Experience the Murals

Learn about our in-person tours, as well as off-site programs and virtual tour options.

Tour & Program Options

Meet Maxo Vanka: The Public Tour

Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring murals of Croatian artist Maxo Vanka on a guided tour at the historic St. Nicholas Croatian Catholic Church in Millvale. Discover how these striking works were painted by Vanka in 1937 and 1941 to reflect the culture and lives of the working-class immigrant congregation.

Learn more about Public Tours →

A couple photographs Vanka's Mural "Croatian Mothers Give Their Sons to War"

These Walls Can Talk: The Immigration Tour

Take a deeper dive into the history and stories of St. Nicholas Croatian Catholic Church’s congregation, why people immigrated to Pittsburgh, and how immigrants built their lives in America while maintaining cultural connections. Rich with detail, including oral histories and archival photos, this 75-minute one-of-a-kind experience interprets a selection of Maxo Vanka’s murals in the context of world events and the cherished recollections of parishioners.

Learn more about The Immigration Tour →

Private Tours

Customize your experience by planning a private tour. Are you interested in history, art, social justice, or better understanding of the rise and role of Pittsburgh and its people in American history? Share your interests and we will create a unique experience for your class, club, congregation, family, or company. An outing to the murals provides opportunities for art lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Learn more about Private Tours →

School & Youth Field Trips

Join us for a field trip with your students to the murals of Maxo Vanka at St. Nicholas Croatian Catholic Church in Millvale! Workshops for teachers and educators are also available.

Learn more about Field Trips →

Off-site Programs

Can’t bring your group to Millvale? Let us bring the Murals to you! Experience the Murals “off the walls” through guided virtual tours or presentations at your site.

Learn more about Off-site Programs →

Virtual Tour

View these thought-provoking murals from anywhere in the world with our virtual tour. Like a visit to St. Nicholas Church, your purchase of a virtual tour helps support our mission to save and share the Vanka Murals for generations to come.

Take a Virtual Tour→

Learn More

Tour FAQs and directions

The answers to general questions, directions, and parking instructions.

A page dedicated to these answers and more →

Events & Activities

Great times. Greater cause. Join us to save Maxo Vanka.

Check out the latest Events & Activities →

The Murals Experience reviews

					  Very impressed with tour of the murals; extremely interesting and moving.  Highest recommendation.  Great descriptions of the content and messages, unique perspective into the creation of modern masterpieces.				
alansN3340LI
January 8, 2023 

					  The only murals of which I am aware that come anywhere close to Maxo

Vanka's in terms of artistic brilliance and emotional intensity are those of 

Diego Rivera. They are truly one of Pittsburgh's neglected masterpieces.				
Joseph W
May 30, 2013 

					  The small group escorted tour was a revelation.  The dedicated docents presented a heartfelt and honest explanation of the church, the artist and the murals, readily admitting the gaps in the story of this microcosm of America’s immigrant experience and the real effects of war on people across the globe.  The story of the murals, with their social, cultural and religious commentary, is far more than a visual experience, and the efforts of the community to preserve and expand their exposure is testament to the lasting impact of Vanko’s art. A truly unique Pittsburgh attraction.				
Michael F
February 11, 2020 