The Barnes Foundation has announced the eighth annual Barnes on the Block, in collaboration with Mural Arts Philadelphia and presented by PNC Arts Alive.
On Sunday, July 13, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Barnes on the Block returns for another summer celebration of art, community, and creativity. Last year’s festivities celebrated the 40th anniversary of Mural Arts.
This year, the event celebrates the power of creativity to inspire and uplift communities in the spirit of Mural Arts’ 2025 theme, “The Place Where Art Meets Hope.” Guests can embrace a whole new creative experience, experimenting with cochineal paint with artists LEMUS and Ivonne Pinto García. They can also make a print with Second State Press, create a “Postcard from Provence” with Collage Philadelphia. Written artist Marshall James Kavanaugh will be on-site, providing guests with personalized poems.
For a more hands-on experience, guests can learn, create, and play with Smith Memorial Playground, create a group sculpture with the Clay Studio’s Claymobile, and contribute to a community mural led by Mural Arts Philadelphia.
The popular outdoor event is free to attend for guests of all ages and features entertainment and activities celebrating the arts, including hands-on art making, music from local DJs, dance performances, local flavors from food trucks and vendors including Darnel’s Cakes, Kona Ice, and Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck, and the return of the Barnes on the Block Beer Garden, organized by Constellation Culinary Group.
“Barnes on the Block embodies the essence of what public art can do—bring people together, spark creativity, and foster a sense of belonging,” said Jane Golden, executive director of Mural Arts Philadelphia. “Each year, this partnership allows us to create joyful, meaningful moments that connect art to community in powerful ways.”
Registration is required for access to the collection and exhibition, and capacity is limited. Free timed admission tickets will be available online beginning at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 10. Barnes on the Block will take place rain or shine.
For more information on the 8th annual celebration of Barnes on the Block, visit barnesfoundation.org.
