Raleigh is positively overflowing with vibrant, colossal splashes of color that adorn buildings like rogue butterflies landed on brick. And these murals possess a certain eccentricity that reflects the city’s own peculiar charm. We shall delve into this world, where brick walls morph into fantastical landscapes and recognizable figures cavort in scenes both whimsical and, dare I say, unsettling.

Consider this the ultimate guide to the murals of Raleigh. That said, the scope of this list is limited to murals painted on walls and the ground and excludes parklets and utility boxes even though they add their own splashes of color and joy to the city. Since I’ve been “collecting” these murals for a while, some of them have been removed, painted over, or faded beyond recognition, and I will do my best to make a note of that. I will also continue to add new murals as I find and photograph them. Finally, I’m missing names, artists, or context information for many of the murals so if you have additional information about any of them, please leave a note in the comments.

So, put down your Cheerwine and prepare yourselves for a journey into the curious, colorful, and occasionally confounding realm of Raleigh’s mural scene. Here are 150+ murals in Raleigh, organized by location.

Fayetteville Street

These murals can be found on Fayetteville Street and the surrounding area.

Do Good mural painted by OG Designs Creations in partnership with over 100 community volunteers – 19 E Martin St

This mural was created with support from Activate Good, Raleigh Murals Project, and PNC so one can’t help but wonder what dark secrets this mural conceals.

Slims x Hopscotch mural by Scott Nurkin – 227 S Wilmington St

Slim’s Downtown (the sticky floored dive bar on the other side of this wall), Hopscotch Music Festival (an annual live music festival), and Red Hat (a local software company) collaborated to bring this mural by artist Scott Nurkin to life.

John Prine mural by Scott Nurkin – 107 E Martin St

Artist Scott Nurkin painted this mural during the 2018 IBMA World of Bluegrass Festival as a Grammy Awards promotional push for John Prine.

John Prine (1946-2020) was a singer-songwriter whose music, much like a perfectly ripe plum, was both sweet and tart.

Love is Love mural by Casey O’Connell – 237 S Wilmington St

“Love Is Love” is a valiant attempt to capture the spirit of Raleigh’s welcoming and open nature by portraying a couple locked in an embrace.

Blue Daydreamers mural by Kalee Calhoun – 107 E Martin St

Downtown Raleigh Alliance’s ARTivation project of 2019 was an effort to add a dash of whimsy to the otherwise utilitarian brick facades of Downtown Raleigh. Among the seven murals that sprouted was “Blue Daydreamers” by Kalee Calhoun, which added a touch of vibrancy to an unoccupied storefront along a busy corridor.

Untitled mural by Soniya Hardy – side of 237 S Wilmington St

Untitled sidewalk art by Robert Quinn – 300 Fayetteville Street

This cute artwork brings the critters of North Carolina to life as postage stamps. Positioned beside the downtown post office, these stamps are presented side-by-side as if as part of a book one might buy at the post office. To mimic the authentic appearance of postage, the images were created using printmaking techniques traditionally used in stamp making.

Too Small to Fail mural by Luke Buchanan – 428 S McDowell Street

This piece by artist Luke Buchanan is a visual ode to Raleigh restaurants and bars.

Thank you mural by Gina Franco – side of 401 Fayetteville St

The Downtown Raleigh Alliance engaged the talents of the local artist, Gina Franco, to create a mural that pays tribute to the essential workers who carried our community through the pandemic. The letters forming the phrase “Thank You” each represents a different profession.

Mural by Miami graffiti artist, ATOMIK – 211 W Martin St

Atomic is famous for his jolly orange figure which emerged as a response to the demolition of the Miami Orange Bowl. His unmistakable orange character brings a touch of citrusy delight to countless corners of the globe.

