Some of the most powerful stories aren’t found in books or museums, but painted across bricks and concrete. Across DC, Maryland and Virginia, vibrant pieces of art stretch across alleyways, crosswalks and storefronts, each telling a unique story about the communities they call home.
From towering tributes beside high rises to abstract creations of color tucked just out of sight, these 12 striking murals offer a great opportunity for families to learn, explore and turn a simple walk into a memorable experience
DC
“Amanda Gorman” by Kaliq Crosby
Dupont Circle, DC
Located alongside 17th Street NW, this mural by local artist Kaliq Crosby depicts poet and activist Amanda Gorman as she delivers her poem “The Hill We Climb” at former president Joe Biden’s inauguration in January 2021. At just 22 years old, she became the youngest inaugural poet in United States history.
Sprawling across the side of the New Washington Land Company building, the vibrant mural turns a high-traffic Dupont Circle corridor into a place of reflection. For families, it’s an opportunity to talk about art, activism and the impact young voices can have on the world around them.
“Neptune” by Jeff Huntington and Juan Pineda
Bloomingdale, DC
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Painted on the exterior of Bacio Pizza at 81 Seaton Place NW, “Neptune”, by Jeff Huntington and Juan Pineda blends classical mythology and bold contemporary design. The mural features the Roman God of the Sea set against a geometric background in Pineda’s vibrant, signature style. Whether grabbing a slice or simply passing by, the piece turns an ordinary building into something worth slowing down for.
“Guardians of the Four Directions” by MISS CHELOVE
Downtown, DC
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Towering above Thomas Circle on the side of Hotel Zena at 1155 14th St. NW lies “Guardians of the Four Directions.” Standing at seven stories tall, this mural by artist MISS CHELOVE depicts two gallant warriors, each gazing in opposite directions.
Paired with strong stances and spears in hand, these two women stand guard over the city. The scale alone makes this piece hard to miss, transforming the building’s side into a powerful statement of strength and visibility that celebrates women as leaders.
“Culture House DC” by HENSE
Southwest Waterfront, DC
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Located at 700 Delaware Ave. SW, this mural spans nearly the entirety of a historic Baptist church. Originally built in 1886, the church took on a drastically new look in 2012, when artist HENSE reimagined its exterior, transforming classic Victorian architecture into stunning curves of vibrant color.
The bold design has made it one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city. In addition to its striking exterior, Culture House serves as a community gathering center and an art gallery, offering families the chance to experience creativity both inside and outside the building.
“Micro/Macro: Rooted in Space” by Rose Jaffe
Southeast DC
“Micro/Macro: Rooted in Space” by Rose Jaffe invites the viewer to consider how everything living is connected — from the ground up to the cosmos. At its heart are two figures: Jeanette Epps, aerospace engineer and NASA astronaut (and proud University of Maryland graduate), and a young person discovering the world through a microscope. A circle weaves them — and everything between them — into one.
Maryland
“Car Dealership: Looking Into the Past” by Antonia Ramis Miguel
Ellicott City, Maryland
Located off of 8289 Main St. lies “Car Dealership: Looking Into the Past” by artist Antonia Ramis Miguel. Adorning the exterior of a former Ford dealership built in 1921, this mural offers onlookers a glimpse into a long-gone world. Brimming with color and soul, the piece brings a nearly forgotten time back to life, its subjects touting historical cars and vintage fashions.
“After Dark, Hyattsville” by Liz LaManche
Hyattsville, MD
Sprawled across the south side of Franklin’s General Store, located at 5123 Baltimore Ave., “After Dark, Hyattsville” quite literally brightens the block. Created by Massachusetts-based artist Liz LaManche, this vibrant, unique art piece uses color-changing lights that shift the appearance of both the mural’s colors and its surfaces. The interactive-feel of the mural rewards repeat visits, and for families, it’s a great opportunity to witness how art evolves alongside the community surrounding it.
Virginia
Kensington, MD
Located in the Kensington Dog Run Park, on the remnants of an old concrete plant lies the “Dog Columns” by artists Jason Swain, Thomas Ruttkay, Max Stumpf and Beth Meyer. These charming murals, originally part of an effort to clean up graffiti, now brighten the park with depictions of cheerful canines in fun poses and bold colors. The paintings bring a bit of whimsy to the space, inviting families and pet owners alike to stop and marvel, or snap a photo!
“Black Lives Matter” by Isak Shah and Darren Soto
College Park, MD
Tucked at the south end of the Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail, “Black Lives Matter” by Isak Shah and Darren Soto is a lively tribute to black culture, leadership and resilience. Drawing on historical moments from both the Civil Rights and Black Lives Matter Movements in 2020, the piece blends the past and present while honoring local residents of Prince George’s County.
For those exploring the trail, it offers a great chance to immerse themselves in local history and learn about civic engagement through art, all on an accessible walking path.
“Kids and Dogs” by Patrick Kirwin
Alexandria, VA
Painted across the brick exterior of Vélocity Bicycle Cooperative, located at 2111 Mt. Vernon Ave., “Kids and Dogs” by Patrick Kirwin brings the feel of a NYC-style grocery straight to the heart of Alexandria. The piece is brought to life by abundant rows of colorful flowers and produce, setting the scene for an imaginative, bustling street market. If you look closer, you’ll even notice the mural features local children and their four-legged friends! It’s a quick and easy stop for families to snap a photo and a great reminder of how interconnected art and community can be.
“Pink Giraffe and Rainbow Stairs” by Kelsey Montague
Fairfax, VA
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Towering above the sidewalk on the side of True Food Kitchen, located at 2910 District Ave., this giant pink giraffe is hard to miss. Created by artist Kelsey Montague, the awe-inspiring mural features a bright and bold giraffe peering down at onlookers. Paired with a rainbow staircase below, the scene adds a playful burst of color to the street. Its scale and vibrant colors make it an especially popular stop for families, offering larger-than-life photo opportunities and fun for all ages.
“Spirit” by Nicholas Zimbro
Manassas, VA
Adorning the brick exterior of Sinistral Brewing Company, located at 9419 Main St., this eye-catching mural by artist Nicholas Zimbro sprawls across the building with mesmerizing color. Titled “Spirit,” the piece memorializes Zimbro’s late grandmother in a heartwarming and vibrant scene.
Rather than invoking a somber feeling, the mural radiates warmth, emphasizing its themes of legacy, love and the power of preservation through art. Located in historic Manassas, it offers a quieter stop for those exploring the area, inviting onlookers to pause and reflect on both its detail and meaning.
“Gale Waldron” by Penny Hauffe
Leesburg, VA
The final mural on this list is located outside the town parking garage in Leesburg, at 25 W Market St. Created by artist Penny Hauffe, the piece paints a beautiful scene depicting Leesburg’s history while also honoring lifelong art advocate Gale Waldron. Waldron was a driving force in the Leesburg art scene, establishing numerous ventures including the Loudoun Art Magazine, and founding the Loudoun Academy for the Arts Foundation.
The mural serves not only as a memorial to Waldron’s passion for the arts but also as a reflection on the community’s solidarity and celebration of its history.
Reflection
Across DC, Maryland, and Virginia, these pieces of art turn ordinary sidewalks into real-life storybooks. They celebrate leaders, honor loved ones, reflect on history, and brighten the neighborhood in unexpected ways.
Whether you’re planning a night out, a weekend activity, or simply come across one during an outing, these murals offer more than just a photo opportunity. They invite families to slow down and look closer at the creativity and passion that shape our communities!
