Follow our magical mural trail to see local art in Miami

If you’re a fan of great street art, the Magic City has plenty of places where you can enjoy a veritable cornucopia of colorful artistic expression, from famed Little Havana to artsy Wynwood Walls. Here’s our top 5!

Walk down a populous street in most big cities in the United States, and you’re sure to encounter some form of mural art — those large, often colorful paintings on the sides of buildings or walls that are infused with meaning, such as social ideals, inspiring messages, or even tributes to great people present and past.

But did you know that the history of murals in the U.S. begins with the indigenous peoples who first inhabited the land? Native American petroglyphs (rock carvings) and pictographs (rock paintings) are some of the earliest forms of mural art often found in caves and on rock faces depicting scenes from daily life, spiritual beliefs, and tribal histories. 

In Europe, castles, shrines, libraries, churches, and the homes of wealthy art patrons also displayed these paintings depicting daily life through stories, fantasies, and just plain imagination. Some of the famous artists that created incredibly beautiful or thought-provoking murals include Michelangelo Buonarroti and Leonardo Da Vinci, among many others.

Of course, you don’t have to travel in time, or even to Europe, to see spectacular murals. In the Sunshine State, more specifically in Miami, there are places where artists have left their unique mark. Here are five that will astound you with these beautiful and provoking works of art. 

Murals in Wynwood Walls

Artsy Wynwood is a thriving Miami neighborhood where aspiring painters, graffiti artists, creatives, and young innovators — both local and from around the world — decorate a vast outdoor museum made up of giant wall murals covering six buildings.

In this neighborhood that doubles as a canvas for urban street art, you will find thought provoking graffiti quotes, large-scale pop art murals, abstract paintings and out-of-this-world sculptures. 

The place’s story began in the 1970s, when Wynwood was a collection of aging warehouses. In the early 2000s, entrepreneur and historic preservationist Tony Goldman – turned the failing neighborhood into a cultural oasis that opened with Art Basel 2009. 

A general admission ticket allows you to view the artwork on your own. But there are several packages available, including a guided tour, an early access tour, a tour with an artist and a private tour. Spray paint courses available for those who want to dabble in the art. 

Both Wynwood Walls and The Wynwood Walls Shop are open Sundays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Doors to Wynwood Walls close 30 minutes before closing time.

For more information, please visit HERE. 

Photo courtesy of Wynwood/CC BY-SA 2.0.

Murals in Little Havana

A visit to Miami’s Little Havana is one that you just can’t miss when you’re in South Florida.

The best known Cuban exile neighborhood in the world is characterized by its street life, restaurants, music and other cultural activities, as well as the great restaurants and venues with live music. 

As you walk down this area that has Southwest 8th Street — better known as Calle Ocho — as its beating heart, you will encounter colorful murals depicting typical Cuban motifs, such as palm trees and exotic Caribbean fruit, as well as famous personalities from Gloria and Emilio Estefan to Desi Arnaz and singer Camila Cabello.  

There are also inspiring monuments to heroes past and present, elderly men playing dominoes in Domino Park as they discuss politics, and cigar rollers at work amid the ever-present aroma of Cuban coffee. 

The place is so unique and colorful, in fact, that in 2017 “La Pequeña Habana,” as locals call it, was declared a national treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Come for the art and stay for its unique tropical island charm.  

For more information, please visit HERE. 

Photo courtesy of Phillip Pessar/CC BY 2.0.

Murals in Miami Design District

The Miami Design District is a vibrant space for public art and museums and galleries in the Greater Miami and Miami Beach neighborhood. In fact, some visitors say that strolling through this beautiful area is like having access to a free outdoor art museum where visitors can enjoy an eye-popping display of public art by local and renowned artists.

Here, you will encounter public sculptures, interactive art, and … murals, murals, murals. Yes, even in parking garages, like the Museum Garage, which is adorned with facades featuring puzzle pieces and dangling cars.

Of course, many of the murals you will encounter in the district have significant meanings. There’s Brazilian artist Criola’s vibrant mural in Jungle Plaza featuring four Black women mirroring each other;  the stunning black-and-white “Vortex” mural; and Elliot and Erick Jiménez’ enchanting “Reclining Mermaid” billboard. All in all, this elegant and sophisticated district will not fail to delight art lovers!

For more information, please visit HERE. 

Murals in Miami Beach 

Visitors to legendary Miami Beach usually go crazy for the beaches, the sun, and the lively nightlife scene. But art lovers can’t resist stopping before the largest art mural approved by the city of Miami Beach at the historic Roosevelt Theatre. 

The Welcome To Miami Beach mural not only serves as a welcoming landmark to tourists and art enthusiasts from around the world, but it also embodies the colorful, playful spirit of this famous South Florida site.

A jasmine blossom, the fragrant tropical flower native to South Florida, and and a monk parakeet — whose nests can be seen in palm trees all around Miami Beach — are two of the iconic images that artist David “Lebo” Le Batard imbued with hot tropical colors. 

For more information, please visit HERE.

Photo courtesy of rawpixel.com.
Original public domain image from Library of Congress

Murals in downtown Miami 

Attention art lovers: You can take a free Self-Guided Downtown Miami Murals Tour and discover spectacular murals by local and globally renowned artists along Flagler Street. All this, while going at your own pace to better appreciate each stunning work by artists such as Hoxxoh, Magnus Sodamin, CASE Maclaim and more. 

Murals include a 11,000-square-foot piece named “Legacy in Levity” by muralist Maren Conrad, that depicts a giant bubble bottle sitting next to images of real people from all over Greater Miami & Miami Beach that highlight Miami’s diverse communities.

You’ll also see murals from different artists like Brazilian artist Finok, with his works inspired by Brazilian folk culture; a mural of the late R&B singer Aaliyah, by Jeks One, and a stunning piece by German urban artist CASE Maclaim that will forever alter your perception of what can be achieved with spray paint.

To go on the tour, simply download the Built Story app on your phone, search for “Downtown Miami Murals,” and you’re set to go off on a great art adventure.

For more information, please visit HERE. 

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.