Maxo Vanka Murals

This is a beautiful church, and the tour is well worth it to get a very good informative breakdown of each piece and learn about the great artist Maxo Vanka. The artwork is stunning, and we were able to see the restoration in the process. This is a must-see site in the pittsburgh area.

What a great secret in millvale! I lived/visited Pittsburgh for the past 50 years and never knew these murals existed. They are so amazing.

Mind blown. No real way to describe this amazing space. Be prepared for some neck craning and return trips. So much to see and the preservation folks are magnificent.

I’m very glad I did this. It was something I’ve wanted to do for sometime. The works are beautiful. They speak about more than just Catholicism and its symbolism but the artist did a beautiful job weaving social justice and speaking about World World I and II. Beautifully done

It takes a lot for a beautiful old church to stand out in Western Pennsylvania. The powerful murals and phenomenal staff achieve that with flying colors. I'd recommend taking a guided tour, but you'll also want to give yourself enough time to really study the murals on your own as well.

WOW, this was absolutely stunning! The history of these murals was just fascinating. Well worth the trip

When traveling to a new place, we always try to find unique experiences. These Maxo Vanka murals fit the bill to a tee. Whether you’re a Yinzer or a visitor, these murals and stories behind them shared via a docent, are worth your time and $$. Interesting. Poignant. Stirring. Provocative. We’re so glad we got to experience them.

I loved every minute of it. The photos I saw of the murals before my tour did not do them justice. They must be seen in person and they are magnificent. This is one of those cool gems that makes Pittsburgh such an interesting place. These are a MUST SEE.

Hidden treasure in plain view! These church murals, painted in 1937 and 1941, depict the story of Croatian immigration, but are also infused by themes of Social Justice, the power and suffering roles of women, and the genius of one of the most visionary painters of the 20th Century. The tours are led on Saturday mornings, and you can register online, or propose your own group private tour. It's a $10 donation which goes directly to the preservation and lighting of the murals. The tours are wonderful storytelling, as you learn about the fascinating life of Croatian born Maxo Vanka and the unusual twists and turns that led to the creation of his "Sistine Chapel" in the murals of the St. Nicholas Croatian Catholic Church in Millvale. Definitely go without any preconceptions, the paintings are unique and powerfully beautiful. Vanka is a Pacifist, a champion of the common person, especially the down and out, and outsider with a unique vision. Definitely bring your out of town guests, but make no mistake, there's nothing touristy to see, just the most amazing legacy of one of the great artists of the 20th Century.

The Maxo Vanka Murals are a hidden gem, permanently on exhibit in this little church, close to the river in Millvale. Maksimilijan Vanka was a celebrated Croatian painter who emigrated to Pennsylvania during the turmoil of the 1930s. He was invited to paint the walls of the St. Nicholas Croatian church and given artistic license to not be shy about his politics. So instead of the typical Catholic iconography, you see very progressive images of the Croatian experience, complete with coal mining and depictions of World War I. These murals are flat out awesome. You certainly could go to the church for regular mass, but you'll get a better look at the murals if the docent can point spotlights into the corners of the church. It's my understanding that Serbs are welcome too, but fascists should stay at home. Docent-led tours on Saturdays: 11:00am, 12:00noon and 1:00pm (as of this writing, but check the website). Free admission (but bring a donation, for cryin out loud). If you time things right, you can get some baked goodies from a little blue-haired Croatian woman in the church basement.

There is not much more to say about this place, and these exquisite murals, that wasn't already described in the several other excellent Yelp reviews here on this page, so I will just say these murals are most excellent. Attending the descriptive guided tour made me understand them even more, and the explanations for each mural, and how they are all tied into the heritage of this church, and this local area were astounding. This is one of the best kept secrets in Pittsburgh, and if you are a fan of art, religious or not, this tour is not to be missed. It was exceptionally wonderful that we were able to attend one of the holiday tours because the church is beautifully decorated for Xmas, and we were also offered locally made bread, biscotti, cookies, and other treats such as grapes, chocolate, coffee, hot cider, etc. before and after the tour in the church hall downstairs. The tour costs $10 per person, and there is also a box for additional donations, if you choose. The holiday tours sell out, so make reservations in advance, or you can attend the regular Saturday tours, which I believe run year-round. Super--Cheers!

I went to see the murals for the first time with my mom (her second time) and just absolutely loved hearing the history of the murals. Our docent Andrew was just fantastic - very knowledgeable and clearly passionate about the church. I highly recommend this to Pittsburgh natives and visitors interested in learning more about an underappreciated gem in our backyard. I can't say enough good things about this experience. It's definitely worth a repeat visit!

The most unique church I've ever been in. Hard to find especially if you're coming across the 40th st bridge or from the North Side. The murals tell the story of early 20th century immigrants to Pittsburgh. Tour guide extremely knowledgeable and personable. The church is still open and celebrates mass twice a week. It would be hard to walk away and not appreciate what that generation left behind in their homeland and sacrificed when they came here to build this treasure of a church.

These murals are beautiful, important, and necessary to see for anyone in the Pittsburgh area. The tour is a must for any fan of history or art. To help with the restoration effort, donations are encouraged, and a small assortment of souvenirs (like magnets) are available to purchase. Go see them!

Fascinating!! Please take the time to visit this church and see these amazing murals!!!