Year after year, Oklahoma City continues to rank as one of the foremost cities in the U.S. for street art. Once again, USA Today praised OKC as a “veritable outdoor gallery,” with public art at seemingly every turn. In addition to a thriving indoor art scene, as evidenced by the always-stunning galleries and exhibitions at the likes of the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, there’s no shortage of outdoor murals to seek out as well.
Plaza Walls
Mural by Josh "ODDGRASS" Snodgrass
Lined with galleries, vintage shops, buzzy restaurants and murals, the Plaza District is far-and-away one of the artiest neighborhoods in OKC — a sentiment on full, illustrious display along the Plaza Walls. The vision of the Oklahoma Mural Syndicate, a non-profit organization working to highlight and foster public art throughout the state, the Plaza Walls are an ever-changing outdoor gallery, found mostly along an alley behind businesses like Dig It, Out on a Limb and Bad Granny’s Bazaar. Back here, practically every surface of every wall is covered with stunning art by local and national artists alike. One of the best ways to experience the Plaza Walls is during the annual Mural Expo, wherein 40-plus new murals are painted amidst a spirited street festival with live music, vendors and dancing.
Film Row
With a name like Film Row, celebrating the cinematic history of the West Village area of downtown OKC, art has always been a central facet along Sheridan Avenue and Main Street. Along with the galleries found within the neighborhood’s Fordson Hotel and the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, outdoor installations can be found on all sides of the historic Paramount Building, as well as on the massive parking garage at Sheridan and Classen, the one further east on Sheridan, by Walker and elsewhere on private businesses aplenty.
39th Street District
Follow the rainbow to 39th Street, home to one of the most colorful murals in the entire city. Here, in a district renowned for its nightlife and gay bars, the inclusive enclave features a huge mural that says “Everyone is Fabulous!” against a kaleidoscopic rainbow backdrop. It’s the marquee art attraction on a thoroughfare that’s increasingly lined with colorful benches, bike racks, rainbow flags and storefronts. Check out the rainbow heart mural on a massive planter in front of Happy Spell vintage boutique, and then hop across the street to check out Point A, a new gallery and event space with art pieces and drag shows. Find a map of the murals in the 39th Street District here.
Bricktown
Murals, nowadays, are practically everywhere in Bricktown. The downtown entertainment district, known for its nightlife, bars, tourist attractions and canal, has emerged as quite the artsy enclave as well, with some of the most prominent murals — depicting Native American characters and culture — in underpasses that link Bricktown with the rest of downtown to the west. You’ll also find murals along the canal and under bridges, as well as on the water taxis themselves. And on both the east and west side of the train line, along E.K. Gaylord Blvd., you’ll find elaborate murals depicting early OKC history and development.
Automobile Alley
Once known for its automobile production, Automobile Alley is now more known for its art than its cars. Here, you’ll find vibrant street art along 9th Street, where Factory Obscura also features gallery displays in its windows, and all over its front facade. Then there’s the Door Tour, a self-guided walking tour that highlights the numerous doors — 21 of them — covered with intricate installations by 13 artists along Broadway.
Classen Boulevard
For an extended mural crawl, drive up Classen Boulevard — and take it slow, so you have plenty of time to stop and gawk. Start at Classen Inn, a funky retro-inspired motel completely clad in pops of color, and a “Let’s Stay Together!” mural on the north side. Further north, you’ll pass iconic kitschy landmarks — the Gold Dome and the Milk Bottle Grocery building — en route to the “Greetings From Oklahoma City” mural, on the east side of the street, just north of 30th. Stop off at The Red Cup, an equally kitschy cafe around the corner from Classen, as famed for its vegan comfort food as it is for its eccentric, art-bedecked motif (including a giant Red Cup sculpture out front). Finally, turn left onto 35th Street to see a fresh batch of work from acclaimed local artist Denise Duong.
Find more information on where to find public art and murals across OKC here.
