We all know that the Circle City has a vibrant art scene — and we’re not just talking about Newfields or The Circle City Industrial Complex. One of our all-time favorite galleries? Indy itself.
Naptown is home to a number of meaningful murals and street art pieces. Today, we’re sharing where to find pieces that really paint a picture of our city.
Indy’s Always on a Roll, 44 Virginia Ave. | By Michael Cooper
The three-dimensional illusion pictured above pays homage to the architectural heritage of the Circle City and is an reference to the urban updates that have been controversial in city planning circles.
Dimensional Shadows, 609 Mass Ave. | By Eduardo Mendieta
The woman emerging from water in this mural represents breaking planes and self-empowerment. The piece is part of the “46 for XLVI” art initiative, which commissioned 46 murals for Indy’s turn hosting the Super Bowl in 2012.
Indy Butterflies, 338 S. Delaware St. | By Kelsey Montague
Snap a selfie with this art at the CityWay development downtown and the art can interact with you if you download Kelsey’s app, “WhatLiftsYou.”
Can you identify the major players in this mural?
Photo via @artscouncilindy
Indiana Avenue Jazz Masters, 322 N. Capitol Ave. | By Pamela Bliss
The mural depicts iconic musicians from the 1950s-60s, including David Young, Jimmy Coe, David Baker, JJ Johnson, Slide Hampton, Freddie Hubbard, Larry Ridley, and Wes Montgomery.
Mari Evans was a major figure in the Black Arts Movement.
Photo via @venkycr
Mari Evans, 448 Mass Ave. | By Michael Jordan, aka ALKEMI
Big Car Collaborative chief curator Shaunta Marsh met with the Indy-based poet and artist Mari Evans during the process of the mural’s creation. Learn more about Mari and her fellow mural mates.
We miss seeing this Pacers GOAT on the court.
Photo via @drphil_uddpt
Reggie, Reggie, Reggie! Boom, Baby!, 127 E. Michigan St. | By Pamela Bliss
Standing at 60 ft tall, this is the tallest of the Hoosier icon murals downtown and depicts Reggie Miller, one of the Pacers’ most renowned players.
My Affair with Kurt Vonnegut, 345 Mass Ave. | By Pamela Bliss
The internationally-known writer famous for his novel, “Slaughterhouse Five” was born in the Circle City and has a whole museum dedicated to his work.
Fountain Square Larry, 1043 Virginia Ave. | By Brian Presnell, BRIDGE Collective, Dan Cents
The larger-than-life portrait depicts neighborhood legend Larry Mires, who owned a record store in Fountain Square even though he was hard of hearing.
Eva Kor, 21 Virginia Ave. | By Pamela Bliss
Eva’s son painted the first stroke of this mural, which honors the legacy of the international figure who moved to Terre Haute after surviving the Holocaust and Dr. Josef Mengele.
World’s Fastest (Major Taylor), 11 S. Meridian St. | By Shawn Michael Warren
The bicyclist with a reputation as the world’s first Black sports superstar won a number of international records and titles.
This is just one of the many flower murals in Flower Alley.
Photo via @ripplebnb
Broad Ripple Flower Alley, 6109 Carrollton Ave. | By Jules Muck, Abigail Staffelbach, Megan Jefferson, among other artists
These murals are growing like weeds in an alley on the north side of Indy and started in the summer of 2019 between a couple of neighbors looking to spread a little joy.
Creation of Adam, across the street from 1063 Virginia Ave. | By Dan Handskillz
Believe it or not, this mural was recently restored after being vandalized with paint and is a modern interpretation of the work by Michelangelo.
Love, 236 E. 16th St. | By Alicia Zanoni
You can visit this mural anytime you’re jonesing for a cup of coffee — it’s located in the courtyard of Foundry Provisions.
Gatekeepers, 2432 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. | By Tasha Beckwith
The art is an Afrofuturistic statement focused on a Black queen and mother spirit guarding the Flanner House neighborhood, with male figures providing security.
Frenchie, 1126 Prospect St. | By Speedbeard
This is the Cincinnati-based street artist’s own dog, who inspired many of his nationally-known characters.
