Across the U.S., vibrant murals are transforming city walls into open-air galleries. These murals tell stories of the city’s culture, history, and social issues.
These larger-than-life artworks are not only beautiful, but they work to foster community pride. Here are 20 cities where street art has found a thriving home – each giving a different perspective on this dynamic art form.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Known as the ‘Mural Capital of the World,’ Philly boasts over 4,000 murals through its Mural Arts Philadelphia program. The city’s commitment to public art dates back to 1984, with iconic works like the ‘Common Threads’ mural in Center City.
Take a mural tour or download the Mural Arts Philadelphia app to explore this vast outdoor gallery.
Miami, Florida
Miami’s Wynwood Art District is a veritable playground for street art enthusiasts.
Once a warehouse district, Wynwood’s walls now showcase works by both local and international artists.
The annual Wynwood Walls program curates new murals, ensuring the neighborhood’s visual landscape is always evolving.
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Los Angeles, California
LA’s street art scene is as diverse as the city itself. From the historic murals of Chicano Park to the Instagram-famous angel wings by Colette Miller, the city offers a rich tapestry of public art.
Don’t miss the Arts District downtown, where warehouses serve as massive canvases for renowned street artists.
New York City, New York
New York’s street art scene is iconic, with places like Brooklyn’s Bushwick at the forefront. The Bushwick Collective has turned the area into a huge outdoor gallery,
and Manhattan’s High Line provides a cool mix of murals alongside its elevated park.
Austin, Texas
Keep Austin weird – and colorful! The Texas capital embraces street art with enthusiasm. From the iconic ‘Greetings from Austin’ mural to the ever-changing walls of the HOPE Outdoor Gallery, Austin’s street art reflects its quirky, creative spirit.
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Denver, Colorado
Denver’s RiNo Art District shows how street art can transform a place. Every year, events like the CRUSH Walls festival turn the neighborhood’s alleys and buildings into a vibrant, immersive art scene.
San Francisco, California
The Mission District’s Clarion Alley is a must-see for mural lovers, featuring politically charged works that reflect the city’s activist spirit. Elsewhere, the city’s hilly streets and Victorian houses provide unique canvases for large-scale murals.
Detroit, Michigan
Detroit’s street art scene is a vibrant symbol of the city’s resilience and rebirth. The Eastern Market district is home to over 100 murals, many of which pay homage to the city’s industrial heritage and diverse communities.
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Chicago, Illinois
The Windy City’s street art scene is as towering as its skyscrapers. The Wabash Arts Corridor in the South Loop features massive murals by international artists, while Pilsen’s vibrant works reflect the neighborhood’s Mexican-American heritage.
Nashville, Tennessee
Music City’s street art scene is hitting all the right notes. The city’s famous ‘WhatLiftsYou’ wings mural by Kelsey Montague has become an Instagram sensation, while the Off the Wall project has brought new murals to Charlotte Avenue.
Portland, Oregon
Portland’s street art reflects the city’s eco-friendly ethos and quirky charm. The Alberta Arts District is a hotspot for murals, many of which incorporate themes of sustainability and community.
Keep an eye out for the city’s famous ‘Portland, Oregon’ sign – it’s a mural too!
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Baltimore, Maryland
Charm City’s Open Walls Baltimore project has brought world-class street art to the Station North Arts District. The city also boasts the iconic ‘Greetings from Baltimore’ mural, a postcard-perfect representation of local landmarks.
St. Petersburg, Florida
This Gulf Coast city has embraced street art with gusto. The SHINE St. Petersburg Mural Festival has added over 100 murals to the city since 2015, transforming downtown into a colorful, walkable museum.
Washington, D.C.
The nation’s capital offers a mix of historic and contemporary murals. U Street and Shaw are hotspots for street art, with works that often reflect the city’s political climate and diverse communities.
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Cincinnati, Ohio
ArtWorks Cincinnati has transformed the city with over 200 murals, many celebrating local history and culture. The ‘Singing Mural’ in Over-the-Rhine, which comes to life through an augmented reality app, showcases the innovative potential of street art.
Houston, Texas
Everything’s bigger in Texas, including the street art. The Houston Mural Map helps visitors navigate the city’s vast collection of public artworks, from the towering ‘Preservons la Creation’ to the whimsical ‘Houston Is Inspired’ mural.
San Diego, California
Chicano Park, with its collection of murals dating back to the 1970s, is a national landmark celebrating Mexican-American culture. Elsewhere, neighborhoods like North Park showcase more contemporary street art styles.
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Seattle, Washington
The Emerald City’s street art scene is as vibrant as its coffee culture. The SODO Track project has transformed a two-mile transit corridor into a street artextravaganza, while Pioneer Square offers a mix of historic and contemporary murals.
Richmond, Virginia
The Richmond Mural Project has added over 100 murals to this historic city, creating a striking contrast between old and new. The works often reflect on the city’s complex history, sparking important conversations about identity and heritage.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Pow! Wow! Hawaii, an annual street art festival, has turned Honolulu’s Kakaako neighborhood into a vibrant outdoor gallery. The murals here often incorporate traditional Hawaiian motifs, creating a unique fusion of ancient and modern art forms.
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Feel The Power of Art
There you have it; these cities display the power of street art, which has the power to transform urban spaces and spark up a conversation. So, whether you’re just an art enthusiast or are looking for a deeper emotional connection to your surroundings, these cities will satisfy your cravings.
So why not consider planning your next city break around these open-air galleries? You’ll discover some hidden gems in unexpected corners.
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