The Acorn

443 Fayetteville St, Raleigh, NC 27601

The Acorn is a 10 foot tall, 1,250 pound behemoth of copper and steel created by artist David Benson. It was commissioned in 1992 for Raleigh’s bicentennial and sits in Raleigh’s City Plaza. Every New Years Eve, it becomes the star of First Night Raleigh, when it is hoisted and then dropped at midnight in the style of New York City’s Times Square ball drop.

Sir Walter Raleigh

500 S Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27601

This impressive 11 foot tall sculpture is the likeness of none other than Sir Walter Raleigh, sculpted by the talented by Bruno Lucchesi. It was commissioned to honor the City of Raleigh’s namesake, a 16th-century aristocrat who was a man of action, a poet, a writer, and an explorer.

But unlike the usual stoic statues of historical figures, Sir Walter possesses a certain je ne sais quoi that lends him to a touch of whimsy. Which is to say you never know what captivating costume he might be sporting on any particular day.

All Are Welcome

428 S McDowell Street, Raleigh, NC 27601, United States

First gracing this wall in 2015, this artistic beacon became an instant favorite, an unofficial ambassador to all who entered downtown Raleigh. The original “All Are Welcome” mural was painted over in preparation for the opening of Poole’side Pies, RIP. But in 2019, Luke Buchanan was invited back to wield his artistic brush and create a new “All Are Welcome” mural.

Color Pop Corner

102 S Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27601

“Color Pop Corner” at Marbles delights the senses with its kaleidoscope of colors and bold geometric shapes, begging to be climbed upon. Once a dilapidated gas station, this space has been transformed into a colorful oasis by Marbles Kids Museum and muralist Lisa Gaither. It is a testament to the transformative power of imagination, and a beacon of pure, unadulterated delight. And instagrammers.

Berkeley the Squirrel

200 S McDowell Street, Raleigh, NC 27601

The City of Raleigh commissioned Corey Lancaster, a fellow of remarkable skill and vision, to craft this creature most charming. The source material was a grand oak that once graced Nash Square with its shade. At 90 feet tall and 85 inches wide, it was known as the widest tree in downtown Raleigh, with roots that snaked over the sidewalk on Martin Street, reaching toward Berkeley Café. This 120 year old tree grew weary with age and disease and needed to be put out of its misery. But in this triumphant tale of transformation, the tree was reborn as Berkeley the Squirrel, and still lives in Nash Square.

Sam Jones BBQ Mural

502 W Lenoir St, Raleigh, NC 27601

This mural was brought to life by the talented Mark Brown of Ayden, North Carolina. In case you weren’t aware, Ayden is where Sam Jones BBQ began its delicious journey before bringing joy and whole hog BBQ to our fair city.

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