We all know that Austin has a vibrant art scene — and we’re not just talking about The Blanton Museum of Art or the Mexic-Arte Museum. One of our all-time favorite galleries? Austin itself.
ATX is home to a number of meaningful murals and pieces of street art. Today, we’re sharing where to find art that really paints a picture of our city.
Downtown Austin
“Be Well,” 600 N. Lamar Blvd. | By Rex Hamilton
Painted during the pandemic, “Be Well” encourages onlookers to take care of themselves. You might recognize Rex’s work from posters and tote bags for SXSW 2023.
The mural celebrates a century of women’s suffrage.
Photo by @updateordie
“The Beauty of Liberty and Equality,” 111 E. Cesar Chavez St. | By Shepard Fairey and Sandra Chevrier
Celebrating 100 years of women’s right to vote in the US, this mural is the tallest in Austin and encapsulates an entire wall of The LINE hotel.
Viewing from Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge, 222 West Ave. | By various artists
Nothing stays on this rotating train tracks gallery for long, and many pieces go unaccredited.
Tau Ceti was created by a Transylvania-born artist.
Photo by @bigandtoasty
“Tau Ceti,” 201 E. 2nd St. | By Josef Kristofoletti
Climbing 103 ft, or 10 stories high, this spectrum of colors was created in 2018.
“Austin Salutes You,” 914 Congress Ave. | By Fabian Rey
Inspired by the AC/DC song “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You),” this mural popped up in February 2021. Rey also painted the mural on the side of the Great Outdogs store and has done work for Austin FC.
“Unsung Pioneers of Austin Music,” 801 Red River St. | By Tim Kerr and Michael Corcoran
This artwork on the side of Stubb’s BBQ honors Austin musicians dating back to the early 1900s, including Ernie Mae Miller, Gilbert Askey, and Camilo Cantu. Look closely to read the stories of a few of the most influential members of our city’s music scene — there’s even a space reading “Your name here.”
East Austin
“If He Can’t Breathe, We Can’t Breathe,” 807 E. 4th St. | By Chris Rogers
Honoring the Black Lives Matter movement, this mural depicts victims of police violence like George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Mike Ramos. A kneeling Colin Kaepernick is also pictured.
Practice wall behind Emo’s Austin, 2015 E. Riverside Dr. | By various artists
For a true look at Austin’s ever-changing street art scene, look no further than Emo’s, which has dedicated its back wall to graffiti artists for practice use.
“‘Til Death,” 1201 E. 7th St. | By Federico Archuleta
Blink and you might miss this mural — created by prolific stencil artist Federico Archuleta — but there are plenty of iterations throughout the city to find.
This mural has been restored to its former glory after being defaced.
Photo by @arthorsepod
Tau Ceti was created by a Transylvania-born artist.
Photo by @bigandtoasty
“You’re My Butter Half,” 2000 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. | By John Rockwell
You may remember when this mural made news for being defaced with a not-so-sweet message. It has since been restored, and has been standing since 2012.
South Austin
The mural is so popular, Austin even has a “Hi, How Are You” Day on January 22.
Photo by @eriwinter
“I love you so much,” 1300 S. Congress Ave. | By Amy Cook
Although not your traditional mural, this piece of work comes with a heartfelt story. The “I love you so much” mural was an impromptu love letter from musician Amy Cook to her then-partner: hospitality guru Liz Lambert.
This mural has been recreated in cities all around the US, including neighboring San Marcos. | Photo by @gil.blendz
“Greetings from Austin,” 1720 S. 1st St. | By Todd Sanders
This iconic mural has been standing on the wall of Roadside Relics since 1998 and remains a popular photo opportunity to this day.
STAG owners say the mural is self-explanatory.
Photo by @climbingcastles
“Willie For President,” 100-130 E. Elizabeth St. | By Jacqui Oakley, Erick Montes, and Joe Swec
Located on the side wall of STAG Provisions for Men, this tongue-in-cheek mural was completed in 2016.
This mural was painted over a Shepard Fairey wheatpaste.
Photo by @carrieknowsaustin
“Won’t You Be My Neighbor?,” 1421 S. Congress Ave. | By Niz
Adorning the side of More Home Slice Pizza, this mural was painted in 2014 and shows the beloved TV show host leaning over a trolley labeled the “South Austin Express.”
UT Austin
Can you see any landmarks?
Photo by Wally Gobetz
“Austintatious,” 453 W. 23rd St. | By Kerry Awn, Tommy B., Rick Turner, and Jim Franklin
This snapshot into 1974 Austin comes with a certain nostalgia. It surrounds Stephen F. Austin holding armadillos and reveals more and more detail the closer you get.
The mural is so popular, Austin even has a “Hi, How Are You” Day on January 22.
Photo by @eriwinter
“Jeremiah the Innocent Frog,” 408 W. 21st St. | By Daniel Johnston
This well-known mural begs the question, “Hi, How Are You,” and shares a name with one of Johnston’s albums. The mural has been standing since 1993, despite many changes to the building’s owner. Actually, this mural is so beloved, it was preserved despite the building it was painted on being torn down.
Want to see these murals up close and personal? Take the Downtown Austin Alliance’s self-guided mural biking tour.
What’s your favorite mural? Send us a photo and we might include it in an upcoming newsletter.
