This Colorful City
The Iconic Murals
Washington, D.C. is a hub of culture and art, and the art is not just for galleries. Murals decorate the sides of aging buildings and new construction in this buzzing metropolis. Iconic murals like those outside Ben’s Chili Bowl, change every few years and have featured prominent figures such as Barack Obama and Chuck Brown.
Mikaela Lefrak / WAMU
Hidden Treasures
While iconic murals take center stage in D.C. tourism, the city’s streets are speckled with lesser-known artwork that is no less spectacular. From a free-falling woman on the top stories to a tiger in a concrete jungle, D.C. streets are some of the most colorful I’ve seen in my travels. It’s a visual feast, whether driving through in the business district or walking neighborhood side streets.
Photo Credits: Lisa B
Change of Plans
I set out on my mural-exploring adventure with intentions of visiting specific installations. But as the day unfolded, I discovered endless artistic treasures hidden from plain sight. My eyes darted from alley to alley and top to bottom. I changed my mission to one of cruising and meandering the streets of D.C. to explore the unexpected wonders around, what seemed like, every corner!
I hope you’ll come along with me on this artsy outdoor adventure in the video below and explore the artistry on display through the streets of D.C,
-Lisa B
Thank you for joining me on this and future Ecopsyched! adventures
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Painted D.C.: Copyright © Lisa Barry 2021.
Music:
New Morning by TrackTribe
Lights Go Down by Dan Henig
Bright Skies by Audio Hertz
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Thank you!
What amazing, beautiful murals – and talented artists. Glad their talents have found spaces to shine. Thanks for taking us there, Lisa!
I agree, Elaine. I hadn’t realized the number of incredible murals in D.C. before I went on an active search for them! I’m glad you enjoyed this small sampling. 🙂
-Lisa B
Another fine adventure!! The murals were stunning and quite interesting. I was surprised at how clean they looked. Not being a DC native, were they completed recently, created for a festival, or to commemorate an event? – Scott
Hi, Scott. Thanks for tuning in to this mini mural tour of DC! There are so many and not enough time to take them all in.
Some of these have been around for a few years. They may be refreshed every couple years, but I suspect they withstand the weather fairly well. Many murals like these are comissioned, with artists who know what paints to use, etc. I don’t know enough about them to answer with any authority. But I agree – they’re in beautiful shape.
With the exception of the Kamala Harris mural (woven, temporary installment for International Women’s Day), I think most of these are simply created to enhance the spaces and share a message or two. They seem to be around every corner, on businesses and residences alike.
I hope you’ll join me for the next outdoor adventure. 🙂
-Lisa B