El Bloque de Oro Dedication

Mural Arts, in partnership with HACE, developed artistic storefront enhancements along North 5th Street’s “El Bloque de Oro,” a key commercial corridor for Philadelphia’s Latino community. Artist Henry Morales designed three custom murals and other enhancements at three different properties along the block. The artist engaged with two senior living facilities in the area and six different business owners along the 2700 block of N. 5th Street to gather input, which included conversations about the neighborhood’s history, personal immigration stories, and each person’s national origin. From these conversations, the artist developed designs that include the business owners’ national flowers and other historically significant patterns. Each design is a unique composition that is custom-made for each location. Together, they tell the story of countless individuals who continue to uplift and underscore the historical importance of Philadelphia’s Latino community.