Why the iconic Painted Bride building will stand — for now
The Painted Bride wanted to sell its iconic building in Old City to a developer, but a judge ruled its mosaics were too "priceless" to destroy.
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The Painted Bride Art Center is draped in black mesh since it was discovered that the Isaiah Zagar mural that covers it is separating from its walls. (Emma Lee/WHYY)
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The Painted Bride, Philadelphia’s oldest alternative art space, wanted to pursue a more nomadic vision and sell its landmark building in Old City to a condo developer. WHYY’s arts and culture reporter Peter Crimmins explains why a judge recently blocked the sale, a surprising move that could change the direction of the Bride’s future.
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Air Date: January 2, 2019
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Painted Bride goes to court to sell its distinctive building
In the final step to sell the structure, which will likely also mean destroying an Isaiah Zagar mosaic, the Bride faced pushback.
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16 condos could replace Painted Bride, Philly’s oldest alternative art space
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