Guide to the Best Los Angeles Murals in 2024
LA is a city full of passion, culture and a history of overcoming, and nowhere is this more evident than on the Los Angeles murals. Art aficionados and excited tourists alike will love exploring LA’s mural scene. It’s like taking a journey through the city’s heart and soul. Each mural tells a unique story, reflecting the diverse communities, social movements and creative spirits that make up this sprawling city.
In 2024, Los Angeles continues to be a canvas for artists from all walks of life, transforming public spaces into open-air galleries that inspire. This guide is your passport to the best murals the city has to offer, from iconic works by legendary artists to hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Wondering "How much does a mural cost Los Angeles?" or "What is the famous mural in Los Angeles?" Get ready to answer these questions as we dive into a world where art and activism collide, where history is painted with bold strokes and where every wall has a voice.
Feature image (via flickr; CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Jump to Section
Los Angeles Murals History
Why are murals important in Los Angeles? Similar to Austin murals, these art pieces are more than just pretty decorations. Los Angeles has a rich tradition of mural art that dates back to the early 20th century, heavily influenced by the early Mexican muralism movement. Murals in LA have long been a medium for expressing social, political, and cultural narratives.
From the early days when artists like David Alfaro Siqueiros brought their revolutionary spirit to the city's walls, murals have served as powerful tools for community identity and activism. According to The Art Story, Siqueiros is best known as, “a member of los tres grandes (three greats) of Mexican muralism” and helped to establish a movement of revolutionary stance through art.
The mural movement gained significant momentum in the 1960s and 70s, particularly within marginalized communities, as artists used public art to address issues of civil rights, social justice and cultural heritage.
Despite a 2002 ban on murals on private property, the art form has persisted and flourished, especially with the lifting of the ban in 2013, marking a new era of muralism in Los Angeles.
Oldest Mural in the City
One of the oldest surviving Los Angeles murals is América Tropical by David Alfaro Siqueiros, located in the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical District. Painted in 1932, this mural was originally intended to depict the abundance of tropical America. However, Siqueiros transformed this Los Angeles mural's meaning into a powerful critique of American imperialism.
At the center of the mural, a crucified indigenous figure symbolizes the oppression of native peoples by colonial forces. Above the cross, an intimidating eagle, representing the United States, is perched. Behind the crucified figure, an indigenous temple is shown being overtaken by tropical plants, symbolizing its erasure from history.
In the top right corner, a Mexican and a Peruvian are armed and ready to defend their land and culture, highlighting the threat of American capitalist culture overshadowing their heritage. Unsurprisingly, the mural faced a lot of hostility and was whitewashed over within two years of its completion.
Siqueiros’s career was marked by similarly direct and powerful murals, solidifying his reputation as a rebellious artist. Even though the mural was quickly washed over, it was influential for its innovative use of materials and its activist message. Siqueiros experimented with industrial tools, employing unconventional airbrushing techniques.
Rediscovered in the late 1960s, América Tropical was restored and rededicated in 2012. LA tourists and locals can admire its impressive stance and technical representation. Today, it stands as a testament to the power of street art in Los Angeles and its important role in society.
Los Angeles Murals Map
Exploring Los Angeles' vibrant mural scene can be an exciting journey, and having a map can make your mural-hunting adventures more efficient and enjoyable. Have you been wondering which US city has the most murals? Are you hoping that a map of street art in Los Angeles will help you find out?
Well, unfortunately, you’re out of luck. While some claim that San Francisco has the most murals in the USA, the nature of murals makes this a tough number to finalize. Murals in all cities are constantly being painted over and new murals are always being created.
That being said, most experts will put LA as the US city with the second most murals. If you’re looking to take a self-guided mural tour, we recommend using this Los Angeles murals map: Mural Map LA.
People always want the map to tell them where the most expensive mural is. While the average mural can cost anywhere from $20 to $100 per square foot, it’s impossible to know which of the Los Angeles murals is the most expensive.