LeVelle Moton mural by Sean Kernick + Adam Williams – 210 S Salisbury St

This mural is a tribute to NCCU’s men’s basketball coach and community leader LeVelle Moton. It features Mr. Moton surrounded by symbols of his triumphs and the bonds of family. It was designed by Adam Williams, painted by Sean Kernick, and, created in collaboration with Raleigh Murals Project.

Abstracted Motion mural by Taylor White – 410 S Salisbury St

Artist Taylor White has adorned this 40 by 60 foot canvas with five figures bathed in shades of purple and blue, striking a variety of poses. But while a pleasing sight for the ordinary observer, this artwork holds a curious secret. With the aid of an Android phone app called “Abstracted Motion,” the mural transforms into a three-dimensional image that you can film, alter, or edit on your phone, promising hours of amusement.

Carolina Hurricanes mural by Gabriel Eng-Goetz – 306 Gale St

Untitled sidewalk mural by Sabrina Hurtado – 127 W Hargett St

This work of art features a Black woman singing the inspiring song ‘Glory’ by John Legend and Common. This piece is a celebration of the Black Lives Matter movement and the remarkable strength of Black women. It aims to shine a light on systemic racism and the ongoing challenges faced by the Black community in Raleigh and to encourage everyone to strive for a world marked by respect, equality, and the pursuit of a brighter future.

Know Where You Stand by Claire Alexandre – 500 S Salisbury Street

Each segment of this sidewalk mural celebrates plants and critters of particular significance to indigenous peoples of this region including the Cherokee, Waccamaw Siouan, Meherrin, Sappony, Lumbee, Haliwa Saponi, and Coharie tribes.

For the Cherokee, corn, a staple food, and sohan, a healing herb, are depicted. The Waccamaw Siouan people, known as “the people of the Fallen Star,” are also represented. The Meherrin, or “People of the Water,” honor strawberries in annual ceremonies. Tobacco leaves and longleaf pine cones symbolize the Sappony and Lumbee tribes, respectively. A small thrush cradling a dogwood branch, a herald of spring and planting season, represents the Haliwa Saponi. Lastly, the Coharie, renowned for their sorghum syrup, are represented by this plant in the mural.

Fire Escape Maze mural by Luke Buchanan – back of 105 W Hargett St

Utilizing a stencil crafted from corrugated plastic, artist Luke Buchanan meticulously positioned and spaced the fire escapes. With a piece of chalk in hand, he then sketched out a series of ladders before painting them in. Look closely for the tiny face, peering curiously from a window above, as if contemplating the labyrinth of stairs below.

Beneath the Streets the Trees by Jenn Hales – 201 S Salisbury St

In 2016, DECO Raleigh partnered with Raleigh Murals Project and commissioned the first sidewalk mural in Raleigh. The talented artist Jenn Hales brought the whimsical piece to life.

Green City, USA mural by The Mural Shop, Raleigh Murals – 128 W Hargett St

From its luscious canopy of parks, squares, wildlife, and forests to the eco-friendly technology developed daily in Research Triangle Park, Raleigh is more than the city of oaks. It is Green City, USA. This mural is a playful dance of shapes and colors, celebrating the harmonious blend of nature and ingenuity that defines Raleigh. This mural was designed by The Raleigh Murals Project, painted by Scott Nurkin, and created with support from Downtown Raleigh Alliance, AT&T, and the City of Raleigh.

Enjoy Your Journey by Jermaine “JP” Powell – 23 W Hargett Street

These murals on all four corners of this intersection are more than just art, they’re clever extensions to the sidewalk that aim to keep pedestrians safer.

Untitled sidewalk art by Elisabeth Flock – 200 S McDowell St (Nash Square)

In Elisabeth Flock’s creation, the cicada emerges as a symbol of change, a metamorphosis taking place both internally and externally. The sun and moon represent the contrasting forces and endless enigmas of the cosmos.

