“Murals”, currently the world's largest open-air gallery – you'll automatically encounter them on a sightseeing tour through Philly.

In this case: “Philadelphia Muses,” artwork by Meg Saligman

Done on June 1, 1999 - this mural creates an art landscape filled with figures and elements that symbolize the 9 muses or art. "In the center of the composition is an arts machine spinning out spheres, symbols of the perfect art form. Through portraits of local performing artists and references to works of art by local artists, Saligman honors the following forms of creative expression."

From right to left:
1. the bearded man with the flute symbolizes sound
2. the woman in the brown robe in front of a colored pencil is based on a figure from a Maxfield Parrish painting and symbolizes the visual arts
3. the woman in the large sphere holding a sun represents the human spirit
4. the singing woman in the green brocade is the muse of performance
5. the ballet dancer, bear a sphere enclosing the globe, shows discovery
6. the seated man with with a book is the muse of words
7. the man in the contorted pose symbolizes invention
8. the woman in the white robe is the muse of movement
9. the sculpture on the far left with the falling balls symbolizes craft