Nashville's vibrant street art scene transforms the city into an open-air gallery where creativity meets culture. From internationally acclaimed wings that inspire millions to local tributes celebrating Music City's heritage, these murals represent complete artistic visions that define neighborhoods and create gathering spaces. Each piece tells a story through carefully chosen colors, themes, and artistic techniques that reflect Nashville's unique blend of music, community spirit, and Southern charm. These 25 remarkable murals showcase diverse artistic styles ranging from photorealistic portraits to abstract geometric patterns, creating Instagram-worthy backdrops while contributing to the city's cultural renaissance and economic vitality.
1. What Lifts You Wings Mural in The Gulch
The iconic "What Lifts You" wings mural by Kelsey Montague stands as Nashville's most photographed street art piece in The Gulch neighborhood. This massive 20-foot-high installation took three days to complete using 60 paint pens and a large boom lift, featuring intricate white lace-like wings against a dramatic black wall. Hidden within the detailed wing patterns are Nashville-specific Easter eggs including cowboy hats, guitars, and barbecues. The mural includes miniature wings at the bottom right corner, perfect for children and pets to pose with. Long lines of visitors wait daily to capture photos with this symbol of hope and resilience, making it the ultimate Nashville photo destination.
2. I Believe in Nashville Patriotic Mural
The "I Believe in Nashville" mural across from Draper James in 12 South rivals the wings mural in fame and popularity. This red, white, and blue patriotic design captures the local spirit with bold lettering that embodies Nashville's welcoming embrace. The mural serves as an excellent backdrop celebrating community pride and the city's inclusive atmosphere. A second version exists in Marathon Village, painted by the same artist for those wanting to avoid 12 South crowds. The design's clean typography and patriotic color scheme create striking contrast against the building's neutral facade, making it a must-visit destination for capturing Nashville's civic pride and community spirit.
3. Flower Garden Mural in 12 South
The elegant "Flowers" mural between Paris Avenue and Kirkwood Avenue represents one of 12 South's most famous pieces. This splash of beautiful color features detailed floral designs that have appeared in countless social media posts over several years. Despite extensive research by Nashville art bloggers, the artist's identity remains unknown, adding mystery to its appeal. The mural's simplicity and elegance create perfect photo backdrops regardless of outfit choices. Located directly across from the "Make Music, Not War" mural, this piece demonstrates how floral motifs can transform urban spaces into garden-like sanctuaries that celebrate natural beauty within the bustling 12 South shopping district.
4. Nashville Looks Good on You Typography Mural
The "Nashville Looks Good on You" mural behind Frothy Monkey in 12 South has become an icon among locals and visitors. This minimalist black-and-white design features clean typography that complements any wardrobe choice, making it universally photogenic. Photographers recommend shooting from an angle to capture all letters in frame. The mural's understated elegance and accessible location behind the popular coffee shop create convenient photo opportunities. Its simple message celebrates Nashville's appeal while the monochromatic design ensures photos focus on the subjects rather than competing colors. The strategic placement in a parking area allows multiple groups to photograph simultaneously without crowding.
5. Candy Hearts Love Mural in The Gulch
The "Candy Hearts" mural by artist Bryson Leach radiates powerful messages of love and camaraderie in The Gulch neighborhood. This large-scale installation transcends mere color and form, celebrating life's sweetness and enduring community values. The colorful wall features classic candy heart phrases along with Nashville and bachelorette party-specific messages, commissioned by an adjoining boutique. Candy hearts symbols represent life's delightful moments, held by figures embodying community bond strength. The mural serves as a gentle reminder to spread love and kindness, making it especially popular with celebration groups seeking vibrant, meaningful backdrops for special occasions.
6. Jason Woodside Geometric Pattern Mural
Jason Woodside's instantly recognizable art features colorful patterns reminiscent of washi tape, found in cities across the United States. Located in a raised area facing a large parking lot in The Gulch, this geometric masterpiece creates vibrant visual interest. The mural showcases Woodside's signature style of interconnected shapes, lines, and bold color combinations that create optical movement and energy. Found at the corner of 11th and Laurel, this colorful geometric design demonstrates how abstract art can enliven urban spaces. The complex pattern work invites extended viewing as visitors discover new color relationships and geometric interactions within the carefully composed design that transforms a simple wall into dynamic public art.
