In Old City, Isaiah Zagar’s largest mosaic mural hangs in the balance as a neighborhood association contest a contemporary overbuild that would save the artwork

Last fall the Philadelphia Historical Commission declined to legally protect a colorful mosaic, nominated by Philadelphia’s Magic Garden, on the exterior of Painted Bride Arts Center in Old City. In this editorial Sharon Barr opines that the decision was the right one and unpacks the thorny issues of designating public artwork and ownership rights