We all know that CBUS has a vibrant art scene — and we’re not just talking about the Columbus Museum of Art. One of our all-time favorite galleries? Columbus itself.
The Capital City is home to a number of meaningful murals. Today, we’re sharing where to find pieces that really paint a picture of our city.
Chakra Mural | By Ryan Orewiler
This colorful mural created by a local artist spans the entire side of this downtown building. It features seven different colors which represents the various chakras, a belief of seven specific energies within the body.
Together | By Wil Wong Yee
Located on the side of the Clintonville Community Resource Building, this mural doubles as a reminder that everyone is welcome in our city.
Short North Summer Spray | By multiple artists
Each year, the Short North Arts District holds its annual Summer Spray where multiple Ohio-based artists are tapped to create murals. These stay up for a full year then are replaced the next summer by a new batch of murals.
Guardians of Old North | By Adam Hernandez
Pull out the panoramic camera to fully capture this futuristic mural on the side of the Old North Arcade.
Short North Gothic | By Steve Galgas and Mike Altman
We are sure you’ve seen this mural because it’s on the side of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams in the Short North. Or maybe you remember it because it takes a classic well-known painting and quite literally flips half of it on its head.
Smith’s Deli Mural | By The Graham School with Jodi Kushins & Megan Mosholder Kushins
Is it possible to live inside a mural? Asking for us, because the cozy Clintonville homes in this mural are exactly what we want to return to after a long work day.
The Journey | By Ryan Sarfati + Eric Skotnes
Two California-based artists were tapped to create this mural on the side of the Graduate Hotel in the Short North.
Spread More Love | By Bryant Anthony
Spreading more love doesn’t have to be just a Brooklyn thing like B.I.G. said — it can be a Columbus thing, too. That’s the message of this mural full of hearts located in the Short North.
Are You A Life-Force? | By Sally Meier
Find this mural on the side of Bakersfield in the Short North, which is a tribute to a song called “By and By” by the Columbus-based band Caamp. Bonus points: The artwork was done by Sally Meier, mother of Caamp frontman, Taylor Meier.
Pride Circles | By Lisa McLymont
Not all murals have to be on walls — just ask Lisa McLymont who made this street art mural for Stonewall Columbus. The colorful circles each represent parts of the spectrum of the LGBTQ+ community and showcase the ripple effects of their combined efforts over the decades.
Lisa McLymont wants her artwork to bring communities together. | Photo via Stonewall Columbus
Mona Lisa | By Brian Clemons
Did you know the Mona Lisa is in Columbus? Well, kind of. Head to the Italian Village to find a huge mural of Mona shifted onto her side + let us know if her eyes still follow you.
SOHUD | By multiple artists
A total of five artists came together to create this mural on Summit Street + Hudson Street: Justin “Ketchup” Withrow, Dr. Seller, Mandi “Birdy” Caskey, Badjxck, and Slugger City Sign Co. Bonus points: This is also the location for the SOHUD Market, an outdoor vintage store.
Bird Tunnel Mural | By Isabel Frances Bongue
This artwork was recently restored after the community raised funds to preserve it. Now, it’s on full display underneath the bridge in Glen Echo Park thanks to the efforts of an Ohio-based artist.
Love Thy Neighbor | By Carly Mitchell
This mural was recently updated after Hot Chicken Takeover opened inside the former Sweet Carrot space. Carly Mitchell was the original artist for the Sweet Carrot mural, and she was asked again to update the artwork for HCT.
HOPE | By Jeremy Jarvis
If you look close enough, you’ll find the word “hope” inside the optical illusion. To us, that feels symbolic of finding hope in obscure places — you just have to look a bit more closely.
People’s Mural of Columbus | By Brian Moss + Hakim Callwood
Columbus Libraries commissioned the creation of this mural that features critically-acclaimed Columbus writer Hanif Abdurraqib. The painting shows a powerful quote from Hanif + is both a reminder of our current loved ones as well as those no longer with us.
They Tried To Bury Us | By Patrick Torres
Thus mural holds a powerful message about growth and representation: “They tried to bury us, but they didn’t know we were seeds.” This is a quote from Greek poet Dinos Christianopoulos, who was speaking in reference to LGBTQ+ rights in the early 1970s.
What do you love about Columbus? | Photo by @mx.gay_photography
Columbus Love Mural | By Alex Haldi + Nick Kinney
During the day, the mural reads as “Columbus,” but at night bright neon lights turn on, spelling out “LOVE” inside our city’s name. Check out this time lapse painting video for a closer look.
Stolen Joy | By Katie Golonka
Some local murals hold powerful messages, like this one on the outside of the Vanderelli Room in Franklinton. The mural was created during the 2020 social justice protests and pays homage to Black lives.
Columbus Color Wall | By Nick Kinney
Looking for a colorful backdrop for your next Instagram post? That’s easy — just stop by the Columbus Color Wall.
