Best Denver Murals And Street Art In Denver
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Artist: Armando Silva
Location: 29th and Walnut Street
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A Guide To The Best Murals And Denver Street Art
If you plan to travel to Denver, Colorado, you’ll want to make a street art tour part of your list of must-see things. Denver is quietly the street art capital of the United States. And the street graffiti scene is truly incredible.
I have to start this post with an apology, as I had promised my next street art trip would include my faithful companion, Maddie, my French bulldog. Alas, it was too cold, and the streets were too filled with road salt to take Maddie with me on my photo journey. However, I still managed to get photos of the best Denver murals and street art in Denver.
Below, I’ll tell you where to go to find the best artwork in the city and share some of my favorite Colorado graffiti and murals. Get ready to enjoy some amazing mural art from the Mile High City.
Artist: Unknown
Location: S Cherokee Street & Jewell Avenue
What’s The Public Art Scene Like In Denver?
I’ve spent a lot of time snapping street art photos all around the world. While I’ve loved cities like New York, Los Angeles, Houston, Toronto, and Athens for their incredible art scenes, Denver may just take the prize for the most street art murals. I was really impressed by the city’s public art programs and street art festivals. They’ve resulted in a great many beautiful murals by artists from all over the globe.
Suffice it to say, the street art scene is one of the best in the world. The one downfall: if you visit in late fall or winter, you just might find yourself photographing it in the snow, as I did.
Artist: Unknown
Location: Larimer Street & 29th Street inside Ratio Beerworks
A Denver Graffiti Tour And Brewery Tour
We found a Denver mural tour that combined art with stops at some of Denver’s best breweries. While the tour was great fun and our guide was amazing, I can’t recommend this tour for viewing street murals. We saw a handful of graffiti walls and murals, but the focus was very clearly on beer. That said, it’s a fantastic beer tour, and you will find yourself in the RiNo district, so you’ll be able to explore on your own after the tour ends and check out some cool graffiti art.
For prices and tickets to the graffiti and beer tour, click here.
Artist: Unknown
Location: 26th Street & Larimer Street
Best Time To Visit Denver, Colorado
When it comes to visiting Denver, the best time to go largely depends on your preferences and interests. One of the most popular times to visit is during the summer months, from June to August. During this time, the city is blessed with warm and sunny weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and hanging out in a park or garden. Additionally, summer brings a vibrant festival scene, including the renowned Cherry Creek Arts Festival and the Colorado Renaissance Festival.
If you prefer cooler temperatures and thinner crowds, consider visiting in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the changing foliage paints the city in stunning colors. Winter enthusiasts, on the other hand, can take advantage of Denver’s proximity to world-class skiing resorts and enjoy the snowy wonderland from November to March.
Artist: Annie Lesniak
Location: Larimer Street & 29th Street
What Are The Crush Walls?
Spotlighting local, national, and international artists, CRUSH WALLS is Colorado’s largest urban art event. The art festival has been taking place for the past 12 years, bringing art out of the galleries and into the streets. This past year, over 80 murals were created as part of the event.
We had the pleasure of visiting Denver just after this year’s event, and the city was flush with new murals.
Artist: Unknown
Location: Larimer Street & 29th Street
Graffiti Alley
If you make only one stop in Denver to check out the street art scene, make it Graffiti Alley in the RiNo District. (More on the RiNo District below.) The alley is filled with some of the best murals in Denver featuring art from local artists like Pat Milbery and Casey Kawaguchi, as well as pieces from many US and international artists. The high concentration of art makes it a great place to spend an afternoon snapping photos.
Artist: @chromaj @cuttyup and @jher451
Location: 27th and Larimer Street
The Best Street Art In Denver And Where To Find It
RiNo (River North)
The RiNo Art District is the number one neighborhood for spotting street art in Denver. Larimer Street is the home of colorful walls and perfect Instagram backdrops. The RiNo neighborhood hosts the CRUSH festival, so there’s always new art popping up. If you make just one stop on your Denver street art tour, make it River North. There are more than 200 murals in this one neighborhood alone.
While you’re wandering, don’t forget about the alleyways. You’ll even find one properly labeled Graffiti Alley in Google Maps.
