Your Unofficial Guide to Mural Magic Across the U.S.

America, the beautiful.

By: Maria Conti

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Asheville, N.C.

If the mountains are calling and you must go, be sure to squeeze in a stroll to see local street art while you’re at it. Get yourself to Asheville, the city that can do both. This artsy-eclectic mountain town is known for its fiery, fall foliage and has increasing popularity for its first-class artwork lining the streets. Check out the River Arts District for details on local artists and community events, and read the step-by-step process on creating this fierce, feline mural firsthand via the artist.

Atlanta, Ga.

This bold 'n’ gold work-in-process by Neuzz is one of 100+ public murals on display throughout metropolitan Atlanta, courtesy of the non-profit, Living Walls. The organization’s mission is to "create intentional, thought-provoking public art to inspire social change and activate public spaces." Living Walls has aided in establishing Atlanta as an internationally celebrated street-art hub, hosting conferences for both artists and scholars from across the globe.

See It: 384 Edgewood Avenue NE

Austin, Texas

Passersby are guaranteed to come across countless color-clad mural walls throughout this hip Texas town — but none quite as collaborative as this. In fact, Hope Outdoor Gallery prides itself on being one-of-a-kind in the US. Located at 11th and Baylor Street, Hope Outdoor Gallery is a community paint park created in 2011 by HOPE Events. The aim for this project is to provide local muralists, street artists and arts education classes the opportunity to contribute and showcase largescale pieces of work. Consider this ever-evolving park is a must-see when in town.

Baton Rouge, La.

The Walls Project is a non-profit established in 2012 with the mission to "stimulate the creative arts economy by delivering public works of art that inspire urban and rural beautification, dialogue and unity." And with countless color-clad buildings across Baton Rouge, we consider this a mission accomplished. Visit their website to scroll through TWP's portfolio, plus access a map of their many mural masterpieces.

See It: 329 Florida Street

Brooklyn, N.Y.

Arts in Bushwick is breathing life into Brooklyn one outstanding mural at a time. The mission for AIB is to “provide a platform for creative minds in the community and work towards an integrated and sustainable neighborhood through arts programming, creative accessibility and community organizing.” Arts in Bushwick is responsible for putting on Brooklyn arts festivals and community projects, and all their activities are free to the public. Go ahead and be prepared to pencil in a summer trip during The Bushwick Collective Block Party, the annual art event that combines graffiti, street art and food trucks.

Charleston, S.C.

This technicolor floor mural by artist Douglas Panzone leaves a lasting impact on students living in College of Charleston’s George Street Apartments. We all agree — student living has never looked lovelier (or more IG-worthy) than it does here. Make a stop by the CofC campus to see the spectrum of colors in person.

See It: 34 St. Philip Street

Charlotte, N.C.

The Queen City is wealthy in wow-worthy art. It’s practically dripping in gems (read: exceptional murals) throughout the metropolitan area. This mural, created by Charlotte-native artist Abigail Jones, is a local favorite. It depicts the sleek, city-skyline on the corner of Pecan Avenue and Bay Street, dressing up an unassuming brick building nestled in the charming, sought-after Elizabeth neighborhood. Discover more must-see murals in CLT.

Cleveland, Ohio

Sherwin-Williams just might make lifetime customers out of the whopping 1 million people who claim the Cleveland Cavaliers as their team. The paint giant shrouded their company headquarters, located across from Quicken Loans Arena, with this 10-story painting depicting the legendary LeBron James. In addition to this powerful piece, Cleveland boasts a rich art community that works tirelessly to uplift local artists and up-and-coming creatives. Building Bridges Arts Collaborative offers apprenticeship programs for emerging artists ages 16 to 21, as well as an artists' mentoring program that works with behaviorally-challenged youth in the area.

Denver, Colo.

Why leave lipstick affirmations on your bathroom mirror when you can walk past a wall like this every day, instead? Artists Pat Milbery and Jason T. Graves joined forces to gift a powerful message of positivity for Denver residents and visitors. We imagine that this rainbow display warms spirits during the chilliest of morning commutes.

Detroit, Mich.

Motor City is making a serious comeback on the art scene with murals and galleries aplenty around town. A must-see stop on our list? The Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, MOCAD for short, located in the trendy Midtown area. The museum exterior showcases a fresh, funky mural that continuously changes, while the interior presents the public with art that "contextualizes, interprets, educates and expands culture, pushing us to the edges of contemporary experience."

See It: 4454 Woodward Avenue

Las Vegas, Nev.

