You can enjoy art in Atlanta in a variety of ways. Sure, you can visit museums or galleries, but oftentimes all it takes is a walk around your neighborhood.
There are more than 700 murals throughout the metro area, according to Atlanta Street Art Map, a website that documents as much of the city's street art as possible.
Want to explore some of the best masterpieces around town? We’ve got you covered, and you can observe some murals from your car or in less crowded areas as you practice social distancing.
From paintings that pay homage to civil rights legends to drawings dedicated to a couple of hip-hop’s finest, here’s a shortlist to help you get started.
Outkast
Calling all Outkast fans. Strike a pose next to Andre 3000 and Big Boi. You can find the 30-feet-tall, black-and-white image of the duo on the side of Wish, a streetwear boutique in Little Five Points. Created by a Greensboro-based artist known as JEKS, the piece is a part of the Outer Space Project, an annual international event aimed at beautifying public spaces.
Wish, 447 Moreland Ave. NE #1562, Atlanta.
Hey Brown Girl
If you’ve taken a stroll through Castleberry Hill, you’ve likely spotted a massive phrase on a wall that reads, “Hey brown girl you’re beautiful.” The bold statement on the side of the Peters Street Station building is surrounded by patches of lavender, green, blue and pink and a sketch of a woman adorned with a crown. Nikia Phoenix and Faatimah Stevens collaborated on the design to uplift brown and black beauties from all over.
Peters Street Station, 333 Peters St. SW, Atlanta.
Hero
Honor U.S. congressman and civil rights leader John Lewis by visiting an illustration of him on the westside of Renaissance Walk. Located at the corner of Jesse Hill Jr. Drive NE and Auburn Avenue, the portrayal by Sean Schwab was completed in eight days. Lewis even helped put the finishing touches on it by dotting the "I" on his last name during the 2012 unveiling ceremony.
Renaissance Walk, 171 Auburn Ave. NE, Atlanta.
Monuments: Our Immigrant Mothers
Take a trip to Decatur to gaze at this mural from Yehimi Cambrón. It's a celebration of immigrant mothers, "who sacrifice their entire lives to make sure their children can survive" and not be forced into concentration camps, the artist said in an Instagram post. Discover these "resilient women" at the corner of N. Candler Street and E. Howard Avenue.
N. Candler Street and E. Howard Avenue, Decatur.
>>LISTEN: accessAtlanta: Street Art in Metro Atlanta
En Pointe
You don't need to know how to perform an arabesque to appreciate "En Pointe" on the outside of the Georgia Dance Conservatory (GDC) in Marietta. The painting by Lindsey O'Shields, whose daughters have taken classes at the facility, is a salute to the young ballerinas at Georgia Metropolitan Dance Theatre, the non-profit dance company housed within GDC.
Georgia Dance Conservatory, 49 W. Park Square, Marietta.
Baby Yoda
Hang out with this popular character from the "Star Wars" series "The Mandalorian" during your next trip to the Beltline. Painted by Chris Veal and Nels G. on the very first day of 2020, the artwork under the Freedom Parkway bridge near the Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark features two Baby Yodas and the painters' monikers. It took about five hours to finish, and it's definitely worthy of an Instagram post.
Under the Freedom Parkway bridge near the Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark, Atlanta.
The Seeds That Are Planted
One of the largest pieces of public art, according to the Westside Future Fund, is situated in Vine City. Spanning more than 5,000 square feet, it spotlights Rev. Joseph E. Boone and Ivory Lee Young Jr. The artwork, on the street that bears Boone's name, also includes a message that reads, "The seeds were planted so you can dream." The design from Joseph McKinney aims to praise the legends of the past while encouraging the leaders of the future.
537 Joseph E. Boone Boulevard, Atlanta.
>>RELATED: Public art portrait series stirs conversation about race in Newnan
Atlanta United
Show your support for the home team and drop by the Josef Martinez portrait in Castleberry Hill. It's above Walker Street and shows the Atlanta United goal scorer with his arms widespread. Although artist Matt Letrs said the project began as a generic soccer tribute, he soon changed the focus to be solely on the beloved athlete. Martinez even gave it his stamp of approval on Twitter.
165 Walker St., Atlanta.
Krog Street Tunnel
On the way to Krog Street Market, you’ll probably pass through a tunnel at Dekalb Avenue and Krog Street NE that’s full of graffiti. The vibrant underpass is ever-changing with various artists making contributions to it often. It’s not only a great place to view colorful backdrops, but you can also get updated on local music, festival dates and other events.
1 Krog St. NE, Atlanta.
The A
In the heart of downtown Alpharetta is a nifty creation from artist Greg Mike, whose work appears on buildings all across the Atlanta area. This can’t-miss, 12-foot structure in front of Coalition Food and Beverage on Canton Street resembles a capital “A” that of course stands for Alpharetta. The two-tier platform has geometrical shapes of green, orange and pink all over it, which represents the energy and positivity of the area.
50 Canton St., Alpharetta.
