We the Youth Philadelphia

Keith Haring mural

Andrea from Philadelphia

"Originally created in 1987 in Philadelphia, We the Youth is the only Keith Haring collaborative public mural remaining intact and on its original site"

At times like these, I am grateful that Philadelphia is an open-air art museum, its street art top notch and murals second to none. And yes, you will find some art world heavyweights in unexpected places, like this gem in Point Breeze, a humble corner of South Philadelphia, by Keith Haring!

This pop art icon and street art pioneer was at the peak of his fame when he collaborated with a local youth program to create and execute this grand mural in 1987. The video and article on the Mural Arts website will fill you in on the process, and how young painters filled in the outlines of Haring’s trademark figures. Haring was a generous, community-minded soul, and this work gives me a greater appreciation of him.

Restored in 2013 by a team of artists, this is a true treasure, buzzing with optimism and energy. It is the only intact collaborative mural of its kind, tucked away in an unexpected residential urban neighborhood. Pop into the fenced-in pocket garden and enjoy the color and movement of these figures. There are even picnic tables if you want to enjoy your cheesesteak in their company.

There are more murals to discover in the area, so check the Mural Arts maps to make the most of your time in the hood.

Art & culture

Buy one, Give one!

Share your 💚 this December

*on all products

Philadelphia Spotter Andrea

About me I’ve lived in Philadelphia since the late 90s and have a deep appreciation for my adopted city, with all its quirk, historic charm, lunacy, and grit. I have worked in European travel (for over 20 years at Untours, running programs in Italy and then directing communications and marketing there) and in local public media, at WHYY. I am currently the Communications Manager at Heritage Conservancy, an accredited Land Bank, where I promote our vital work in land conservation, environmental education, and historic preservation. My travels have taken me to Bra...

About this spot

22nd Street and Ellsworth Street

USD

free

Website

2153810358

Oct 6, 2025

Our Philadelphia City Guide

Find your way with 157 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Philadelphia guide.

Loved it? Join us!

Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Philadelphia

Cacia's Bakery

Bakery + pizza = Yum

"Cacia's Bakery" in Philadelphia is a local gem. I like their pizza most of all, esp. the pizzaz. My mouth has been watering just writing this article...

Snacks

Doug

Daub

Dec 4, 2025

Amy Sherald's Mural

5 stories of elegant power

"Amy Sherald's Mural" in Philadelphia is 5 stories high! In the context of the skyline, seeing this young student in these bright colors is a revelation...

Art & culture

Andrea

Szyper

Dec 4, 2025

Navy Yard

Grab your bike and go!

The "Navy Yard" in Philadelphia is perfect for bike rides next to carriers! I love coming here and discovering places for picnics & seeing the naval ships.

Relaxing

Doug

Daub

Dec 4, 2025

Morning Glory Diner

Breakfast is served!

"Morning Glory Diner" is the restaurant in Philadelphia I take guests for breakfast/brunch. Everything is made from scratch - check out the frittatas!

Restaurants

Doug

Daub

Dec 4, 2025

John's Roast Pork

Poooooooooooooorrrrrrrrk

"John's Roast Pork" in Philadelphia has just been making ridiculously juicy roast pork sandwiches since 1930. Come here, get the large, and be quick!

Restaurants

Doug

Daub

Dec 4, 2025

Philip's

The Old-Fashioned cheesesteak

"Philip's" in Philadelphia is a cheesesteak restaurant that mixes neighborhood and strip & that's a little different. My only tip? Just try to eat inside!

Restaurants

Snacks

Doug

Daub

Dec 4, 2025

Eastern State Penitentiary

Spooky!

"Eastern State Penitentiary" Philadelphia is the first prison to use the term - it was the the place to find penitence... Creepy, especially on Halloween!

Art & culture

Doug

Daub

Dec 4, 2025

Ben Franklin Bridge

What a view

"Ben Franklin Bridge" is great for running or walking over. It was opened in 1926 and has been offering great views ever since...

Art & culture

Relaxing

Doug

Daub

Dec 4, 2025

South Bowl

Bowling and beer

"South Bowl" in Philadelphia has it all: video games, a good 26 lanes for bowling of course, as well as a special semi-private space upstairs.

Bars

Relaxing

Doug

Daub

Dec 4, 2025

Tony Luke's

My fave cheesesteak

"Tony Luke's" is the restaurant (it's really a shack) that makes my favorite cheesesteak in the whole of Philadelphia. Follow my tips for correct ordering!

Restaurants

Doug

Daub

Dec 4, 2025

Ishkabibbles

The chicken steak

"Ishkabibbles" on Philadelphia's South Street is a great little local hole-in-the wall restaurant. It's got cheesesteak, but with chicken instead of beef.

Restaurants

Doug

Daub

Dec 4, 2025

Fort Mifflin

Present meet past

"Fort Mifflin" in Philadelphia is a place even most locals don't know about! It's one of the few star forts in the Mid Atlantic. I urge you, just go there.

Art & culture