How to Find Street Art Murals in Richmond

Richmond, Virginia, is a city where history breathes through cobblestone alleys and modern creativity explodes across warehouse walls. Once known primarily for its Civil War legacy and tobacco warehouses, Richmond has evolved into one of the most vibrant street art destinations in the southeastern United States. From politically charged murals in the East End to whimsical illustrations in the Fan District, the city’s public art scene tells stories that traditional museums often overlook. Finding these murals isn’t just about snapping photos—it’s about engaging with community voices, understanding cultural narratives, and experiencing urban transformation firsthand. Whether you’re a local resident, a visiting art enthusiast, or a digital nomad seeking authentic experiences, learning how to find street art murals in Richmond opens a door to the soul of the city. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to uncovering Richmond’s hidden and iconic murals, along with expert tips, essential tools, real-world examples, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Step-by-Step Guide

Finding street art murals in Richmond requires more than just walking around with a camera. It demands strategy, local knowledge, and a willingness to explore beyond the obvious. Follow this structured approach to maximize your chances of discovering meaningful, high-quality murals across the city.

1. Research Neighborhoods Known for Street Art

Not all neighborhoods in Richmond are created equal when it comes to street art. Some areas have become intentional canvases for artists, while others remain untouched. Start by identifying the top districts known for their murals:

• The East End – Centered around the 2500 block of Broad Street and extending into the Manchester neighborhood, this area is home to the Richmond Mural Project and numerous independent commissions. The East End is the epicenter of large-scale, politically resonant works.
• The Fan District – Known for its Victorian architecture, the Fan also features curated murals on the sides of cafes, boutiques, and apartment buildings. Look for pieces near West Franklin Street and the intersection with Belvidere Street.
• Scott’s Addition – A former industrial zone now transformed into a craft beer and arts hub, Scott’s Addition hosts rotating murals on brewery walls and under bridges. Many are commissioned by local businesses.
• Manchester – Across the James River from downtown, Manchester has become a canvas for emerging artists. The area around the Manchester Bridge and the old tobacco warehouses often features bold, colorful works.
• Shockoe Bottom – While historically significant, this area has seen a surge in mural activity tied to social justice themes and community revitalization efforts.

Focus your initial exploration on these zones. Each has a distinct aesthetic and cultural context, so knowing what to expect helps you appreciate the art more deeply.

2. Use Digital Maps and Crowdsourced Platforms

Modern technology has made locating murals easier than ever. Begin your hunt using digital tools designed for urban exploration:

• Google Maps – Search “street art Richmond VA” or “murals Richmond.” Look for pins with photos uploaded by users. Many local photographers and tourists have tagged murals with detailed descriptions.
• StreetArtCities.com – A global database of urban art with a dedicated Richmond page. Filter by location, artist, or year to find verified murals.
• Instagram – Search hashtags like

  RichmondMurals, #RichmondStreetArt, #RichmondVAart, or #RVAstreetart. Look at recent posts (last 6–12 months) to identify newly painted works. Save the geotagged locations for later visits.

• Google Earth – Use the historical imagery feature to compare how areas have changed. Some murals are temporary; seeing when they appeared can help you track down replacements or related pieces.

Bookmark or screenshot these locations. Create a custom map using Google My Maps to plot your targets, add notes about accessibility, and assign priority levels.

3. Visit Local Art Organizations and Galleries

Many murals are commissioned or promoted by local arts nonprofits. These organizations often maintain public lists, walking tour schedules, or even physical maps:

• Richmond Mural Project (RMP) – Founded in 2014, RMP is the city’s largest public art initiative. Their website and social media pages list all completed murals, artist bios, and unveiling dates. Visit richmondmuralproject.org for downloadable maps.
• Visual Arts Center of Richmond – Offers guided walking tours during spring and fall. Even if you don’t join a tour, their front desk often has printed guides to public art.
• The Valentine Museum – While primarily a history museum, they host rotating exhibits on Richmond’s urban art evolution and sometimes distribute maps of key mural sites.

Don’t hesitate to call or email these organizations. Staff are often passionate about local art and happy to share insider tips—like which murals are scheduled for restoration or which alleys are safe to explore after dark.

4. Walk with Purpose: The Art of the Urban Exploration

Once you’ve mapped your targets, it’s time to hit the streets. Walking is the most effective way to discover murals because many are tucked into unexpected places—between dumpsters, on fire escapes, under overpasses, or on the sides of shuttered stores.

