School & Youth Field Trips

MURALS FROM THE PAST WITH INSPIRATION FOR THE FUTURE
Maxo Vanka Off the Walls

Visit the awe-inspiring and thought-provoking murals of Croatian artist Maxo Vanka at St. Nicholas Croatian Catholic Church!

Discover how Vanka painted these murals in 1937 and 1941 as his “Gift to America,” drawing inspiration from his own life story and the struggles and hopes of immigrants and working-class people. From making curricular connections to building community among students and teachers, Vanka’s murals can be a learning resource for everyone.

  • Facilitated discussions and activities led by our professional educators
  • Driven by students’ observations and reflections
  • Tailored to meet your goals

After you request a field trip through our online form, an educator will contact you to discuss your goals and incorporate feedback into the planning of your visit.

Programs for Grades 6-12

Students explore the murals, make observations, and reflect on their meaning through close looking, small group conversations, and writing or sketching activities.

  • 90 minutes for up to 45 students
  • $13 per student, free admission for one teacher/chaperone for every 10 students
  • Minimum of 15 students (flat rate of $195 for groups up to 15)
“I was excited during this activity because we got to think about, if we had the chance, what could we be the champion of.” — 12th grade student
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Workshops for Grades 6-12

An in-depth experience that includes an exploration of the murals with time for creative hands-on activities and personal and group reflection. Workshops can be tailored to meet your group’s interests and curricular goals.

Option 1

  • 2 hours for up to 45 students, includes zine-making activity
  • $16 per student, free admission for one teacher/chaperone for every 10 students
  • Minimum of 15 students (flat rate of $240 for groups up to 15)

Option 2

  • 2.5 hours for up to 45 students, includes zine- and art-making activity
  • $19 per student, free admission for one teacher/chaperone for every 10 students
  • Minimum of 15 students (flat rate of $285 for groups up to 15)
“It was fascinating to see and learn about Maxo Vanka art. To see all of his work in this building was amazing. I was speechless and just trying to take everything in.” — 8th grade student
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Teacher Professional Development Workshops

Participate in hands-on and inquiry-based activities that explore the murals and their historical, artistic, and social significance. Take new ideas and resources back to the classroom to inspire student learning. Customized to meet your learning goals.

Please inquire for more information about Teacher PDs: Becky Gaugler, Director of Education & Interpretation, at bgaugler@vankamurals.org

“I had such a great time today. That was the best and most well-planned PD that I have ever been to.” — Public School teacher

Additional Information

Know Before You Go

St. Nicholas is an active church and, on rare occasions, programs may be delayed or canceled due to church activities. We will contact you as soon as possible should this occur.

Educational Resources

To help students prepare for and reflect on their visit, you can explore the 360° virtual tour together in the classroom, and/or use our Vanka-inspired educational resources that include ready-to-use activities that encourage close looking, creative expression, and critical thinking skills.

Getting here

St. Nicholas Church is located at 24 Maryland Ave, Millvale, PA 15209

Driving & Parking: Follow the directions via Google Maps.

Tour participants can park in the St. Nicholas Convent parking lot, located across the street from the church. Parking is also available for buses in this lot.

Walking: A sidewalk with curb cuts runs up Maryland Ave to the church. The accessible building entrance is located on the Rectory (south) side of the church. If walking from Lawrenceville, the church can be reached via a short, picturesque walk across the 40th Street Bridge or the Millvale Riverfront Trail.

Accessibility

SPMMMV welcomes all visitors and strives to provide the best possible experience for everyone.

Accessible parking spaces are clearly marked and available in the church-side parking area with direct access to the accessibility ramp entrance on the east side of St. Nicholas between the Church and the Rectory. The ramp location is clearly indicated on the Church building.

Please note that the restrooms are only accessible via stairs, so there is no accessible restroom at the church.

If you have questions about accessibility that are not addressed below, please contact us at 412-408-3180 or by email at info@vankamurals.org

Frequently asked questions

When can the murals be viewed by the public?

Public tours, led by docents, are held on Saturdays at 11:00 am and 12:30pm. Private tours at other times are by appointment only. A minimum of eight people or a donation of $120 is required. Due to church schedule, private tours are not available after 3:00 pm on Saturday or before 12:30 pm on Wednesday.

For advance reservation (including pre-payment of admission fee) and private tour requests email us at tours@vankamurals.org.

When can field trips visit?

Most days of the week except for Wednesdays and Saturdays, subject to availability. Please schedule your field trip at least 2 weeks in advance. We will do our best to accommodate all requests.

When should we arrive?

Please plan to arrive 10 minutes ahead of your scheduled tour or program to allow for checking in with your docent or educator. Tours and programs will start on time. 

Is there on-site parking?

Yes. Please follow directional signage upon arrival. Parking is available in the convent parking lot (15 Maryland Ave) across from the church. If your group is arriving by tour bus, email us for instructions: tours@vankamurals.org.

Please note: Exit from church-side parking lot is behind the Rectory building with right turn up Maryland Avenue and left turn left on Logan Street or down to Sheridan Avenue.

Caution: The traffic coming down Logan Street (to the right next to the entrance to the church) does not stop and may be making a sharp left onto Maryland.

Other Parking:  

  • Accessible parking spaces are clearly marked and available in the church-side parking area with direct access to the accessibility ramp entrance on the east side of St. Nicholas between the Church and the Rectory. The ramp location is clearly indicated on the Church building.
  • Street parking can be found in Millvale if lots are full.
Can we bring a lunch?

A space for brown bag lunches is available for a rental fee of $50 for 30 minutes, subject to availability. Please note the lunch space is only accessible by stairs.

May we photograph/video the murals?

Flash photography is not permitted. However, photography for personal use is allowed. Any other photography must be approved by SPMMMV. For more information, please contact Anna Doering, Managing Director, at: adoering@vankamurals.org or leave a message: 412.408.3180.

We request that any posts to publicly accessible websites or blogs include a link back to our website – www.vankamurals.org – to assist us in our ongoing efforts to raise awareness and support for the murals. And if you are sharing to social media, please include hashtag #SaveMaxoVanka. We also welcome submissions for inclusion on our website at: info@vankamurals.org.

Are there discounts available?

There are a limited number of subsidized field trips available for schools that demonstrate financial need. Please indicate this in your field trip request.

More questions? tours@vankamurals.org

The Society to Preserve the Millvale Murals of Maxo Vanka is an independent 501©(3) organization founded to save and share the Vanka Murals. Our work includes conservation work to clean and preserve the Murals, as well as educational programs to bring the stories to a wider audience.

Special Thanks to Our Funding Partners

The Grable Foundation
The Heinz Endowments
Jack Buncher Foundation
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