Follow our mural trail to see the top 10 pieces of public art in Roanoke.
Known affectionately as the “Star City of the South,” Roanoke has more to offer than just its iconic Mill Mountain Star. The city’s vibrant mural scene is a colorful testament to its artistic spirit, adding life and character to its streets.
Whether you’re a longtime local or just visiting, exploring Roanoke’s mural trail is a fantastic way to experience the city’s creativity and history. From contemporary pieces to nods to the city’s rich heritage, these 10 murals are not just artwork—they’re a celebration of Roanoke’s heart and soul.
1. “Nightingale”
Location: 601 11th St NW, Roanoke, VA 24017
Created: 2023
Start your mural tour with “Nightingale,” a collaboration between Brazilian artist Thiago Valdi and local muralist Jon Murrill. This vibrant piece, featuring a portrait of Danielle Austin, a beloved educator, bursts with bright colors and symbolic imagery. According to the Roanoke Arts Commission, Valdi’s use of realism combined with Murrill’s expressive style creates a dynamic and uplifting tribute that reflects the community’s appreciation for Austin’s impact.
2. “Grandin Village Angel”
Location: Rockfish Food and Wine, Grandin Village, Roanoke, VA
Created: 2019
In Grandin Village, Jon Murrill’s “Grandin Village Angel” honors James Tarpley, a local hero known for his kindness and community spirit. This mural captures Tarpley’s warmth and generosity, immortalizing the man who was named Roanoke’s 2018 Citizen of the Year. As noted by the Roanoke Arts Commission, this mural continues to watch over the neighborhood and keeps Tarpley’s memory alive.
3. “Untitled Freedom First Mural”
Location: 207 Bullitt Ave SE, Roanoke, VA 24013
Created: 2023
James Bullough and Onur Dinc’s mural on the Freedom First headquarters is a celebration of Roanoke’s outdoor spirit. Featuring a rock climber ascending a cliff with McAfee’s Knob and the Blue Ridge Mountains in the background, this mural highlights the region’s natural beauty. The Roanoke Arts Commission describes this piece as a stunning reflection of the city’s adventurous lifestyle and scenic vistas.
4. “1218 Train Mural”
Location: 108 Church Ave SE, Roanoke, VA
Created: 2024
Jon Murrill’s “1218 Train Mural” is a tribute to the Norfolk and Western 1218 steam engine, an iconic symbol of Roanoke’s rail history. This mural celebrates the historic locomotive with intricate detail, serving as a reminder of the city’s rich railroad heritage. According to the Roanoke Arts Commission, Murrill’s work honors the legacy of this important piece of Roanoke’s history.
5. “Water Authority Mural”
Location: 601 S Jefferson St, Roanoke, VA 24011
Created: 2024
The “Water Authority Mural,” created by Elena Morales, a rising Senior at Northside High School, features a bright and impressionistic depiction of Carvins Cove. The mural, part of a contest celebrating the Authority’s twenty years of service, highlights the importance of clean water and showcases young artistic talent. The Roanoke Arts Commission praised the mural for its vibrant colors and creative representation of the city’s commitment to water conservation.
6. “Untitled (The Lofts at West Station Mural)”
Location: 357 Salem Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24016
Created: 2018
James Bullough’s abstract mural on The Lofts at West Station features a fragmented, free-falling woman, leaving the interpretation open to viewers. This piece, as highlighted by the Roanoke Arts Commission, encourages public engagement and reflection, embodying the artist’s belief in the power of art to provoke thought and conversation.
7. “Greetings from Roanoke”
Location: 709 S Jefferson St, Roanoke, VA 24016
Created: 2017
The “Greetings from Roanoke” mural, designed by Joe Collins with support from Virginia Western Community College and Downtown Roanoke, Inc., offers a playful, vintage postcard-style depiction of the city’s landmarks. Inspired by the “Greetings Tour” project, this mural captures the essence of Roanoke with its bright colors and nostalgic design. The Roanoke Arts Commission commends the mural for its cheerful representation of the city’s vibrancy.
8. “Untitled (Gramercy Row Apartment Residences Mural)”
Location: 206 Williamson Rd SE, Roanoke, VA 24013
Created: 2021
Nils Westergard’s mural at Gramercy Row features a man observing a butterfly, with intentional drips of paint adding a distinctive touch. Westergard’s style, known for its exploration of intimacy and fragility, is highlighted by the Roanoke Arts Commission for its unique approach and the way it adds depth to the city’s public art scene.
9. “Accentuated Forms in Space”
Location: Downtown Roanoke, VA
Created: 1979
Dorothy Gillespie’s “Accentuated Forms in Space” is a long-standing part of Roanoke’s public art collection. This abstract mural, created during the Artemis Festival of Women in the Arts, features fluid shapes and vibrant colors that reflect the city’s artistic energy. The Roanoke Arts Commission celebrates this mural as a shining example of community collaboration and artistic expression.
10. “Untitled Sidecar Mural”
Location: 411 1st St SW, Roanoke, VA 24011
Created: 2024
Jon Murrill’s “Untitled Sidecar Mural” at the Sidecar restaurant depicts a classic motorbike and sidecar rendered in elegant black, white, and gold hues. This mural not only enhances the restaurant’s ambiance but also reflects Murrill’s skill in blending art with everyday spaces. The Roanoke Arts Commission appreciates how this piece contributes to the city’s cultural landscape and provides a visual treat for diners.
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