7. Dolly Parton Portrait Mural at The 5 Spot
Kim Radford's Dolly mural brightens the side of locally beloved dive bar, The 5 Spot, celebrating Nashville's most iconic country music legend. This detailed portrait captures Dolly's warmth, charisma, and distinctive style through expert color work and precise facial features. The mural transforms the building's exterior into a shrine honoring the beloved entertainer's contributions to music and philanthropy. Located in East Nashville's Five Points area, this piece connects neighborhood character with Music City's broader cultural heritage. The artwork's placement on a popular local venue creates natural gathering spaces where fans can celebrate both live music culture and Dolly's enduring legacy through photography and community appreciation.
8. Tomato Art Festival Community Mural
East Nashville's annual Tomato Art Fest literally paints the town red with temporary tomato murals, but this permanent fixture by Eastside Murals celebrates the neighborhood's summer obsession. Located at 701 Porter Road, this mural honors the August tomato festival that has united fruits and vegetables since 2003. The design incorporates vibrant reds, greens, and earth tones that reflect the festival's agricultural themes and community spirit. Festival organizers have created temporary community paint-by-number murals designed by artists like Camilla Spadafino, demonstrating how art brings neighbors together. This permanent piece ensures year-round celebration of Five Points' quirky, creative culture that makes East Nashville a unique artistic destination.
9. Slay All the Dragons Motivational Mural
Kim Radford's inspirational mural at 1224 Meridian Street in East Nashville motivates viewers to "stand up with your sword and slay the dragons that stand in your way". This empowering design combines mythical imagery with contemporary motivational messaging, creating a powerful call to overcome personal challenges. The mural features bold colors and dynamic composition that visually represents strength, courage, and determination. Multiple dragon-themed murals exist throughout Nashville, including locations in Hillsboro Village. The artwork transforms a simple wall into an inspiration station where community members can reflect on personal growth and resilience while capturing meaningful photos that celebrate inner strength and perseverance.
10. Make Music Not War Peace Mural
The "Make Music, Not War" mural sits directly across from the famous flower mural in the shared driveway between two 12 South buildings. This simple yet powerful design packs a punch with its clear message promoting peace through music. The mural embodies Nashville's identity as Music City while advocating for harmony and understanding through artistic expression. Its strategic placement in the heart of 12 South's shopping district ensures maximum visibility among tourists and locals alike. The black-and-white typography creates stark contrast that emphasizes the message's importance, while the location between popular murals creates a natural art walk experience that celebrates both floral beauty and social consciousness.
11. Johnny Cash Tribute Mural Downtown
Downtown Nashville features a mural with lyrics from Johnny Cash's "As long as the grass shall grow" from his 1964 album "Bitter tears: Ballads of the American Indian". This tribute honors the Man in Black's legacy while highlighting his social consciousness and support for Native American rights. The design incorporates Cash's distinctive aesthetic with bold lettering and earth-tone colors that reflect his music's authentic, grounded nature. Country music personalities like Johnny Cash have dedicated pieces of art throughout downtown Nashville. The mural serves as both artistic expression and historical education, connecting contemporary street art with country music's socially conscious traditions while celebrating Cash's courage in addressing difficult social issues.
12. Looking Pretty Music City Portrait Mural
The "Looking Pretty, Music City" mural by Emily Eisenhart graces 12 South since 2019, portraying a young woman adorned with a floral crown and shimmering dress gracefully wielding a guitar. This soulful embodiment fuses femininity, strength, and musical heritage in perfect harmony. The detailed portrait work showcases exceptional artistic skill through realistic facial features, intricate clothing textures, and symbolic elements that celebrate women in music. The floral crown connects to Nashville's garden city aesthetic while the guitar emphasizes the musical foundation. Rich color palette and careful lighting effects create depth and movement, transforming the wall into a celebration of female empowerment within Nashville's music scene.
13. Giant Ear and Microphone Audio Mural
In the heart of Nashville's Gulch neighborhood, the "Giant Ear & Microphone" mural by Ben Passmore creates captivating public art. This unique design combines auditory symbols that represent Nashville's role as a listening and broadcasting center for music worldwide. The oversized ear symbolizes the city's ability to hear and nurture new talent, while the microphone represents the platform Nashville provides for artists to share their voices. The mural's bold, graphic style uses contrasting colors to create visual impact and symbolic depth. This piece demonstrates how street art can capture abstract concepts like sound and communication through concrete visual imagery that celebrates Nashville's position as a global music industry hub.
