Maxo Vanka Murals — Attraction in Millvale

This is one of the Treasures of Pittsburgh. Croatian artist Maxo Vanka completely covered the walls of this small modest church in Millvale with his highly emotional, Expressionistic Murals depicting religious subjects in a very contemporary manner (he painted them in 1938 and 1942) They are strongly Anti-War and Anti-Capitalist, and show the simple life and sufferings of Croatians both during World War I in Croatia, and in Industrial Pittsburgh. There are no pretty Madonnas or sentimental Angel's to be found. These Murals are in process of being cleaned and restored. They offer Tours on weekends led by knowledgeable, friendly volunteer Docents. It's worth taking a Tour for the wealth of background information...

I feel a bit strange rating a church but this is for the Saturday mural tour in particular. WOW! If you get the chance to participate you will be so glad you did. Our host, Diane (shoot maybe Diana) and Page (who helped with lighting and whose wife helped restore the murals) were just so wonderful. It was a great repose from the bustle of the city and I learned so much! I'm so glad I came and helped support this beautiful...

When I was fortunate enough to spend the night with my favorite Aunt and Uncle, who were parishioners there in the 1950"s, they would take me to Sunday morning Mass. I remember being in awe of the murals and frightened at the same time. I have lived in Cincinnati for 50 years now and I will never forget this church. I'm so glad it's still there. Is it still a functioning...