Experience the Murals

  The murals together with the verbal tour through their features make for a unique, fascinating experience that I think anyone with any interest in art, history, Pittsburgh, or religion will... read more really enjoy. The tour guide's passion for, and knowledge of, the murals and all of the lore surrounding them was truly amazing!

  The small group escorted tour was a revelation. The dedicated docents presented a heartfelt and honest explanation of the church, the artist and the murals, readily admitting the gaps... read more in the story of this microcosm of America’s immigrant experience and the real effects of war on people across the globe. The story of the murals, with their social, cultural and religious commentary, is far more than a visual experience, and the efforts of the community to preserve and expand their exposure is testament to the lasting impact of Vanko’s art. A truly unique Pittsburgh attraction.

  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... read more 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

  A small group of us were led through Saint Nicholas Croatian Church to view the Maxo Vanka murals there. The docent was very knowledgeable about the church and the artist... read more - some sad but great stories - Vanka's WWI experience and loss of homeland are both strongly in evidence in the murals. I would almost put these somewhere between fine art and folk art in terms of style and motifs. I would never have thought to visit here on my own, so was very glad to have the opportunity to see something very unique in terms of understanding Pittsburgh's ethnic heritage! I would not suggest bringning small children to see the murals since some of them depict war and other brutal scenes.

  I’ve been going to see these murals for 25 or more years, but with restoration (actually the term is conservation) and new LED lighting, they are outstanding! Guided tours are... read more on Saturdays (check their website for times). These murals are truly one of the finest art works in Pittsburgh. Go see them!

  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.... read more />
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!