Untitled sidewalk art by Kristen Krumenacker – 10 W Lenoir Street

The artist sought to illuminate the circumstances of many Black individuals within our community, who have unfortunately experienced a dearth of justice. Her intention was to rekindle the public’s interest in this matter through vivid and captivating imagery.

Go with the Flow sidewalk mural by Buffy Taylor – 500 S Salisbury St

“Go with the Flow” is one of fifteen semi-permanent sidewalk murals commissioned by the Office of Raleigh Arts and the Raleigh Department of Transportation in 2018 to provide a touch of color and whimsy for pedestrians to enjoy.

Hopscotch Board sidewalk mural by Gina Franco – 408 S McDowell St

This sidewalk mural features a colorful hopscotch board with numbers written in different languages commonly spoken in Wake County. “Hopscotch Board” is one of fifteen semi-permanent sidewalk murals commissioned by the Office of Raleigh Arts and the Raleigh Department of Transportation in 2018 to provide a touch of color and whimsy for pedestrians to enjoy.

Pure Love sidewalk mural by JP Jermaine Powell – 400 S Wilmington St

With this ArtBeats project, the artist aspired to craft a visual ode to the extraordinary power of love, the warmth of community, and universal humanity. Through her mural, she sought to inspire viewers to see themselves and their fellow beings as radiant, powerful people with purpose.

All are welcome mural by Luke Buchanan – 428 S McDowell St

Originally painted in 2015, this colorful masterpiece has become an unofficial welcome sign to downtown Raleigh and an icon among local community members and visitors. The first mural was painted over but artist Luke Buchanan was invited back in 2019 to create a new “All Are Welcome” mural.

IMURJ murals by Chris Pyrate – 300 S McDowell St

Look for a number of small-scale murals that decorate the entryway to this former creative space. Step into their interactive mural and you might just find your wings!

Maze by Chika Gujarathi – 200 S McDowell St

Artist Chika Gujarathi was inspired by color relationships, maze patterns, and the children who play in Nash Square. This colorful piece took Chika four days to create and features three symbols dedicated to her children.

Three Heads Are Better Than None by Kelly Schrader – 235 S Salisbury St

“Three Heads Are Better Than None” is made up of of a cotton candy hues and a simple yet unsettling composition.

The Butterfly Effect by Brook Ramsey – 111 W Hargett St

The artwork seeks to illuminate the extraordinary potential within the ordinary. It is a cheerful endeavor to uncover the magic hidden in the mundane, encouraging viewers to appreciate the positive influence even the tiniest of actions can exert on their surroundings.

Quilt Block by Helen Seebold – 649 S Wilmington St

Five small-scale murals make up the “Quilt Books” mural for Raleigh ArtBeats.

Capital District

This is the area surrounding and north of the NC State Capitol Building. It includes primarily government buildings and museums as well as a few restaurants and a hotel. 

The Light of Community mual by Max Dowdle – 99 N Salisbury St

This work for First Baptist Church Raleigh weaves together a tapestry of warmth and community, adorned with a vibrant palette. The outstretched hands, universal symbols of connection and support, come together in an image of hope and encouragement, meant to uplift the spirit and inspire us to reach our full potential.

Bike Month 2023 mural by Mayanthi Jayawardena – 67 S Harrington St

This mural celebrates movement, health, wellness, and the outdoors through cycling. Its bold and cheerful colors bring a lively spirit to the streetscape.

Raleigh Murals Project partnered with City of Raleigh, Artist Mayanthi Jayawardena, Loden Properties, Northpond Partners, and David Meeker to add some colorful wheels to Downtown Raleigh for National Bike Month 2023. Bike Month is a dedicated occasion to applaud and encourage the city’s cyclists. Raleigh, a city in constant growth, is cultivating an abundance of greenways, bike-friendly paths, and opportunities to choose bikes over cars.