Adopt these walking habits:

• Walk slowly. Murals are often high up or partially obscured by vines, signs, or parked cars. Look up, down, and around corners.
• Visit during daylight hours, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when lighting is optimal for viewing and photography.
• Bring a small notebook or use your phone’s notes app to record the address, artist name (if visible), and your impressions. This helps you remember details later.
• Look for artist signatures. Many muralists sign their work in small, subtle ways—sometimes just initials, a symbol, or a date. These signatures can help you research the artist online.
• Check for QR codes. Some newer murals include scannable codes that link to videos about the artwork’s meaning, interviews with the artist, or related community events.

Don’t limit yourself to main roads. Some of the most powerful murals are in alleys like the one behind the former Virginia Museum of Fine Arts annex on West Main Street or the hidden passage near 12th and Broad.

5. Talk to Locals and Business Owners

Residents and shopkeepers often know more about the murals than any guidebook. They may have watched the painting process, met the artist, or hosted the mural’s unveiling.

When you see a mural near a café, bookstore, or hardware store, go inside and ask:

• “Did you commission this mural?”
• “Do you know who painted it?”
• “Has it been here long? Was there a ceremony?”

Many artists are local residents who work part-time jobs while creating. A barista at a coffee shop might tell you the mural was painted by a former student from Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of the Arts. These human connections turn a photo op into a meaningful encounter.

6. Time Your Visits for Seasonal Events

Richmond’s mural scene is dynamic. New pieces appear regularly, especially during these key events:

• Richmond Mural Project’s Annual Unveiling (September) – Each fall, RMP hosts a weekend of new mural reveals across the city. Check their calendar in late summer.
• Richmond Folk Festival (October) – While focused on music, this event often includes pop-up art installations and mural tours.
• First Friday Art Walk (Monthly) – Held on the first Friday of every month, this event draws hundreds to galleries and street art sites in the Fan, Scott’s Addition, and East End. Many murals are highlighted with artist talks.
• Virginia Commonwealth University’s Spring Art Show – VCU students often paint murals off-campus as part of community engagement. Check the university’s public art calendar.

Plan your trip around these events to witness murals being created in real time—or to see the newest additions before they’re widely documented online.

7. Document and Verify Your Discoveries

After finding a mural, take the time to verify its authenticity and context:

• Search the artist’s name on Instagram or Behance. Many muralists maintain portfolios.
• Use Google Reverse Image Search to see if the mural has been featured in news articles or blogs.
• Check local news archives. Outlets like Style Weekly, Richmond Times-Dispatch, and RVA Magazine often cover mural projects.
• Contribute your findings to community platforms like StreetArtCities or the Richmond Mural Project’s submission form. Your documentation helps preserve the city’s art history.

Proper documentation ensures that even if a mural is painted over, its story survives.

Best Practices

Respecting the art, the community, and the environment is essential when seeking out street art. These best practices ensure your experience is ethical, safe, and sustainable.

1. Never Deface or Alter Murals

Street art is fragile. Spray paint, stickers, or graffiti over existing murals are not just vandalism—they erase cultural expression. Even if you disagree with a mural’s message, preserve its integrity. The same applies to touching the wall or attempting to remove dirt or graffiti yourself.

2. Respect Private Property

Many murals are painted on private buildings. While they’re visible from public sidewalks, entering yards, climbing fences, or trespassing to get a “better shot” is unacceptable. Always photograph from public rights-of-way.

3. Avoid Peak Hours for Photography

Some murals are located near busy intersections or popular cafes. Be mindful of pedestrians, drivers, and business operations. Avoid blocking doorways, sidewalks, or bike lanes while taking photos. If you need a long exposure or tripod, choose less crowded times like early morning.

4. Support Local Artists and Businesses

When you find a mural commissioned by a local business—like a brewery or boutique—support them. Buy a coffee, a pint, or a t-shirt. Many muralists are paid through small business sponsorships. Your patronage helps sustain the ecosystem that makes these artworks possible.

5. Be Aware of Safety and Lighting

Some mural locations, especially in industrial zones or under bridges, may be poorly lit or isolated after dark. Stick to well-trafficked areas during evening hours. If exploring at night, go with a friend and carry a flashlight. Trust your instincts—if a location feels unsafe, leave.

6. Educate Yourself on the Art’s Meaning

Many Richmond murals address themes of racial justice, environmentalism, or historical memory. Before sharing a photo on social media, take a moment to understand its context. Misrepresenting a mural’s message can perpetuate harm. Read artist statements, check local news coverage, or visit the Richmond Mural Project’s website for background.