This is because all murals are constantly being updated and the city doesn’t have records for the cost of each mural.
Famous Murals in Los Angeles
Street art in Los Angeles is famous for a reason, but not every single one of the Los Angeles murals is worth the drive. This is a collection of the best of the best. If you’re loving art-filled team building activities in Los Angeles or interactive date ideas in Los Angeles, you’ve come to the right place. In order to capture these murals professionally, try out a few photography classes in Los Angeles.
1. Collette Miller’s Angel Wings
Collette Miller's Angel Wings have become an iconic symbol of Los Angeles. These vibrant, interactive murals invite viewers to stand between the wings, transforming into angelic beings. Located in various spots around the city, including popular areas like Melrose Avenue and Downtown L.A., the wings promote a message of hope, peace and the idea that everyone has a bit of the divine within them.
Miller's Global Angel Wings Project aims to remind people of their innate goodness and to uplift spirits in urban environments all over the world.
2. Bleeding Hearts
The Bleeding Hearts Los Angeles murals by J Goldcrown, known for their striking imagery and emotional depth, capture themes of love, pain and resilience. Located in several places such as the Arts District and The Shake Shack in Burbank, these murals use vibrant colors and intricate details to create a powerful visual narrative. The heart imagery, often depicted with vibrant hues and dripping paint, symbolizes both the beauty and the pain that’s a part of all human connections.
3. Jim Morrison Mural
Some Los Angeles murals’ meanings can be convoluted and strange, but the Jim Morrison Mural on Venice Beach is an obvious and sentimental tribute to the legendary lead singer of The Doors. Created by artist Rip Cronk, this mural captures Morrison's larger-than-life presence and connection to Venice, where he lived and drew inspiration for his music.
The mural, with its enormous depiction of Morrison, is a pilgrimage site for fans and a symbol of the counterculture spirit that characterized the 1960s and 70s in L.A.
4. Technicolor Ooze
Technicolor Ooze, by street artist Jen Stark, is a mesmerizing display of vibrant colors and abstract patterns. Located in the Arts District, this Los Angeles mural adds a splash of creativity and energy to the urban landscape. Stark's use of bright, flowing colors creates a sense of movement and dynamism, making this mural a standout piece in LA's street art scene.
It’s one of the highlights of the Arts District for its bright coloring and also its Instagram-ability.
5. West Hollywood Library
The Los Angeles murals at the West Hollywood Library are a testament to the city's commitment to public art. Featuring works by renowned artists like Shepard Fairey, Retna and Kenny Scharf, these murals blend literary themes with vibrant visual storytelling. The library's exterior walls are adorned with colorful, thought-provoking art that celebrates creativity, diversity and the power of literature.
If you’re looking for fun birthday ideas in LA, we recommend spending an hour or two admiring the scenery at the West Hollywood Library and then hitting up the best birthday dinner spots in Los Angeles.
6. 4th Street / Art District
The 4th Street Art District is a hotspot for mural enthusiasts. The district is home to a diverse array of murals, each telling unique stories and reflecting the eclectic spirit of the local art scene. From large-scale works that cover entire building facades to smaller, intricate pieces, the Art District offers a rich view of artistic expression.
Plus, if you’re looking for rooftop restaurants in Los Angeles, there are plenty of fun ones nearby this popping district.
7. The Pope of Broadway
The Pope of Broadway, painted by Eloy Torrez in 1985, is a towering Los Angeles mural dedicated to actor Anthony Quinn. Located on the Victor Clothing Company building on Broadway, this mural celebrates Quinn's impact on the film industry and his vibrant personality.
The Los Angeles mural depicts Quinn with outstretched arms, symbolizing his larger-than-life presence and his contributions to Hollywood.