Parks for the People mural by Gabriel Eng-Goetz – 415 Hillsborough St

This mural, inspired by Dix Park, weaves together stories of yesterday and today, encouraging us to appreciate the paths that led us here. It invites us to ponder the park’s history while building towards a brighter future and connecting with the park’s green spaces. Hidden within its imagery is a chronicle of the park’s evolution, from emancipation to mental health to Indigenous people. Featuring iconic sunflowers, a ginkgo tree, and a young boy, thoughtfully holding a letter meant to symbolize hope for tomorrow. The mural was designed and painted by Gabriel Eng-Goetz and commissioned by the Dix Park Conservancy, thanks to a partnership with Raleigh Murals Project, Trophy Brewing, and Downtown Raleigh Alliance.

And inspired by the mural, the Raleigh’s Smallest Park sculpture was created by local artist Katie Stewart who reimagined the mural’s themes and color schemes in a three-dimensional context. The interactive installation welcomes visitors of all ages and cultivates engagement with art. The park was created thanks to a collaboration between Downtown Raleigh Alliance, Dix Conservancy, and Artsplosure.

Domo-Kun graffiti, artist unknown – back of 508 W Morgan Street

Women’s ICC mural by Taylor White – 411 W Morgan St

This mural features key players from the four teams that competed in the 2019 Women’s International Champions Cup tournament hosted in Cary. Among the teams featured are 2018 WICC champions and hometown heroes NC Courage, Manchester City, Atletico de Madrid, and 2019 WICC champions Olympique Lyonnais.

Flower Clouds by Adam Peele – 300 W Hargett St

This is a rapidly fading floral sidewalk mural.

Indian Summer mural by Louise “Ouizi” Jones – 227 W Davie St

Completed in 2018, this delightful piece to herald the arrival of a Georgia O’Keeffe exhibition at the North Carolina Museum of Art.

Thank You for Riding Your Bike mural by Oaks and Spokes – 319 W Davie St

Oaks and Spokes painted this piece in celebration of their first ever Fall Bike Festival.

Love Trumps Hate by David Eichenberger – 900 W Morgan St

Person Street and Seaboard Station

Person Street District is a small area bounded by train tracks / Capital Blvd to the west and Peace Street to the south. It includes businesses along Person Street and Blount Street, Seaboard Station, and William Peace University. 

Build A Better Person Street by Skillet Gilmore and Oak City Paint Works – 702 N Person St

This mural was designed by Skillet Gilmore and painted by Matthew Scofield of Oak City Paint Works and created with support from the City of Raleigh, Downtown Raleigh Alliance, and the Person Street Partnership in 2021.

Ocean of Diversity mural by Raquel Assanoua – 719 N Person St

This mural design was crafted entirely using digital painting techniques. It aims to convey the beauty of diverse creatures living in enchanting harmony. The ocean scene depicted here wouldn’t be as intriguing without the kaleidoscope of contrasting colors, peculiar creatures, and life-giving vegetation. This artwork invites viewers to embrace people of different backgrounds, cultures, and races in the captivating mosaic of humanity that surrounds them.

Sir Walter Rabbit by Jenny Eggleston – 800 N Blount St

This mural is painted on the side of the Raleigh City Farm water cistern.

Raleigh City Farm mural – 800 N Blount St

Standard Beer + Food mural – 205 E Franklin St

We Are Not Free Until Everyone is Free mural by Joseph Giampino, SPCL Signs – 212 E Franklin St

Boylan Heights

This area includes Boylan Heights proper as well as anything north of MLK, west of the train tracks that cut off the west side of downtown, and east of the prison.

Boulted Bread by Matt Wickwire – 614 W South St

Matt Wickwire’s delightful patchwork mural adorns a wall on Boulted Bread’s original location. This cheerful work evokes the charming barns of southern Appalachia.

Boylan Bridge mural by J. Massullo – 234 S Boylan Ave

Boulted Bread mural by Matt Wickwire – 328 Dupont Circle

A reproduction of original quilt square mural on the old Boulted Bread location at 614 W South St, this cheerful work evokes the charming barns of southern Appalachia.