7. Leave No Trace

Bring a reusable water bottle. Don’t litter. If you see trash near a mural, pick it up. These artworks are part of the public realm—they deserve care. Your small act helps maintain the beauty of the space for others.

8. Share Responsibly on Social Media

Tag the artist if you know their handle. Use location tags like

RichmondMurals or #RVAstreetart to help others discover the art. Avoid posting exact addresses if the mural is on private property without permission. Instead, describe the general area (e.g., “near the intersection of Broad and 12th”).

Tools and Resources

Equipping yourself with the right tools makes your mural hunt efficient, rewarding, and safe. Here’s a curated list of digital and physical resources to enhance your experience.

Digital Tools

• Google Maps / Google Earth – Essential for pre-trip planning and geotagging locations. Use the “Saved” feature to create a custom list titled “Richmond Murals to Visit.”
• StreetArtCities.com – The most comprehensive global database for street art. Includes verified locations, artist profiles, and historical photos.
• Instagram – Search hashtags:

  RichmondMurals, #RichmondStreetArt, #RVAstreetart, #RichmondArt, #RichmondVA. Follow local artists like @sarahjenningsart, @muralistjames, and @richmondmuralproject.

• Google Reverse Image Search – Upload a photo of a mural to find where else it’s been featured. Great for identifying artists or verifying authenticity.
• Mapillary – A crowdsourced street-level imagery platform. Useful for viewing murals from multiple angles and tracking changes over time.
• Waze or Apple Maps – Helpful for real-time navigation to mural clusters. Use the “Explore” feature to find nearby points of interest.

Physical Resources

• Richmond Mural Project Map – Download a free PDF or pick up a printed copy at the Visual Arts Center or the Richmond Public Library’s Main Branch.
• Richmond Street Art Walking Tour Brochure – Available at visitor centers near the James River and the Science Museum of Virginia.
• Local Art Books – “Walls of Richmond: Public Art in the River City” by Linda Williams (2021) is an excellent resource with photographs and interviews.
• Smartphone with Offline Maps – Download Google Maps or Maps.me offline for areas with spotty cellular service, especially in industrial zones.
• Portable Charger – You’ll be using your phone’s GPS and camera extensively. A compact power bank ensures you won’t run out of battery mid-tour.
• Lightweight Notebook and Pen – For jotting down artist names, locations, and personal reflections. Digital notes can be lost; handwritten ones endure.

Online Communities

• Reddit: r/Richmond – A lively community where locals post about new murals, ask for help identifying artists, and share behind-the-scenes stories.
• Facebook Groups: “Richmond Street Art Enthusiasts” – A private group with over 8,000 members. Members post photos, organize meetups, and share tips on mural preservation.
• Nextdoor – Often used by neighborhood associations to announce mural projects or request help reporting vandalism.

Mobile Apps

• Art Everywhere – A global app that overlays famous artworks onto real-world locations. While it doesn’t cover Richmond murals yet, it’s useful for comparing styles.
• Google Lens – Point your camera at a mural signature or symbol to search for similar images. Useful for identifying unknown artists.
• Adobe Lightroom Mobile – For editing your photos to enhance color and contrast, especially if murals are in shadowed alleys.

Real Examples

To ground this guide in reality, here are five standout murals in Richmond that exemplify the diversity, power, and craftsmanship of the city’s street art scene.

1. “We Are the Ones We’ve Been Waiting For” – 2500 Block of Broad Street

Painted in 2017 by artist M. M. S. (Morgan M. Smith) as part of the Richmond Mural Project, this 50-foot-tall portrait depicts a Black woman holding a child, surrounded by swirling patterns of African textiles and natural elements. The mural was commissioned in response to the 2017 Unite the Right rally and has since become a symbol of resilience. The artist used 30 gallons of paint and worked with local youth to select the imagery. QR codes on the base link to interviews with the subject and community members.

2. “The River Remembers” – Manchester Bridge Underpass

Located beneath the Manchester Bridge, this mural by VCU student collective “River Voices” depicts the James River as a living entity, with fish, indigenous symbols, and historical figures woven into the water’s flow. Painted in 2021, it honors the river’s ecological and cultural significance to Native American communities and enslaved people who crossed it during the Underground Railroad. The mural is illuminated at night with solar-powered LED strips.

