Street art has become an intrinsic part of the cultural fabric of our modern communities. Curious travelers and budding artists can be inspired by the secret stashes of murals and other art in cities around the world.
Here are five to consider:
- 1. Chicago
Look for colorful works of art on bridges, buildings, train stations and parking garages throughout the Windy City. In the Wabash Arts Corridor, established by Columbia College Chicago, efforts have been underway to revitalize parts of the city by creating an ever-changing artistic landscape. Several large-scale murals, featuring vivid eyeballs, superheroes and harmony messages, have emerged along a milelong strip of Wabash Avenue. The 606 Trail, an elevated hiking and biking trail along a repurposed train track, provides the opportunity to view murals painted by community groups. With close to 20 large-scale murals condensed into a seven-block stretch (between Van Buren and Roosevelt Road in the South Loop), the Wabash Arts Corridor is something of a mecca for street art devotees.
For more: choosechicago.com
- 2. Los Angeles
Just east of downtown, bordered by the Los Angeles River and walking distance to Union Station and City Hall, the Arts District is a burgeoning stronghold of iconic art. Within 50 or so walkable blocks you’ll find shopping, restaurants, creative office space and galleries amid warehouses and former factories, all sporting public art. In the Venice Beach area of Los Angeles, the people are as colorful as the artwork. On and near Market Street look for the Om sign, the Pink Panther and a bulldog chasing butterflies. Don’t miss the muraled buildings along the Boardwalk and the Public Art Wall at the beach.
For more: artsdistrictla.org; discoverlosangeles.com
- 3. Cheyenne, Wy.
In combination with its well-deserved reputation for cowboy culture, this western enclave boasts an active art scene as vital as many urban centers. You’ll find more than 50 captivating murals in the downtown area, including “Big Bison” created by Jordan Dean. The artist spent 14 days crafting the 60-foot image of an American blue bison playing guitar and dancing across the wall with a banjo-playing golden eagle soaring overhead. Located on the back of the Historic Plains Hotel, Dean’s mural is said to illustrate the many facets of Cheyenne.