Love, Respect, and Kindness by Joseph Giampino, SPCL Signs – 414 Dupont Circle

Sam Jones BBQ by Mark Brown – 502 W Lenoir St

The mural gracing the wall of Sam Jones BBQ is the handiwork of Ayden, NC artist Mark Brown. Probably not coincidentally, the first Sam Jones BBQ is located in Ayden, NC, and this second location opened in Raleigh in 2021.

West End Best End murals – 600 W Cabarrus St

Rebus Works murals – 301-2 Kinsey St

Five Points

Five Points is made up of the neighborhoods surrounding the intersection of Glenwood Avenue with Whitaker Mill and Fairview roads. I’m including the old industrial area west of Wake Forest road that now includes a number of breweries and restaurants.

Wish You Were Here by Joseph Giampino, SPCLSIGNS – 1620 Glenwood Ave

Five Points Mural – 2012 Fairview Rd

Five Points Mural – 1803 Glenwood Ave

Ararat mural – 1505 Capital Blvd

Nickelpoint mural – 506 Pershing Rd – R.I.P.

Village District

This area includes the Village District development as well as the businesses directly to the west and south.

Wave Hello – Village District

What’s in Your Backyard? by Sean Kernick – Cameron Street

This mural highlights Raleigh’s diverse landscape with an array of foliage and wildlife native to North Carolina.

Make Some Friends – 428 Daniels St

Together is Better – 417 Woodburn Rd

Slow Down a Bit – 400 Woodburn Rd

Love Conquers Y’all – 423 Woodburn Rd

Have a Moment – 2105 Cameron St

Goodness is Greater – 500 Daniels St

Untitled mural by Janeyce ‘Jae’ Flagler and Dominique ‘Doma’ Crosby – 505 Oberlin Road

This mural created in partnership with Black Dollar, incorporates two historical buildings of Oberlin Village – the Hall House and the Willis Graves House.

The Hall House was built in the late 1800s by formerly enslaved Plummer T. Hall, the first pastor of the Oberlin Baptist Church, as a wedding present for his bride.

The Willis Graves house (also known as the Graves-Fields house) was built by Willis Graves, an African American brick mason, soon after buying the land in 1884. Mr. Graves was also a justice of the peace and was a leader in the Wilson A. M. E. Church. The Willis Graves house is particularly notable because two-story homes were rare during the late nineteenth and early twentieth century for Black homeowners in and around Raleigh.

Iron District

This small but dense previously industrial district includes Iron Works, Dock 1053, and Salvage Yard.

Right Here Right Now by Max Dowdle – 2221 Iron Works Dr

Steel Symphony by Morgan Cook – 1101 E Whitaker Mill Rd

“Steel Symphony” is an inventive exploration of graffiti art, transforming its usual textual emphasis into a visual symphony. The piece pays tribute to the intertwined histories of railways and graffiti culture.

The Iron Code by Johnny Lee Chapman III – 2200 Atlantic Ave

JLC III created “The Iron Code” as a tribute to Raleigh Iron Works, transforming its industrial past into a vibrant present. This mural is intended to be relatable to people of to all ages, and honors the the workers that built Raleigh while becoming a code for the thriving new Raleigh Iron Works community.

United Strength by Gabriel Eng-Goetz – 1101 E Whitaker Mill Rd

“United Strength” is the largest piece artist Eng-Goetz has completed to date, a celebration of the spirit that shaped this city. Through this work, he aimed to capture the essence of the steel mill’s heritage, honoring the countless individuals who forged the city’s foundation.

Midtown East

This area is defined by I-440 to the north, Capital Blvd to the east, and then it zigzags along the edges of the Five Points District to the south and west. It includes the Midtown East development (Wegmans), Holly Park (Trader Joe’s), McNeill Point, and a number of businesses around Atlantic Ave and Wake Forest Road.

