Magic Carpet Cafe is a unique and enchanting place located in the heart of the city. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, known for its magical atmosphere and delicious food. As soon as you step inside the cafe, you are transported to a world full of wonder and beauty. The walls are adorned with colorful tapestries and intricate artwork, while soft, ambient music plays in the background. The staff is friendly and welcoming, always ready to make your experience truly magical. The menu at Magic Carpet Cafe is a delightful mix of international and local cuisines, with an emphasis on flavors and creativity.
Magic Carpet (2014)
Commissioned by the Association for Public Art, artist Candy Coated transformed The Oval in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art into a magical environment of color, pattern, illusion, and movement with Magic Carpet. The artist’s exuberant design included 3-D illusion art, brilliantly colored sandboxes, oversized game boards, and her signature decorative motifs rendered in vinyl, among other unique attractions. Magic Carpet was featured from July 16 – August 17, 2014 at The Oval, an initiative of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation in partnership with the Fairmount Park Conservancy.
Photo Constance Mensh © 2014 for the Association for Public Art
Magic Carpet was comprised of 5 distinct areas:
1. “Welcome” – Visitors were welcomed to the Magic Carpet at The Oval with a pathway pattern of blue circles that resembled stylized clouds. This area hosted The Oval stage covered with the artist’s signature designs in the vibrant colors that encompass the Magic Carpet experience.
Photo Constance Mensh © 2014 for the Association for Public Art
2. “The Garden Labyrinth” – This area accommodated food trucks along the perimeter and French café tables, chairs, and umbrellas at the center of the site. Under foot was an elaborate arrangement of large diamond shaped rondelle forms that suggested a labyrinth network. Many of the umbrellas on the site were painted with diamond forms that placed visitors in the midst of a space that was energized by pattern and movement.
3. “Totally out of this World (Light Blast)” – This area featured a trompe l’oeil (or trick of the eye) light blast meteor crater, an optical illusion that was a great photo opportunity for visitors. Bright light and gemstones burst from deep below to challenge the senses. Also incorporated into this area were oversized game boards and ping pong tables.
4. “Sensory Transportation” – Visitors could play in diamond shaped sandboxes filled with brilliant pink colored sand, and a water mister feature provided sensory relief and respite. Visitors could explore the giant butterflies and try hopscotch among the pattern of blue circles that bookended Magic Carpet.
5. “The Lawn” – Around the edge of the Magic Carpet was a textile-like border of diamond shapes. On the perimeter of the Magic Carpet were oversized buoys, painted with leaf images and embellished with reflective material that was gently animated by passing traffic. Hanging from the trees were brightly colored vinyl globes hung in pendants with ornamental charms and tassels. There were resting places, playing places, and activities: chairs, balls, volleyball, badminton, bocce, and miniature golf.
Voices heard in the Museum Without Walls: AUDIO program: Candy Coated is the multimedia artist who created Magic Carpet. Dilys Blum is Senior Curator of Costumes and Textiles at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Nicholas Kripal (1953-2016) was Professor, Chair of Crafts Department, and Head of Ceramics Area at Tyler School of Art at Temple University. | Segment Producer: Yowei Shaw | Music by Jon Shapiro | Photos by Constance Mensh and the Association for Public Art
Museum Without Walls: AUDIO is the Association for Public Art’s award-winning audio program for Philadelphia’s outdoor sculpture. Available for free by phone, mobile app, or online, the program features more than 150 voices from all walks of life – artists, educators, civic leaders, historians, and those with personal connections to the artworks.
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Candy Coated (formerly Candy Depew) is a multimedia artist who works internationally. An enthusiast of the decorative arts, her work brings together installation art, popular culture, fantasy, fashion, printmaking and a passion for vivid color. In 2013, she created Candy Coated Wonderland, an installation at the Philadelphia Museum of Art that reinterpreted children’s fancy dress costumes from the Museum’s collection. Candy established her “Studio School” of decorative art & design in Philadelphia. She has also worked as Master Printer at the Fabric Workshop and Museum. A recipient of the Pew Fellowship in the Arts, Candy complete d her MFA at Tyler School of Art at Temple University and worked with The London Consortium at the Tate Modern, London, United Kingdom.
The menu at Magic Carpet Cafe is a delightful mix of international and local cuisines, with an emphasis on flavors and creativity. From exotic teas and aromatic coffees to mouthwatering dishes inspired by different cultures, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Each dish is carefully prepared using fresh ingredients, ensuring a burst of flavors in every bite.
Artist-led Workshops at The Oval
FREE but registration required and space is limited.
Screen Printing Workshop
Candy teaches participants how to screen print using design motifs from Magic Carpet.
Thursday, July 31, 2014, 6pm-8:30pm (Part of The Oval’s Arts & Culture Thursdays)
Painted Parasol Workshop
Candy leads participants as they decorate and paint parasols inspired by the surrounding landscape.
Sunday, August 10, 2014, 1pm-3:30pm (Part of The Oval’s Family Fun Day Sundays)
BONUS Screen Printing Workshop!
Due to popular demand, Candy teaches an additional screen printing workshop using design motifs from Magic Carpet.
Thursday, August 14, 2014, 6pm-7:30pm
For more information about The Oval programming, visit theovalphl.org.
One of the highlights of the cafe is its enchanting outdoor terrace, where customers can relax and soak in the magical ambiance. Surrounded by lush greenery and twinkling fairy lights, it is the perfect place to unwind after a long day. The terrace is known for its special events, such as live music performances and themed nights, adding an extra touch of magic to the overall experience. In addition to its delectable food and enchanting ambiance, Magic Carpet Cafe is also known for its commitment to sustainability. The cafe sources its ingredients locally whenever possible and actively promotes recycling and reducing waste. It is a proud supporter of local artists, showcasing their work on its walls and hosting art exhibitions. Overall, Magic Carpet Cafe is a hidden gem in the city, offering a magical experience through its decor, food, and ambiance. Whether you are looking for a cozy spot to enjoy a cup of tea or a vibrant place to celebrate with friends, this cafe is sure to leave you feeling enchanted and satisfied..
Reviews for "Magic Carpet Cafe: Where Dreams Come to Life on Your Plate"
1. John Smith - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with my experience at Magic Carpet Cafe. The food was mediocre at best and the service left much to be desired. The staff seemed disinterested and inattentive, and it took forever for our orders to arrive. Additionally, the atmosphere was quite noisy and chaotic, making it difficult to have a relaxing meal. Overall, I won't be returning to Magic Carpet Cafe in the future.
2. Emily Watson - 1/5 - I had heard great things about Magic Carpet Cafe, but my visit was far from magical. The food was incredibly bland and lacked any sort of seasoning or flavor. The prices were also quite high for the quality of the dishes. The service was also extremely slow and unresponsive. I had to wait almost half an hour just to get a cup of coffee. Needless to say, I won't be recommending this place to anyone.
3. Sarah Thompson - 2/5 - Unfortunately, my experience at Magic Carpet Cafe was quite underwhelming. The menu was limited, and the few options they did have were not very appealing. The food I ordered arrived cold and tasted like it had been reheated. The waitstaff seemed overwhelmed and were not able to provide efficient service. The prices were also higher than I would have expected for the quality of the food. Overall, I was not impressed with this cafe and won't be returning.
4. Mark Davis - 3/5 - While Magic Carpet Cafe had an interesting concept, the execution fell short. The food was decent, but nothing special. The service was average, with some staff members being friendlier than others. One positive aspect was the ambiance and decor, which added a unique touch to the dining experience. However, considering the competition in the area, I expected more from this cafe. It was a decent place to eat, but I probably wouldn't go out of my way to visit again.