Colfax Avenue
East Colfax is popular for its many music venues, but it also has its fair share of Denver street art. Colfax used to be the main artery to get from one side of Denver to the other before highways came into being. The 40 West Art Line is a 4-mile walking and biking route with art lining the walkway.
Lower Highlands (LoHi)
This popular hipster neighborhood is another great area to find street art in Denver. The Navajo Arts District hosts several art events.
South Broadway
The South Broadway area is filled with public art. This neighborhood has a mix of commissioned pieces and more unconventional art. Tucked between various antique shops and restaurants, you’ll find some awesome hidden gems that aren’t as Instagram-popular as the walls in RiNo.
Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe
If you’re interested in more traditional galleries, head to this neighborhood. This art district offers both indoor and outdoor art. With over 30 galleries, there are tons of spots to check out while out enjoying a street art tour, so you get the best of both worlds.
Artist: Mando Marie
Location: Larimer Street &29th Street
Denver Urban Arts Fund
The Urban Arts Fund is another one of the city’s art initiatives. The Denver Arts program partners kids in the Denver metro area with local city artists to turn dilapidated walls into works of art. It’s designed to beautify the neighborhood and provide creative outlets for local youth.
Visit their website to find their Denver mural map.
Artist: Unknown
Location: Graffiti Alley & 30th Street
Time To Enjoy Some Denver Art
In a couple of hours, I was able to snap hundreds of photos around the RiNo district. I’m sharing some of my favorites below. I hope you enjoy.
Artist: Unknown
Location: Graffiti Alley & 30th Street
Artist: Unknown
Location: Graffiti Alley & 30th Street
Artist: @alexandrea_pang
Location: Graffiti Alley & 29th Street
Artist: The London Police
Location: Graffiti Alley & 29th Street
Artist: Unknown
Location: Graffiti Alley & 31st Street
Artist: Mike Graves
Location: Graffiti Alley & 31st Street
Artist: Mike Graves
Location: Graffiti Alley & 31st Street
Artist: UC Sepia
Location: 31st Street & Blake Street
Artist: Unknown
Location: Graffiti Alley & 31st Street
Artist: Unknown
Location: Graffiti Alley & 31st Street
Artist: Unknown
Location: Graffiti Alley & 31st Street
Artist: @ellestreetart
Location: 32nd Street & Graffiti Alley
Artist: Unknown
Location: 32nd Street & Blake Street
Artist: Mike Graves
Location: Blake Street & 32nd Street
Artist: PichiAvo
Location: Blake Street & 32nd Street
Artist: Unknown
Location: 17th Street & Wazee Street
Artist: Unknown
Location: 29th Street & Larimer Street
Artist: Unknown
Location: 29th Street & Graffiti Alley
Artist: Unknown
Location: 29th Street & Graffiti Alley
Artist: Menace Resa Astroe
Location: 29th Street & Walnut Street
Artist: Zach Yarrington
Location: 29th Street & Walnut Street
Artist: Koco Collab
Location: 29th Street & Walnut Street
Artist: Koco Collab
Location: 29th Street & Walnut Street
Artist: Alexandrea Pangburn
Location: 29th Street & Walnut Street
Artist: Unknown
Location: Graffiti Alley & 29th Street
Artist: Kaitlin Orin, Kaitlin Ziesmer
Location: Graffiti Alley & 29th Street
Artist: Ease One and Casey Kawaguchi
Location: Graffiti Alley & 29th Street
Artist: Casey Kawaguchi
Location: Graffiti Alley & 29th Street
Artist: Unknown
Location: Graffiti Alley & 29th Street
Artist: Unknown
Location: Graffiti Alley & 29th Street
Artist: Unknown
Location: Larimer Street & 28th Street
Artist: Casey Kawaguchi
Location: 28th Street & Graffiti Alley
Artist: AGPNT
Location: 2737 Larimer Street
Artist: Jeremy Burns “Larimer Boy”
Location: Larimer Street & 28th Street
Artist: AGPNT
Location: Larimer Street between 27th & 28th Streets
Artist: Unknown
Location: Larimer Street between 27th & 28th Streets
Artist: Unknown
