Discovering a hidden gem sometimes feels like hitting the lottery. No matter how long we’ve called Pittsburgh home, we all arguably have run across shops, restaurants, and attractions that we just didn’t know existed. If you’ve not heard of or seen the Vanka Murals in Pittsburgh, you definitely want to add them to the very top of your bucket list.
Inside St. Nicholas Croatian Catholic Church in Millvale, you will discover the murals of Maxo Vanka, an art professor and an artist from Croatia.
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The Jewish artist and his family fled Europe in 1934 as the rise in anti-Semitism, which would lead to World War II and the Holocaust, grew.
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Father Albert Zagar, with St. Nicholas Church, requested that Vanka come to Millvalle to paint murals in the church in 1937. Vanka complied, painting 25 stunning murals in 1939 and 1941 that feature a variety of themes ranging from…
Facebook/Society to Preserve the Millvale Murals of Maxo Vanka
…adjusting to life in America as an immigrant, social justice, and how war impacts us as a society. Approximately 4,500 square feet of the paintings are always on display.
Facebook/Society to Preserve the Millvale Murals of Maxo Vanka
The Society to Preserve the Millvale Murals of Maxo Vanka works hard to preserve the artwork for future generations.
Facebook/Society to Preserve the Millvale Murals of Maxo Vanka
Both public and private tours are available at St. Nicholas Church, giving you the opportunity to learn about both Vanka and his murals. Schedule a tour.
Facebook/Society to Preserve the Millvale Murals of Maxo Vanka
Public tours are held each Saturday at 11 a.m. and require advanced registration. You must wear a mask, and a $10 fee is required.
Facebook/Society to Preserve the Millvale Murals of Maxo Vanka
Learn more by visiting the official website of the Society to Preserve The Millvale Murals of Maxo Vanka. Or, go here for Facebook.
Facebook/Society to Preserve the Millvale Murals of Maxo Vanka
Have you seen the Vanka Murals in Pittsburgh? What did you think? Share your experience in the comments! If you’re a fan of nature, you’ll definitely want to check out another hidden gem: Sahli Nature Park in Beaver Falls.
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Facebook/Society to Preserve the Millvale Murals of Maxo Vanka
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