3. “Freedom is a Constant Struggle” – Shockoe Bottom, near 5th and Marshall

A collaborative piece by six local artists, this mural features quotes from civil rights leaders—Sojourner Truth, James Baldwin, Angela Davis—intertwined with abstract forms representing chains breaking. Painted in 2020 during the George Floyd protests, it was funded by community donations and has been maintained by volunteers ever since. The mural’s location near the former slave auction block adds profound historical weight.

4. “The Library of Lost Stories” – Scott’s Addition, 1500 Block of W. Leigh Street

Commissioned by a local brewery, this whimsical mural by artist Lila Chen depicts an open book floating above a library of floating shelves, each holding a different object—a teapot, a violin, a key, a bird. The piece celebrates storytelling and imagination. Visitors are encouraged to leave notes in a nearby box, which are collected and archived by the brewery. It’s one of the few murals in Richmond that evolves over time.

5. “Mother and Child, Reimagined” – The Fan District, 1100 Block of W. Franklin Street

A tender, large-scale portrait of a Black mother holding her child, painted in soft pastels by Richmond native Tasha Greene. The mural was inspired by the artist’s own daughter and was created after she lost her brother to gun violence. The mural’s background includes tiny handwritten names of local victims of violence. It has become a site of quiet remembrance, with flowers and candles often left at its base.

Each of these murals tells a different story—but together, they form a mosaic of Richmond’s identity: complex, resilient, and deeply human.

FAQs

Are all street art murals in Richmond legal?

Most murals in Richmond are commissioned and legally permitted, especially those created through the Richmond Mural Project, local businesses, or nonprofit initiatives. However, some smaller pieces—particularly in alleys or abandoned buildings—are considered graffiti and may be removed by the city. Always assume a mural is legal unless it’s clearly tagged with “Graffiti” or “Removed” signs. If in doubt, check the Richmond Mural Project’s official map.

Can I take photos of murals and sell them?

Photographing murals for personal use is always allowed. Selling prints or merchandise featuring a mural requires permission from the artist and, in many cases, the property owner. Many artists retain copyright to their work, even when painted on public or private walls. Contact the artist directly via social media or through the Richmond Mural Project for licensing inquiries.

How long do murals last in Richmond?

Typically, murals last 3–7 years, depending on weather, sun exposure, and maintenance. Murals on north-facing walls or under cover (like bridges or overhangs) last longer. The Richmond Mural Project maintains a “Mural Registry” that tracks which pieces have been restored or repainted. Some murals are intentionally temporary, designed to fade with time as part of their message.

Are there guided walking tours for street art in Richmond?

Yes. The Visual Arts Center of Richmond offers seasonal guided tours, and local tour companies like RVA Urban Adventures include street art in their “Hidden Richmond” itineraries. Private tours can also be arranged through the Richmond Convention and Visitors Bureau. Tours are especially valuable during the annual Richmond Mural Project unveiling in September.

What should I do if I see a mural being vandalized?

If you witness vandalism, document the incident with photos (without intervening) and report it to the Richmond Police Department’s non-emergency line or the Richmond Mural Project. Many murals are protected under the city’s public art ordinance, and vandals can face fines. If the mural is on private property, notify the business owner.

Can I request a mural on my building?

Yes. The Richmond Mural Project accepts applications from property owners who want to host a mural. The process involves submitting a proposal, securing permission from the city, and working with an artist. There is no cost to the property owner—funding comes from grants and sponsorships. Visit richmondmuralproject.org/apply for details.

Is Richmond’s street art scene growing?

Absolutely. Since 2014, over 120 murals have been completed across the city, with an average of 15–20 new pieces added each year. The city has invested in public art funding, and local artists are increasingly recognized as cultural contributors. Richmond now rivals cities like Philadelphia and Miami in mural density and artistic quality.

Conclusion

Finding street art murals in Richmond is more than a scavenger hunt—it’s an act of cultural discovery. Each mural is a brushstroke in the city’s evolving story, reflecting its pain, pride, resistance, and hope. By following the steps outlined in this guide—from researching neighborhoods and using digital tools to talking with locals and respecting the art—you become not just a viewer, but a steward of Richmond’s public imagination.

The murals you find may fade over time. The weather will wear them down. New ones will rise in their place. But the connections you make—the stories you learn, the artists you meet, the questions you ask—will endure. In a world increasingly dominated by screens and algorithms, Richmond’s street art reminds us that beauty, meaning, and community are still painted by hand, one wall at a time.

Grab your shoes, your camera, and your curiosity. The next mural is waiting—just around the corner.