Location: Larimer Street between 27th & 28th Streets
Artist: @Pat.McKinney, @PatMilbery, @LowKey_Creative
Location: Larimer Street & 27th Street
Artist: Carmen Richards
Location: 27th and RiNo Art Alley
Artist: Vyal One
Location: 27th Street & Graffiti Alley
Artist: Unknown
Location: Graffiti Alley & 27th Street
Artist: Unknown
Location: Graffiti Alley & 27th Street
Artist: Unknown
Location: Graffiti Alley & 27th Street
Artist: Unknown
Location: Graffiti Alley & 27th Street
Artist: Unknown
Location: Graffiti Alley & 27th Street
Artist: Jodie Herrera, Miles Toland
Location: Graffiti Alley & 27th Street
Artist: Unknown
Location: 27th Street & Graffiti Alley
Artist: DINKC, Shitty Kitten, Esic
Location: Alley 2, Denver Central Market
Artist: Molly Bounds + Sidney Masuga
Location: Larimer Street & 27th Street
Artist: @jcbl1
Location: Larimer Street Between 26th and 27th Streets
Artist: Unknown
Location: Larimer Street Between 26th and 27th Streets
Artist: Shepard Fairey
Location: Larimer Street Between 26th and 27th Streets
Artist: Lindee Zimmer
Location: Larimer Street Between 26th and 27th Streets
Artist: @seewalker_art
Location: Larimer Street Between 26th and 27th Streets
Artist: Mike Graves
Location: Larimer Street Between 26th and 27th Streets
Artist: Illson
Location: Larimer Street & 26th Street
Artist: Casey Kawaguchi
Location: Larimer Street & 26th Street
Artist: Illson
Location: Larimer Street & 26th Street
Artist: Unknown
Location: 26th Street & Larimer Street
Artist: Unknown
Location: 26th Street & Walnut Street
Artist: Unknown
Location: Graffiti Alley & 26th Street
Artist: Jason T. Graves, Remington Robinson
Location: 26th Street & Walnut Street
Artist: @ozjuahsepia
Location: Graffiti Alley & 26th Street
Artist: Unknown
Location: 26th Street & Graffiti Alley
Artist: Unknown
Location: 26th Street & Larimer Street
Artist: Unknown
Location: 26th Street & Larimer Street
Artist: Unknown
Location: 26th Street & Larimer Street
Artist: @PHER01
Location: Larimer Street & 26th Street
Artist: @sanguineskills
Location: Larimer Street & 26th Street
Artist: Unknown
Location: Larimer Street & 26th Street
Artist: Unknown
Location: Larimer Street & 26th Street
Artist: Unknown
Location: Larimer Street & 25th Street
Artist: Unknown
Location: Larimer Street & 25th Street
Artist: @Flowandroot
Location: 25th Street & Larimer Street
Artist: @Flowandroot
Location: 25th Street & Larimer Street
Artist: Aerosol Kingdom, TASTE
Location: Larimer Street & 25th Street
Artist: EL MAC, Hoxxoh
Location: Larimer Street & 25th Street
Artist: Jeremy Burns “Larimer Girl”
Location: Larimer Street & 27th Street
Artist: Alicia Cardenas
Location: 27th and Larimer Street
Artist: Unknown
Location: 27th Street & Larimer Street
Artist: JB Snyder
Location: 27th and Lawrence Street
Artist: @SydneyGJames
Location: 27th Street & Lawrence Street
Artist: Jeremy Novy
Location: Walnut Street & 27th Street
Artist: AJ Davis JD Pruitt
Location: Walnut Street between 27th & 28th Streets
Artist: @soulfulartnj
Location: Walnut Street & 28th
Artist: Keya Tama
Location: Walnut Street & 28th
Artist: Detour, Hiero Veiga, and Just
Location: 2811 Walnut St. in Five Points
Artist: Unknown
Location: Larimer Street & 29th
Artist: Vincent Gordon
Location: Larimer Street & 29th
All The Best Denver Murals And Denver Street Art
I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to the best Denver murals and street art in Denver. Although it was cold and the first snow of the year, it was still easy to make our way through the flat, paved streets and alleyways of Denver to see this amazing art. Whether you take a proper art tour or choose to go it without a guide, you will find the walkways wheelchair accessible and easy to navigate. The city does a great job of clearing sidewalks in winter.
If you happen to know one of the artists’ names that I have omitted, please share it in the comments below. I’d love to give proper attribution.
