The retablo is a popular folk art made throughout Latin America. They began as altarpieces for Catholic churches. Learn more about retablos and folk art from Latin America during free tours of our fully mosaicked basement at 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30 pm.

These early retablos portrayed a religious scene or icon in an elaborate frame or box. They could include painting and sculpture. In the 1940s, retablos in Peru began to depict everyday village life. They could be made of wood, clay, paper, or any material at hand. As modern retablos, sometimes called nichos, became more and more popular with tourists, artists in many countries let their imaginations run free. Discover retablos made of clay in the artwork at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens. Then make one of your own to take home using simple materials like fabric, cardboard, and air-dry “clay.”       

PECO Family Jams are PMG’s family-oriented programs, held on the second Sunday of every month between noon and 4:00 pm. Crafts and basement tours are included with regular admission to PMG. Purchase your regular admission tickets in advance.