14. Rainbow Wings Hope Mural
The "What Lifts You – Rainbow" wings mural by Kelsey Montague at 601 9th Ave. South in The Gulch offers a colorful variation on her famous wing design. This piece receives less attention than the original black-and-white wings but provides equally awesome photo opportunities. The rainbow color scheme transforms the inspirational message into a celebration of diversity, hope, and inclusion. Vibrant hues create uplifting energy that complements the motivational "What Lifts You" campaign message. The design maintains Montague's signature intricate patterns while incorporating LGBTQ+ pride symbolism and general celebration of difference. This mural demonstrates how artists can adapt successful concepts to address different themes while maintaining artistic integrity and visual impact.
15. Draper James Striped Store Mural
The blue and white striped mural adorning Reese Witherspoon's Draper James store creates whimsical touches on the building with a convenient park bench for photos. Located literally across from the "I Believe in Nashville" mural in the same alley, this design complements the store's Southern style aesthetic. The classic nautical-inspired stripes create clean, preppy backdrops that align with the store's fashion-forward, Southern charm branding. The bench provides perfect seating for posed photographs, making this functional art that serves both aesthetic and practical purposes. The simple pattern work demonstrates how branded murals can enhance commercial spaces while contributing to neighborhood character and providing community gathering spots.
16. Spread Love Nashville Skyline Mural
The "Spread Love" mural by Anthony Billups at 1015 Nelson Merry Street features a beautifully painted Nashville skyline at sunset. Nashville's artist community demonstrates big commitments to love, peace, and inclusion, and the city has incredible sunsets. This piece marries both elements in stunning visual harmony through warm color gradients and recognizable architectural silhouettes. The sunset lighting creates romantic atmosphere while the "Spread Love" message promotes community unity and kindness. Nashville's distinctive skyline, including the iconic "Batman Building," grounds the inspirational message in local geography. The mural transforms motivational messaging into location-specific art that celebrates both universal values and particular place attachment, creating meaningful connections between global themes and neighborhood pride.
17. It's Gonna Be O.K. Inspirational Text Mural
Artist Sarah Tate's "It's gonna be O.K." mural at 3020 Charlotte Avenue in West End provides inspiring Instagram opportunities. This motivational piece offers comfort and reassurance through simple, powerful messaging. The hand-lettered typography creates personal, approachable energy that feels like receiving encouragement from a friend. Clean design and calming color choices provide visual rest while delivering emotional support. During challenging times, public art that offers hope and comfort serves essential community mental health functions. The accessible location and universal message make this mural particularly valuable for visitors seeking both artistic engagement and emotional encouragement. The piece demonstrates how effective street art can address human needs beyond aesthetic pleasure.
18. Good Trouble John Lewis Civil Rights Mural
This towering mural pays tribute to civil rights icon and late congressman John Lewis and his time in Nashville, featuring fellow Freedom Riders CT Vivian, Ernest "Rip" Patton, Diane Nash, Rev. Kelly Miller Smith, Rev. James Lawson and Kwame Lillard. The powerful piece celebrates Nashville's crucial role in the civil rights movement through detailed portrait work and historical documentation. Rich earth tones and careful composition create dignified representation of these American heroes. The mural serves as both artistic achievement and educational resource, connecting contemporary viewers with Nashville's civil rights legacy. By featuring multiple figures, the artwork emphasizes collaboration and community organizing rather than individual heroism, reflecting the movement's true collaborative nature while inspiring continued activism.
19. Big Tickets Concert History Collage Mural
The Big Tickets mural tells a bigger and often untold story about Nashville's integral role in shaping all genres of music through a large-scale collage of 62 real concert stubs from shows involving over 120 artists. This creative collaboration between three local teams: Adventurous Journeys, Studio Delger, and Eastside Murals transforms ephemeral concert memorabilia into permanent public art. The design celebrates Nashville's venue history and diverse musical programming beyond country music stereotypes. Each ticket represents artists, audiences, and memorable nights that collectively built Nashville's reputation. The collage format creates visual texture while preserving historical documentation, making this mural both artistic statement and archival project that honors Music City's comprehensive musical heritage.