Frequently Asked Questions About Denver Murals and Street Art
Is Denver a good city for street art?
Yes. Denver has an impressive collection of murals, graffiti, sculptures, and other public artworks created by local and international artists. RiNo has the greatest concentration of murals, but you will also find art in Five Points, LoHi, the Art District on Santa Fe, and along West Colfax.
Where is the best street art in Denver?
The River North Art District, better known as RiNo, is the best place to begin. Concentrate on Larimer and Walnut Streets between approximately 25th and Thirty-first Streets, including the alleys and side streets connecting them. The official RiNo mural map can help you locate current works.
Where is Graffiti Alley in Denver?
The name Graffiti Alley is commonly used for the mural-filled alleys running through RiNo near Larimer and Walnut Streets. Rather than looking for one formally marked attraction, explore the alleys and surrounding blocks near Denver Central Market. Murals occasionally move, disappear, or acquire an entirely new personality overnight.
Is it free to see Denver’s murals?
Yes. Most Denver street art is displayed on exterior walls, alleys, fences, and public spaces that can be viewed without paying admission. Guided tours cost money, but a self-guided mural walk through RiNo or the 40 West ArtLine can be completely free.
How much time should I allow for Denver’s street art?
Allow approximately two hours for a relaxed walk through central RiNo. You could easily spend half a day if you want to photograph numerous murals, identify the artists, and stop at Denver Central Market, local galleries, or one of the neighborhood’s craft breweries.
Can I take a self-guided Denver street-art tour?
Yes. RiNo’s compact concentration of murals makes it easy to explore independently. Save the RiNo mural map on your phone, begin near Denver Central Market and follow Larimer and Walnut Streets, checking the alleys and side streets as you go.
Are guided Denver mural tours worth it?
A guided tour is worthwhile if you want to learn about individual artists, painting techniques, neighborhood history, and the meaning behind particular works. Some tours combine murals with brewery visits, which makes the experience part art lesson and part extremely colorful pub crawl.
Which artists should I look for in Denver?
Denver’s streets feature work by prominent Colorado artists such as Pat Milbery, Casey Kawaguchi, Detour, Armando Silva, and Mando Marie, along with visiting artists from around the world. Artist signatures and nearby plaques can help with identification, although not every mural is labeled.
Do Denver’s murals change frequently?
Yes. Street art is temporary by nature, and walls may be repainted when new festivals, commissions, or development projects arrive. Treat the locations in this guide as starting points rather than promises that every photographed mural will remain exactly where I found it.
Does the CRUSH WALLS festival still take place?
CRUSH WALLS is an older festival name that remains attached to many RiNo murals and online articles. More recent installations have appeared through DENVER WALLS and RiNo’s other public-art programs. Use the current RiNo mural database or DENVER WALLS map instead of relying on an older festival map.
What is the 40 West ArtLine?
The 40 West ArtLine is a free, approximately four-mile walking and cycling arts route featuring murals, sculptures, and interactive installations. It is located along West Colfax in neighboring Lakewood rather than central Denver. The route works well for visitors who want to see public art beyond RiNo.
Is the 40 West ArtLine wheelchair accessible?
The ArtLine was created as an accessible outdoor arts experience, but a four-mile route can still be demanding for visitors with limited stamina. Review the current route, nearby transit stops, construction, and pavement conditions before visiting, and complete only one section if the entire trail is too ambitious.
What is there to see in Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe?
The Art District on Santa Fe combines murals and outdoor installations with galleries, studios, museums, and cultural organizations. Its First Friday Art Walk is held throughout the year, although participating venues and street closures vary. Check the district’s current First Friday information before attending.
Can I see Denver street art using public transportation?
Yes. RTD buses and trains serve RiNo, Five Points, the Santa Fe arts district, and the West Colfax area. All RTD buses and rail vehicles provide accessibility features for mobility devices, although station layouts and boarding procedures vary. Consult the official RTD accessibility information when planning your route.
Do I need a car to explore Denver’s murals?
You do not need a car for RiNo, where many murals are concentrated within a walkable or rollable area. A car, rideshare or public transportation can make it easier to reach LoHi, Santa Fe Drive, and the 40 West ArtLine during the same trip.
Is Denver’s street art wheelchair accessible?
