New Mural Design Honoring the Life and Legacy of Phillies Great Dick Allen Unveiled in South Philadelphia

Mural Arts Philadelphia, the nation’s largest public arts program, alongside the City of Philadelphia and Philadelphia Phillies, announced and unveiled the design of a new mural coming soon to 2221 South Broad Street in Philadelphia. Designed by renowned artist Ernel Martinez, the new mural will pay tribute to Phillies great Richard “Dick” Allen, a seven-time All-Star, who spent nine of his 15 major league seasons (1963-77) with the Phillies and won National League Rookie of the Year in 1964. The future mural at roughly 2,000 sq. ft. will be located in close proximity to the Phillies’ home at Citizens Bank Park, and formally dedicated at a community celebration in late Spring 2024.

Allen’s son Richard Allen, Jr. and Eron “Button” Allen and widow Willa Allen joined Mayor Kenney, City Representative Sheila Hess, Jane Golden, and the Phillie Phanatic for a celebration to unveil the mural’s design with the community. The event took place on the third anniversary of Allen’s passing (December 7, 2020).

The Allen family and special guests also joined Martinez to paint the first brush strokes on the mural. Known for many murals depicting Philadelphia heroes including Heart of a Champion: A Tribute to Smokin’ Joe Frasier; Why We Love Coltrane; 76ers: Beyond the Court; and Ed Bradley: Curious, Relentless, Tireless, Martinez shared his design depicting multiple images of Allen, including at bat and running the bases in a Philadelphia Phillies pinstripe uniform, as well as being inducted in the Philadelphia Phillies Wall of Fame. Using best practices from Mural Arts, the mural will be painted on parachute cloth during the winter months and through the spring with the help of the community, and later adhered to its permanent home located at 2221 South Broad Street in Philadelphia in spring 2024.