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→

Learn More

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

  We took a 50-minute guided tour of the murals painted by Maxo Vanka, a Croatian artist, inside St Nicholas Croatian church. The murals convey powerful and timeless messages about social justice, making the church truly unique. Definitely worthy of a visit.
123juancc
September 30, 2017 

  I loved every minute of it.  The photos I saw of the murals before my tour did not do them justice.  They must be seen in person and they are magnificent.  This is one of those cool gems that makes Pittsburgh such an interesting place.  These are a MUST SEE.
Theresa H
November 13, 2022 

  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 