Much of RiNo has paved sidewalks, curb cuts, and relatively flat streets, and many murals can be viewed directly from public walkways. However, cracked pavement, construction, snow, loading vehicles, and narrow or uneven alleys may create barriers. Accessibility can change block by block, so leave extra time and be prepared to approach certain murals from another direction.
What is an easy street-art route for visitors with limited mobility?
Begin near Denver Central Market and explore a short section of Larimer and Walnut Streets around 26th through 29th Streets. This area provides a high concentration of artwork without requiring you to complete a long neighborhood loop. Use the market or another indoor business as a planned place to sit, eat, and recover between blocks.
Are there accessible Denver street-art tours?
Some Denver tours are advertised as wheelchair accessible, but accessibility depends on the precise route, tour length, and businesses included. Before booking, ask about curb cuts, alley surfaces, restroom access, seating, brewery entrances, and whether the guide can modify the route if necessary.
How can I explore Denver street art with a chronic illness?
Choose one small mural district rather than attempting every neighborhood in a single day. Denver’s elevation, dry air, sun exposure, and rapidly changing weather can make an easy walk surprisingly tiring. Carry water, schedule indoor breaks, and remember that stopping for lunch is a legitimate part of the tour, particularly if lunch involves tacos.
What is the best time of year to see Denver murals?
Late spring through early fall generally provides the most comfortable conditions for an outdoor mural walk. Street art can be viewed throughout the year, but winter snow and ice may obstruct sidewalks or make alleys more difficult to navigate. Denver weather changes quickly, so check the forecast and dress in layers.
What is the best time of day to photograph Denver murals?
Morning usually offers quieter sidewalks and softer light, while late afternoon can provide warmer colors. Lighting varies according to the direction each wall faces, so no single time is perfect for every mural. Avoid standing in traffic or blocking an active alley while attempting to achieve photographic immortality.
Are you allowed to photograph Denver street art?
Yes, casual photography from public sidewalks and other permitted spaces is generally acceptable. Respect private property, do not enter fenced areas or loading zones, and avoid touching, climbing on, or damaging the artwork. Commercial photography may require permission from the artist or property owner.
Is Denver street art appropriate for children?
Most mural districts are suitable for families, and children may enjoy turning the walk into a scavenger hunt for animals, faces, geometric patterns, or favorite colors. Some artworks address mature political or social themes, and busy streets and active alleys require close supervision.
Can I bring my dog on a Denver mural walk?
Dogs can accompany you through public streets and sidewalks where permitted, but they should remain leashed and away from wet paint, broken glass, and busy loading areas. Bring water and check pavement temperatures during warm weather. Road salt, snow and ice can also make winter walks uncomfortable for sensitive paws.
Is it safe to explore Denver’s murals alone?
RiNo and the other arts districts are popular visitor destinations, but they are still working urban neighborhoods. Explore during daylight, remain aware of traffic and construction, keep valuables secure, and avoid isolated alleys if an area makes you uncomfortable.
Are restrooms and places to sit available along the route?
Public restrooms are limited, but food halls, restaurants, breweries, and cafés provide opportunities for breaks when you are a customer. Denver Central Market is a convenient stop during a RiNo mural walk. Visitors with medical or mobility needs should identify several indoor rest stops before beginning rather than trusting their bladder to the artistic process.
Where can I find more public art in Denver?
Denver Public Art maintains a searchable collection containing murals, sculptures, paintings, and interactive works throughout the city. Its website also provides themed walking and cycling routes. Explore the current collection through the official Denver Public Art website.
Jenn Lloyd is a disabled travel blogger and television writer based in Los Angeles. After a successful career writing for shows like KC Undercover and The Thundermans, she launched Sick Girl Travels to share her experiences navigating the world with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, POTS, and fibromyalgia. Having visited 40 U.S. states, 39 countries, and all 7 continents, Jenn offers inclusive travel guides with accessibility tips for those with mobility challenges. Her work has been featured on CNN, Huffington Post, and Consumer Reports. When not traveling, she enjoys fostering dogs, photographing street art, and spending time with her French bulldog, Miss Madelyn Pew.
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Americas, Argentina, Buenos Aires, Street Art, South America
Americas, Argentina, Buenos Aires, Street Art, South America
Americas, Argentina, Buenos Aires, Street Art, South America