Midtown East Murals – 2912 Wake Forest Road

Sunflowers – 3004 Wake Forest Rd

Midtown Far East

This is the area directly north of Oakwood. It is defined by Raleigh Blvd to the east, Glascock Street to the south, and Capital Blvd to the west. It includes Gateway Plaza, the businesses on Automotive Way, and Lions Park.

Mural at Pine State Coffee – 1614 Automotive Way

Connecting Crafters by Anna Payne – 2423 Crabtree Blvd

Democracy is Not a State by Joseph Giampino, SPCLSIGNS – 2409 Crabtree Blvd #102

Tap Yard mural – 1610 Automotive Way

ITB South

This area is defined by MLK / Western Blvd to the north, Rock Quarry Road to the east, I-40 to the south, and Centennial Pky to the west (more or less). It includes Dorothea Dix Park, the NC State Farmers Market, and areas along the southern gateway to downtown.

Untitled mural by Taylor White – Rocky Branch Greenway Tunnel under S. McDowell St

Taylor White transformed a dreary pedestrian tunnel into a vibrant community artwork. Partnering with Dix Conservancy and a dedicated group of community volunteers, they created a mural that celebrates Raleigh’s natural beauty and connects two beloved parks: Walnut Creek Wetland Park (represented by the duck mural on one end) and Dorothea Dix Park (represented by the floral elements on the other end). The project not only enhances the Greenway but also fosters a stronger sense of community and safety. This experience highlights the power of art to transform public spaces and enrich lives.

Earp’s Seafood mural by Sean Kernick – 1414 S Saunders St

NC Counts Census Mural by Ronald S. Gamble, Jr, Ph.D. – 513 Branch St

(This mural has since been painted over).

ITB East

This includes the east half of ITB not covered by other districts. Generally speaking, this is an area you’ll have to bike or drive to unless you live in the neighborhood.

In Tandem by Britt Flood – Crabtree Creek Greenway, off Milburnie Rd just before New Bern Ave

This mural is a lovely tribute to leisurely cycling and shared adventures. This celebration of National Bike Month 2024 invites residents to rediscover the joy of two wheels and the companionship of the open road.

ITB West

This includes the west half of ITB not covered by other districts. These are businesses you’ll have to drive to unless you live in the surrounding neighborhoods.

Mission Valley Mural – 2107 Avent Ferry Rd

North Hills

I’m including the North Hills development and surrounding businesses as well as the area between St Albans Dr and I-440 to Wake Forest Rd.

What Lifts You by Kelsey Montague – 4208 Six Forks Rd Ste 100

Look for the Best in People by Shannon Snow – 4261 The Cir At N Hills St

KINDNESS IS COOL! mural by Jon Leonardo – 200 Park at N Hills St #101

The artist joined forces with Verizon’s #ACallForKindness Campaign to sow seeds of compassion through the language of art.

Still The One Sierra Nevada mural – 4121 Main at North Hills St #100

Interactive mural by Lisa Gaither – 4120 Main at North Hills St #125

Three Pointer at the Buzzer by Also Dept. – 540 St Albans Dr

The colors chosen for this mural mirror the sunsets, forest, flowers, and vegetation found beyond Maker’s Alley. Its forms represent of a bird’s eye view of local creeks, rivers, lakes, and treetops, and offer a whimsical interpretation of the natural world. And the crisp white lines act as an abstract representation of oak leaves, paying homage to Raleigh’s nickname, “The City of Oaks.”

West Raleigh

Summer’s Where You’ll Find Me by Louise (Ouizi) Jones – 2110 Blue Ridge Rd

This colossal cluster of blooms is painted on the side of the NCMA’s East Building. This mural is a vibrant tapestry of flora native to the Museum Park commissioned by the NCMA for a 2018 exhibition that featured paintings by Georgia O’Keefe.

How many of these murals have you found in Raleigh?