20. Nashville Predators Mascot Hockey Mural
The saber-toothed tiger mascot of the local NHL team Nashville Predators appears in several murals dotted around town. Located on the side of White Bison Coffee building, this design appeals especially to hockey fans. The fierce, cartoon-style mascot representation celebrates Nashville's professional sports culture and community team pride. Bold colors and dynamic poses capture the energy and excitement of hockey games while connecting neighborhoods to citywide sporting traditions. Multiple versions exist throughout Nashville, demonstrating how sports imagery can unite diverse communities around shared team loyalty. The mural shows how street art extends beyond music themes to celebrate all aspects of Nashville culture, including relatively recent additions like professional hockey.
21. Love Typography Community Mural
This popular mural features the word "love" in shades of blue on a white wall, stunning in its simplicity and created for the Nashville Children's Alliance, a local non-profit serving children who have experienced abuse. The clean, modern typography and calming blue tones create peaceful, welcoming energy that reflects the organization's healing mission. Simple design choices ensure maximum message impact while avoiding overwhelming visual complexity that might distract from the core message. The mural demonstrates how effective public art can serve charitable causes while providing community gathering spaces. By featuring such fundamental messaging, the artwork creates universal appeal that transcends demographic boundaries, fostering inclusive community spaces that celebrate shared human values and support vulnerable populations.
22. Greetings from Nashville Postcard Vintage Mural
The vintage postcard mural at Losers bar proudly proclaims "Greetings from Nashville!" fit to send home. This nostalgic design evokes mid-century American travel culture when postcard sending was essential vacation communication. Bold, retro lettering and classic postcard layout create immediate recognition and tourist appeal. The vintage aesthetic connects contemporary Nashville with its historical tourism roots while providing perfect photo opportunities for visitors wanting to capture classic Americana. Trail West vintage advertising-style murals also appear downtown, honoring historical Nashville businesses. The postcard format makes this mural naturally interactive, encouraging viewers to pose as if they're creating actual postcards to share Nashville experiences with distant friends and family.
23. Herakut International Artists Community Mural
German duo Herakut painted a large mural as part of Nashville Walls Project, featuring a large dog in a cape holding a little girl while her brother plays video games nearby. This whimsical, narrative-driven piece demonstrates international artistic collaboration within Nashville's growing global arts scene. The detailed, realistic style contrasts with many local murals, showcasing different artistic traditions and cultural perspectives. Herakut's signature approach combines child-like wonder with sophisticated technique, creating emotionally resonant imagery that appeals across age groups. The superhero dog concept adds playful elements while the family scene celebrates childhood and protection themes. This mural represents Nashville's openness to diverse artistic voices and commitment to supporting international cultural exchange through public art programming.
24. Trail West Historic Business Mural
The vintage Trail West mural on 2nd Avenue looks like an old magazine advertisement for boots, hats and apparel, honoring the original Trail West building that was torn down in 2015. This memorial artwork preserves Nashville's commercial history through recreated vintage advertising aesthetics. Period-appropriate typography, color schemes, and layout design transport viewers to earlier Nashville eras when local businesses defined neighborhood character. The mural serves dual purposes as artistic expression and historical preservation, ensuring demolished buildings continue contributing to community memory. By maintaining vintage advertising's visual language, the artwork educates contemporary audiences about past commercial culture while celebrating craftsmanship traditions. This approach demonstrates how street art can serve archival functions, preserving local business heritage that might otherwise disappear from collective memory.
25. Rivive Environmental River Mural
The Rivive mural at 2814 12th Avenue South features Nashville icons like the Batman Building and construction cranes while addressing Cumberland River environmental concerns. This mural was painted in collaboration with Rivive! Nashville, a non-profit raising awareness of water quality issues. The piece shows how the city, with all its industry and people, makes life tough for the river, but the river sometimes fights back as a critical Nashville resource requiring protection. Rich blues and earth tones reflect water themes while architectural elements ground environmental messaging in local geography. This educational artwork demonstrates how murals can advocate for environmental consciousness while maintaining aesthetic appeal, creating community conversation around ecological responsibility.
Conclusion:
Nashville's 25 remarkable murals showcase the city's transformation from Music City to comprehensive cultural destination. These artistic installations demonstrate how public art builds community identity, supports local businesses, and creates shared spaces for celebration and reflection. From internationally famous wings to neighborhood-specific tributes, each mural contributes unique elements to Nashville's visual storytelling. The diversity of artistic styles, cultural themes, and collaborative approaches reflects the city's inclusive spirit and commitment to supporting both local and international artists in creating meaningful public art.
Related posts:
Leave a Reply