Experience the Murals

Learn about our in-person tours, as well as off-site programs and virtual tour options.

Tour & Program Options

Meet Maxo Vanka: The Public Tour

Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring murals of Croatian artist Maxo Vanka on a guided tour at the historic St. Nicholas Croatian Catholic Church in Millvale. Discover how these striking works were painted by Vanka in 1937 and 1941 to reflect the culture and lives of the working-class immigrant congregation.

Learn more about Public Tours →

These Walls Can Talk: The Immigration Tour

Take a deeper dive into the history and stories of St. Nicholas Croatian Catholic Church’s congregation, why people immigrated to Pittsburgh, and how immigrants built their lives in America while maintaining cultural connections. Rich with detail, including oral histories and archival photos, this 75-minute one-of-a-kind experience interprets a selection of Maxo Vanka’s murals in the context of world events and the cherished recollections of parishioners.

Learn more about The Immigration Tour →

Private Tours

Customize your experience by planning a private tour. Are you interested in history, art, social justice, or better understanding of the rise and role of Pittsburgh and its people in American history? Share your interests and we will create a unique experience for your class, club, congregation, family, or company. An outing to the murals provides opportunities for art lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Learn more about Private Tours →

Guests sit in the pews and in the foreground in a church decorated for Christmas.

Holiday Lights Tours

Holiday celebrations continue with the one-and-only Vanka Murals at the historic St. Nicholas Croatian Catholic Church in Millvale.

Learn more about Holiday Tours →

Holiday Family Program

A 60-minute multi-generational interactive tour designed to engage our youngest visitors amidst the lights and festive decorations.

Learn more about our Holiday Family Program →

Events and Activities

Great times. Greater cause. Join us to save Maxo Vanka

Learn more about our Events→

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Tour FAQs and directions

The answers to general questions, directions, and parking instructions.

A page dedicated to these answers and more →

Events & Activities

Great times. Greater cause. Join us to save Maxo Vanka.

Check out the latest Events & Activities →

The Murals Experience reviews

star rating  On september the second we visited this interesting church. There were two guides who told us the history and the meaning of the beautiful murals. They added light so you can see the colors very well. They took the time to answer questions and when you wanted to make pictures they added again light. It is a wonderfull story about integration of Croatian people who came to the US to work in the steelmills and who contributed to this country. It is also a warning against war and exploitation of common people by big business. At the end of the tour ypu can give the donation you think it's worth. We had a great visit

Dirk P
September 8, 2017

star rating  Seeing the murals for the first time is amazing! They are exquisite with the LED lighting bringing them to new life. The docent shared the history and significance of the murals. The tour went beyond an hour and was filled with fascinating facts. As the docent suggested, I would like to go another time and hear another docent.
I visited on a Saturday for the 12:30 tour. I made the reservation online and paid onsite but you can pay online. They have an assortment of articles for purchase. I recommend the book about the murals($20) which has beautiful pictures of the murals

cathy b
October 27, 2019

star rating  Striking and thought provoking - Striking and thought provoking murals. Our guide was thorough and clear in explaining the history and context. Beautiful church. I was really glad I visited. The tour fee was great value considering the ongoing conservation requirements.

avatar thumb Aileen M
February 25, 2025
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