A 19-story mural has been created on the side of the University Square senior community building at 3901 Market Street. The author of this masterpiece is Faith XLVII, an internationally-acclaimed street artist from Cape Town, South Africa. The giant 11,000 square foot artwork was created for Mural Arts Philadelphia.

An inscription on the mural reads: “Maneto Philadelphia: Optimism is a Strategy for Making a Better Future.” The Latin word “maneto” is part of Philadelphia’s city seal and means “to remain” or “to endure.”

The dedication ceremony for the new mural will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 11 a.m.

The mural, entitled The Silent Watcher, was inspired by the cultural, historical, and social aspects of the neighborhood. It features a strong archetypal female figure towering above pedestrians with a contemplative gaze. 

“She acts as a guardian figure, watching over the city and the tenants of the building. The plant signifies hope, growth, and the planting of metaphorical seeds for a new progressive future,” according to the Mural Arts announcement.

The new mural is located in a highly visible location, a transition from University City to West Philadelphia, and has already become a visual landmark. On the evening of September 24, lights will be turned on to light up the mural for the first time following the daytime dedication.