8. Defend Dignity
Defend Dignity, by Shepard Fairey, is a politically charged mural that critiques societal issues through bold, graphic imagery. Located in the South Park neighborhood of Downtown LA, this Los Angeles mural is "meant to inspire sensitivity toward our fellow human beings and the planet itself." It uses Fairey's signature style of propaganda-inspired art. Known for his "Obey" campaign and Obama "Hope" poster, Fairey's work continues to provoke thought and inspire activism.
9. The Great Wall of Los Angeles
So, what is the famous mural in Los Angeles? Easy, it’s Judith Baca's The Great Wall of Los Angeles which is a monumental mural that spans half a mile in the Tujunga Wash. Created between 1976 and 1983, this historical narrative artwork chronicles the history of California, emphasizing contributions from various ethnic communities.
The Los Angeles mural, painted by hundreds of community members, students, and artists, tells a powerful story of social justice and cultural diversity. Parts of the mural are still being expanded today. When you tire of the Los Angeles art galleries, just check out The Great Wall of Los Angeles for new additions.
10. Will Rogers Monument
Kent Twitchell's Will Rogers Monument in San Bernardino is a tribute to the beloved actor, humorist, and social commentator. This two-part installation captures Rogers' storytelling charm and his cultural significance in Southern California.
Twitchell's mural is a reminder of Rogers' legacy and his impact on American entertainment and culture.
11. We Are Not a Minority
Mario Torero's "We Are Not a Minority" mural in Boyle Heights is a powerful statement on civil rights and identity. Created in 1978, this mural uses bold typography and imagery to emphasize the collective strength of the Chicano movement.
The mural, which faced challenges due to mural bans and restrictions on the use of words in public art, has become an iconic piece in East L.A., symbolizing the fight for social justice and cultural pride. It’s one of the many murals that relate to this ethnic group's struggle for recognition and right to exist in Southern California.
12. The Wall That Speaks, Sings, and Shouts
Paul Botello's mural The Wall That Speaks, Sings, and Shouts in East LA is a vibrant piece celebrating community and cultural expression. Located at Ruben F. Salazar Park, this mural uses rich colors and dynamic scenes to depict the lively spirit of the local community.
The mural invites viewers to engage with its stories and reflects the diverse cultural heritage of East Los Angeles.
13. The Negro in California History
The Negro in California History by Charles Alston and Hale Woodruff is a significant historical mural. Commissioned in 1949 by the Golden State Mutual Life Insurance Company, this mural highlights the contributions of African Americans to California's development.
The two-part mural, titled "Colonization and Exploitation" and "Settlement and Development," showcases key figures and events in African American history, celebrating their role in shaping the state's history.
14. A Glorious History, A Golden Legacy
Eliseo Art Silva's mural A Glorious History, A Golden Legacy in Historic Filipinotown honors Filipino-American heritage and its role in the Delano Grape Strike. This 35' x 150' mural, created in 1995, celebrates the Centennial of the Philippine Revolution against Spain and highlights Filipino-American heroes.
The mural's vibrant imagery depicts historical events and cultural symbols, culminating in a powerful tribute to the contributions of Filipino Americans to the labor movement and beyond.
15. Great Wall of Crenshaw
The Great Wall of Crenshaw, also known as the Crenshaw Mural, captures the history and spirit of the Crenshaw community. Spanning a retainer wall along Crenshaw Boulevard, this Los Angeles mural tells the neighborhood's story through dynamic and colorful scenes. Created in 1975, this aerosol mural has seen segments change over the years, reflecting the evolving identity of the community.
Plans for a new infrastructure project inspired by the mural called “Destination Crenshaw” will include, “a commercial corridor linked by architecturally stunning community spaces and pocket parks, hundreds of newly planted trees, and over 100 commissioned works of art.” This makes The Great Wall of Crenshaw an absolute must-see.
Don’t hesitate. Check out the Los Angeles murals for yourself. Ranging from fun to look at to impactful to learn about, these murals are well worth seeking out.
For even more fun art ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
