts soldiers following General Anthony Wayne into the past, and has children running with flags into the future. The mural was painted by Dennis Goldsborough and was completed in 2013.
Find it at: 19 E. King St.
Warren Avenue Project ( top left pictured above )
Located on the side of the Malvern Saddlery in Malvern, it was the sixth project for the Malvern Community Art Project. The mural is a replica of a historic photo of a horse and buggy traveling through the Warren Avenue tunnel with the addition of President Lincoln’s funeral train. The mural was painted by Carrie Kingsbury and was completed in 2015.
Find it at: Corner of King Steet and Warren Avenue
Whimsical Mural
Located in the Malvern Public Library in Malvern, this is the third mural commissioned by the Malvern Community Arts Project. The children’s room of the library was transformed into an enchanted forest by Teri Flint and was completed in 2013.
Find it at: 1 E. First Ave.
WEST CHESTER
The Charles A. Melton Mural
Located on East Market Street in West Chester, this mural pictures Charles A. Melton, executive director; Dr. Leslie Pickney Hill, founder & president; as well as other former members of The Melton Arts & Education Center. The mural was painted by artist Carrie Kingsbury and was unveiled on the building’s exterior wall in August 2014.
Find it at: 501 E. Miner St.
Votes For Women Mural (top left pictured)
New to West Chester is the mural dedicated to Women's Sufferage. The mural honors the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which granted many women the right to vote, and celebrates the suffrage movement of the past, present and future.
Find it at: 119 E. Market St.
Supporting Families with Homelesness Mural (top right pictured)
West Chester University art student, Noah Burns, painted this mural on the wall just west of the Chestnut Street and Church Street intersection. It was painted in dedication to the Friends Association which aids families facing homelessness in Chester County.
Find it at: 113 W. Chestnut St
OXFORD
Oxford Mainstreet
In 2019 during during an event, Connective Festival, local artist Derrick Noel painted a mural throughout the course of the day right in the heart of Downtown Oxford. It will be no surprise to see more beautiful artwork coming up during upcoming Oxford events.
In 2016 a warm and vibrant piece showcasing vines and leaves on a formerly non-descript cinderblock wall on Third Street was envisioned and painted by local artist Susan Melrath and was Funded by a private donor whose funds were matched by Oxford Mainstreet.
Find it at: 14 S. Third St.
Do you know any prominent murals that we may have left out? Send us an email with the location of the mural and any information that you have so we can add it. Send to - Will@Brandywinevalley.com
