Why you should experience the Nashville Murals.
In the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, where music spills out of every doorway and creativity hums through the air, the Nashville Murals have become a modern emblem of the city’s artistic soul.
They’re not confined to galleries or museums, they live on brick walls, alleyways, and café exteriors, transforming the streets into an open-air canvas of color, emotion, and storytelling. Each mural tells a different tale: some honor Nashville’s musical roots, others celebrate local culture, while a few are simply love letters to joy and imagination. You’ll find them scattered throughout neighborhoods like The Gulch, 12South, East Nashville, and Hillsboro Village, each district adding its own rhythm to the visual symphony. Standing before these works feels like stepping into the creative pulse of the city, a place where artistry isn’t locked away but shared freely, inviting passersby to pause, photograph, and connect. Whether it’s the famous “I Believe in Nashville” mural that’s become a pilgrimage spot for visitors, or the whimsical wings of Kelsey Montague’s “What Lifts You” mural that symbolize hope and individuality, every brushstroke adds to the city’s cultural heartbeat.
What you didn’t know about the Nashville Murals.
The rise of Nashville’s mural culture reflects the city’s evolution from a country-music capital to a global creative hub, one that celebrates not just sound, but sight and story.
While murals have long been a part of the urban landscape, their explosion in Nashville began in the early 2010s as local artists sought to reclaim underused spaces and give them new purpose. Many of the city’s most beloved pieces were born from grassroots collaborations between artists, small businesses, and communities eager to beautify their neighborhoods. The “I Believe in Nashville” mural, created by artist Adrien Saporiti, became a post-flood symbol of resilience after 2010, reminding locals that identity and pride can’t be washed away. Meanwhile, Kelsey Montague’s “What Lifts You” series, originally painted in The Gulch, launched a global movement encouraging people to reflect on what inspires them, and, of course, to capture the moment in photos that would travel far beyond the walls themselves. Newer works, like Kim Radford’s portraits of Dolly Parton and Bryan Deese’s music-inspired pieces, continue to push the scene forward, blending activism, pop culture, and local pride. The city now hosts dozens of rotating murals each year, with festivals like Nashville Walls Project inviting international artists to join in transforming public spaces. What many don’t realize is that these murals are carefully preserved, refreshed, retouched, and in some cases, digitally archived, ensuring that Nashville’s visual identity evolves while honoring its roots. The result is a citywide art experience that’s constantly in motion, always redefining what it means to be “Music City.”
How to fold the Nashville Murals into your trip.
Exploring the Nashville Murals is as much about discovering the neighborhoods as it is about the art itself, a self-guided adventure that fuses street culture, photography, and local flavor.
Start in The Gulch, home to the iconic “What Lifts You” wings mural, one of the most photographed spots in the city. From there, stroll to 12South, where the “I Believe in Nashville” mural anchors a lively corridor of boutiques, coffee shops, and eateries. Keep an eye out for the retro “Draper James” blue-and-white stripes and other hidden gems that make this area perfect for an afternoon walk. Next, venture to East Nashville, where creativity runs wild across eclectic façades, from abstract graffiti to politically charged art that captures the neighborhood’s indie spirit. If time allows, make your way to Germantown and Downtown Nashville, where newer works blend modern design with southern storytelling, often featuring musicians, poets, and unsung heroes of the city. For those who want a more curated experience, local companies like Nashville Mural Tours and Joyride offer guided routes that pair murals with local history and artist insights. Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best light for photos, and weekdays promise fewer crowds. End your mural crawl with a rooftop cocktail or live show nearby, a fitting finale to a day that celebrates creativity in every form. The Nashville Murals aren’t just backdrops for photos; they’re living art, a reflection of a city that believes beauty belongs on every corner, waiting for you to walk by and see it.
Hear it from the Foresyte community.
These murals are less background and more mood. Take your shots, but honestly just standing there and soaking it in feels different.
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