Photo courtesy of Joey Held.
Dallas is ripe with stunning works of art. Our mural trail will ensure you get to see some of the best pieces the city has to offer.
Dallas has plenty going for it, and as you wander around the city, you’ll likely notice impressive artwork all around town. Local artists, as well as painters from around the world, have adorned building walls with stunning, colorful murals that are absolutely worth a visit.
While you can see artwork just about everywhere, some pieces are more jaw-dropping than others. Check out some of our favorite murals around Dallas and where to find them.
Deep Ellum
Deep Ellum was one of the first Dallas neighborhoods for African-American and European immigrants. That welcoming spirit has continued throughout a celebration of culture, music, and arts. You don’t need to travel very far to find an impressive mural, and you’ll almost certainly stumble across a small work of art no matter which direction you head.
Deep Ellum TV
2605 Elm St
Photo courtesy of Joey Held.
I’m not entirely sure what channel Frank Campagna was watching to get the inspiration for this mural, but I want to tune in. You can find the artwork on the wall next to Louie Louie’s Dueling Piano Bar. Perhaps it’s only fitting that the robot is tickling the ivories next to the rockin’ dino. As a bonus, this mural is the backdrop for the first of the Traveling Man series of sculptures, a fun addition to your Dallas activities.
Dirk Nowitzki
2934 Taylor St
Photo courtesy of Joey Held.
Even though he’s long since retired from the NBA, Dirk Nowitzki remains a Dallas legend. Josh Mittag created this homage to the big man; it was the artist’s first permanent public mural. There are some other cool murals in this fairly quiet and subdued part of Deep Ellum. Nowitzki’s actual wingspan is seven feet, four inches. This mural is even larger, of course, though you’re welcome to see how far you can stretch your arms out to match his.
Deep Ellumphants
3601 Main St
The area around this mural is largely unassuming. It’s near Pedego Dallas Electric Bikes, and though there are a few restaurants and bars around, you’re also right next to train tracks, giving the space a bit of serenity. It’s almost like you’re watching the herd of colorful elephants stampeding across the Great Plains right in front of you. Thankfully, they’ll stay on the wall, so you won’t have to worry about dodging giant trunks and heavy feet.
Don’t Pannek
250 Murray St
Photo courtesy of Joey Held.
You could make an entire mural adventure simply by following the House of Pannek artwork around town. Preston Pannek donated ten murals to Deep Ellum, many of which have the same psychedelic vibe. Bonus points if you show up with a green beard, though it’s not necessary to enjoy. The entire length of Murray Street alongside Deep Ellum Art Co. has vibrant murals, so take the time to admire them all while you’re here.
Oak Cliff and Bishop Arts
It almost seems like cheating to include a city with “Arts” in the name, but we’re not naming these neighborhoods. We’re just impressed by the art in them. Both Bishop Arts and Oak Cliff have dozens of murals that embrace the people and things that make Texas so memorable.
Cactex
718 W Davis St
In North Oak Cliff, the mini-Fab gift shop commissioned this work from Dallas artist Wheron. The store is permanently closed, but the mural is still going strong. In a world where many murals showcase a sea of color, Wheron opted for an entirely black and white canvas for Cactex. The result is a super cool blend of cactus-inspired designs. Every time you look at it, you’ll likely spot a new element that you didn’t see before.
Selena and Prince
914 W Commerce St
Selena is a Texan legend who introduced Tejano music to the masses before being tragically killed just shy of her 24th birthday. There are several beautiful works in her honor around Texas, and this one is our favorite in Dallas. On the adjoining wall, you’ll also see Prince, who doesn’t really have a tie to Dallas, but, well … he’s Prince. Both musicians are adopting a similar pose, almost as if they’re staring right through you. When you visit this mural, walk around the side Prince is on, because there’s an abundance of additional artwork adorning the back of the building.
The Sky, The Trees, and The Water
481 E Greenbriar St
You may be noticing a theme in this mural trail: We’re fans of murals that offer extra art, whether in hidden elements or other pieces nearby. At the Oak Cliff end of the Jefferson Street Viaduct, you’ll find not one, not two, but three murals from artist Carlos Donjuan and his brothers Arturo and Miguel. The first mural is the sky and clouds and spans 300 square feet. The second mural highlights the trees and forest creatures, while the final mural is the water and the sea critters that Donjuan imagines beneath the surface. The artist wanted to create something that was kid-friendly, though no matter how old you are, you can appreciate this gorgeous work.
Uptown and Downtown Dallas
Several lovely works of art are among the hustle and bustle of the business districts. The central location of these neighborhoods also puts you in a prime position to continue your mural tour throughout Dallas. There’s no shortage of highlights to check out!
Super Deluxe
3699 McKinney Ave
Warning: Coming across this mural may induce an excessive desire to play Tetris. Super Deluxe is nestled beneath a parking garage in Uptown’s West Village, and the utopia of colors is a sight to behold. The artist, Dallas native Ricardo Paniagua, has made a career from pairing color with geometric shapes in a visually inspiring way. If you head to Garland, you can also see another mural, Elements of Life.
Lifesize Lotería Cards
1311 S Ervay St
The Four Corners Brewing Company taproom is a terrific place to grab a beer and unwind. Before you do, spend a few minutes taking in the lifesize lotería cards on the wall outside. You might not find any of these in a traditional lotería deck, but they do make for a fantastic photo. And if you have enough beers at Four Corners, you just might be buzzing more than the El Super Bee card.
A Space to Be Yourself
1619 N Hall St
Love dancing like nobody’s watching? Here’s the perfect space to do just that (of course, if that’s your vibe, anywhere is a good spot, but roll with me here). Mari Pohlman has done plenty of design and illustration throughout her career. This mural just north of downtown serves as a lovely reminder that you’re unique—and that should be celebrated!
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