Has an abandoned building ever appeared more inviting than this black-and-white beauty? Located on 7th Street in downtown Las Vegas, this funky, futuristic display is guaranteed to stop you in your tracks and bring you a wealth of ‘likes’ on social media. Access a map of the must-see mural works across Sin City.

Little Italy, N.Y.

Fast fact: Visiting The Big Apple without popping by Little Italy for a bowl of pasta or slice of real New York pizza is a tragedy. But, if the fresh, melty 'moozadell' doesn’t draw you in, the unmatched artwork in the neighborhood certainly should. Expect to be awestruck and have your phone at the ready, because you’re going to want to take all-of-the-photos for IG. Non-profit organization L.I.S.A. Project is responsible for your many future likes/followers. Short for “Little Italy Street Art”, L.I.S.A. Project is made up of a diverse group of mural artists that shroud Mulberry Street with color, aiming to create Manhattan’s “first and only mural district”.

Los Angeles, Calif.

Welcome to Los Angeles: The City of Angels and some stellar street art, too. Yes, friends, there's more to Tinseltown than movie stars and red carpet. This city is overflowing with rich culture, perspective and colorful creative works of art saturating every corner. Start by stopping by Venice Beach Boardwalk to see pseudo-Aphrodite, then do yourself a favor and schedule a guided tour of the graffiti and mural scene with LA Art.

Miami, Fla.

What’s black, white and "WOW" all over? One word: Wynwood. Considered a true mecca for making mural masterpieces, the Wynwood Walls program has covered more than 80,000 square feet of Miami walls since the program formed in 2009. The Wynwood Building, seen here, is in the center of the Wynwood Arts District and is a highly unique office and retail building for Miami’s flourishing creative community.

See It: 2750 N.W. 3rd Avenue

Nashville, Tenn.

Music City is breaking its chains from its old, dusty, country-music stereotype and quickly becoming America’s "it" town. A large part of Nashville’s evolution is thanks to the many street artists and muralists who have created stunning public displays, like the one pictured here, located in the trendy Gulch neighborhood. Explore the many murals and artists local to the city through Nashville's Walls Project.

Oakland, Calif.

Oakland is proud and rightly so. This California city is home to a bustling, boundary-pushing art scene and a community that pours their every effort into seeing it prosper. If you're passing through, be sure to check out the non-profit organization Oakland Art Murmur. Their website has information on free walking tours, gallery exhibits and an interactive map for must-see murals around town.

Philadelphia, Pa.

Entitled "Legendary", this Philadelphia mural pays tribute to the city’s Grammy-winning icons, The Roots. This extraordinary work is one of many created by the nation’s largest public art program, Mural Arts Philadelphia. MAP has brought artists and communities together for more than 30 years to collaborate and create murals that transform public spaces. Their belief? "Art ignites change." Learn more about the Mural Arts Philadelphia program and find locations for their many works across the city.

See It: 512 S. Broad Street

Portland, Maine

You were expecting us to talk about Oregon’s art scene, right? Surprise! Portland, Maine is exceeding all major #muralgoals via the artwork of the Portland Mural Initiative. Their aim is to “bring contemporary art into the public spaces of Portland” and “facilitate a dialogue between the artists and the communities in which the murals are located through public meals and artists talks.” Visit the Portland Mural Initiative website to learn how to get involved, including donation opportunities. (Plus, peek at their latest and greatest works.)

San Francisco, Calif.

After you’ve visited the painted ladies on Steiner Street, make your way to Clarion Alley. Located in the Mission District, between 17th and 18th and Mission and Valencia Streets, you’ll find the home of San Francisco’s 25-year program: Clarion Alley Mural Project. Covered by fresh paint and ideas, the alley runs one block at 560 feet long. CAMP says it has “used public art as a force for those who are marginalized and a place where culture and dignity speak louder than the rules of private property or a lifestyle that puts profit before compassion, respect and social justice.”

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Your Unofficial Guide to Mural Magic Across the U.S.

Related To:

Shop This Look

Asheville, N.C.

Atlanta, Ga.

Austin, Texas

Baton Rouge, La.

Brooklyn, N.Y.

Charleston, S.C.

Charlotte, N.C.

Cleveland, Ohio

Denver, Colo.

Detroit, Mich.

Las Vegas, Nev.

Little Italy, N.Y.

Los Angeles, Calif.

Miami, Fla.

Nashville, Tenn.

Oakland, Calif.

Philadelphia, Pa.

Portland, Maine

San Francisco, Calif.