Toynbee Tiles in Philadelphia: A Mysterious Art Phenomenon

Philadelphia is often referred to as the epicenter of Toynbee tiles, and for good reason. These colorful and intricate tiles can be found all over the city, placed in streets and intersections, carrying a mysterious message that has been puzzling residents and visitors alike for decades. As you walk along Chestnut Street starting at 16th and ending at 12th, you may stumble upon some of these enigmatic tiles, which have become a cult phenomenon.

The Toynbee tiles are believed to be the work of one anonymous artist, who originally intended to start a human colony on Jupiter. The tiles feature messages such as 'TOYNBEE IDEA IN MOVIE 2001 RESURRECT DEAD ON PLANET JUPITER' and 'Q: What are the Toynbee tiles A: They are graffiti, guerrilla propaganda, outsider art.' While the identity of the artist remains a mystery, their work has become a beloved part of Philadelphia's street art scene.

One photographer and researcher has dedicated years to mapping out the location of all the Toynbee tiles in Philadelphia. Despite many attempts to uncover the truth behind these mysterious messages, none have been able to crack the code. Dozens of websites chronicle the locations and search for answers, but so far, no concrete facts have emerged.

The Toynbee tiles are made by wrapping tar paper around a message and coating it with glue, before affixing them to the asphalt using an ingenious method. As cars drive over the tiles, they become pressed into the asphalt, slowly degrading over time. Many of these tiles have been destroyed due to road construction, but cities generally don't spend money removing them, as their messages contain no vulgarity or profanity.

To see some of these tiles for yourself, take a walk along Chestnut Street starting at 16th and ending at 12th. You may also want to check out the documentary film 'Resurrect Dead' about the Toynbee tiles. While many new tiles have been spotted in Philadelphia since their inception, few have been seen outside of the city area since 2002. Nonetheless, the mystery and allure of these enigmatic tiles continue to fascinate residents and visitors alike, making them a unique and fascinating part of Philadelphia's cultural landscape.

In conclusion, Toynbee tiles are an enigma that has captivated the hearts and minds of many in Philadelphia. Whether you're a resident or just visiting, taking a walk along Chestnut Street or exploring the city's street art scene can lead to a fascinating discovery – a colorful tile with a mysterious message that may never be fully understood.

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