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 →

A couple photographs Vanka's Mural "Croatian Mothers Give Their Sons to War"

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 →

School & Youth Field Trips

Join us for a field trip with your students to the murals of Maxo Vanka at St. Nicholas Croatian Catholic Church in Millvale! Workshops for teachers and educators are also available.

Learn more about Field Trips →

Off-site Programs

Can’t bring your group to Millvale? Let us bring the Murals to you! Experience the Murals “off the walls” through guided virtual tours or presentations at your site.

Learn more about Off-site Programs →

Virtual Tour

View these thought-provoking murals from anywhere in the world with our virtual tour. Like a visit to St. Nicholas Church, your purchase of a virtual tour helps support our mission to save and share the Vanka Murals for generations to come.

Take a Virtual Tour→

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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

					  The only murals of which I am aware that come anywhere close to Maxo

Vanka's in terms of artistic brilliance and emotional intensity are those of 

Diego Rivera. They are truly one of Pittsburgh's neglected masterpieces.				
Joseph W
May 30, 2013 

					  We visited on a rainy Saturday at 11 AM. The docent led us around the murals for an hour and a half with excellent history and explanation of the artwork.



The mirrors combine religious history, spirituality, and 1940s political activism in amazing ways.  Mary Queen  of Croatia has big strong arms and thighs, defending the baby Jesus.  Justice is counterbalanced with Injustice as tall and very graphic figures. In the back we see the counterpoint of "mothers losing their sons to war", against "mothers losing their sons to industry".  You should go!				
Kit K
November 27, 2017 

					  You just feel different walking into this church.  It exudes holiness.  I grew up in this area and have been aware of this since I was a small child.  If you are a believer...you need to visit.				
Barbi1526
August 11, 2017 