Are you looking for the BEST murals in Portland, Oregon? If so, this restless local has you covered.
My husband and I have spent most of our time at home since COVID hit. Out of sheer frustration, we drove around aimlessly in search of the best murals in Portland. And let me tell you – we live in an artsy place!
If you’re interested in street art, here’s a roundup of the 20 best murals in Portland. I hope you enjoy.
Best Murals in Portland
Keep Portland Weird | 350 West Burnside St.
Let’s start with a classic. Because no one will believe you were actually here unless they see this photo – myself included. The Keep Portland Weird sign (and slogan) has become synonymous with this town so make sure to visit!
But it’s not too surprising because it’s mere steps from Voodoo Doughnuts, and who doesn’t go there when visiting Portland for the first time?
Bad Karma Mural | 1875 SE Belmont St.
Talk about making a statement – I LOVE this mural and consider it my favorite in Portland. It’s massive, so I couldn’t get it all in one shot, but even if I could – I wouldn’t.
Why? Because of the detail! The colorful portraits and the life in this piece. Everything demands attention.
Untitled | SE Hawthorne & 10th St.
I’ll be honest with you – I have absolutely NO idea what this mural is supposed to mean. But I really enjoy the colors and the artist is clearly talented.
Does it mean we all walk around with masks? I don’t know but I feel compelled to talk with a therapist now, so there’s that.
Rhino Mural | 1300 SE Morrison St.
Faces Mural | NE 22nd Ave at Alberta Street
The artist behind this vibrant and bold mural is Tom Cramer, a Portland original. His first big-name mural was Machine and it was recently demolished and the lot used for new construction.
Such a bitter-sweet goodbye to Portland’s past yet a clear testament to changing times. We change, we adapt.
To Oregon With Love | NE 22nd Ave. & Alberta St.
This mural has caught the eye of locals and tourists alike. It’s such a sweet piece of art.
Art Fills the Void! | SE 12th & Division St.
This mural was created as a protest to the existence of “such a boring blank wall.”
Originally drawn in 1982, this is Portland’s oldest surviving community murals. After decades of tagging, fading and haphazards attempt to refresh the mural, it was finally restored in the Summer of 2015.
Swimming Elephant | 2314 NE Alberta St.
Blind Insect Gallery | 2827 NE Alberta Street
It’s no surprise that most colorful murals will be found in the Alberta Arts District. This lively gem is no exception. I mean, look at those deep shades of blue and the pop of color on the flowers!
La Bonita | 2839 NE Alberta St.
Untitled | 412 SW 12th Ave.
I love this mural because it’s a study of contrasts. This (unbelievably) detailed aging woman soars through the air adorned in the clothing of youth. I love the detail and colors in this one and the jawbone necklace is something else.
Flamingos | 521 NE 21st Ave.
What’s cuter than a flamingo mural? Two flamingos. And what’s even cuter than that? A flamingo mural on the wall of a pie shop. Come for the birds, stay for the pie my friends.
Attitude of Gratitude | 904 SE Division St.
Get this, there are more than 1,000 living plants that make up the woman’s hair in this 70 foot mural. Talk about crazy!
It’s a beautiful work of art and the plants take it to the next level.
No Parking Octopus | Mississippi Street
This one is under the radar for most folks and, honestly, I don’t know why I like it so much. Either way, I think it’s a very clever way to prevent folks from parking – talk about eye catching.
Also, make sure to read: Local’s Guide to Mississippi Street before visiting.
Rebuilding Center | 3625 N Mississippi Ave.
Mississippi is FULL of colorful art – and I mean COLORFUL. Walk down Mississippi Avenue and you’ll know what I’m talking about in no time. This mural is a new addition in the neighborhood and I welcome it with open arms!
Untitled | 225 SW 6th Ave.
I mean, who can’t relate to the man mesmerized by the apple logo? I think this mural reflects on our culture of greed and consumption. Mind you, I couldn’t find history on this mural, so this is merely my opinion.
The Fair Haired Dumbbell | 11 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
This building was greeted by Portlanders with mixed feelings. Some love it, some hate it. Now that it’s settled into the city, I have to admit I enjoy seeing it because the colors make me happy.
It’s really nice to have artwork on buildings as opposed to typical gray stone, glass or metal. So I am definitely here for this cool piece of art!
Mudshark Studios | 1930 NE Oregon St.
Bridgetown Aikido | 336 NE 28th St.
This mural reminds me of the panda from Kung Fu Panda. I love the colors and the asian-inspired style.
Pambiche Mural | 2811 NE Glisan St.
This mural adorns a well-loved Cuban restaurant so it makes sense that the mural would pay homage to the culture of Cuba.
Local’s tip: Pambiche is a really good restaurant, I highly recommend grabbing a bite!
Black United Fund | 2828 NE Alberta St.
I find this mural very moving. It’s incredibly detailed and tells so many stories.
Best Murals Portland, Oregon (Post Summary)
In sum, the best murals in Portland are:
- Keep Portland Weird | 350 West Burnside St.
- Bad Karma | 1875 SE Belmont St.
- To Oregon With Love | NE 22nd Ave. & Alberta St.
- Rhino Mural | 1300 SE Morrison St
- Attitude of Gratitude | 904 SE Division St.
- Faces Mural | NE 22nd Ave at Alberta St.
- Art Fills the Void! | SE 12th & Division St.
- Swimming Elephant |2314 NE Alberta St.
- Flamingos |521 NE 21st Ave.
- The Fair Haired Dumbbell | 11 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Further Reading
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I hope you enjoyed this guide about Portland murals! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Until next time,
Antonina
Darla Garcia says
You chose some great murals to showcase here. There are a couple more I thought you’d include (but maybe you don’t know them? if not, I think you will like them!). On SW 11th & Washington downtown is a beautiful tall mural of a woman from behind – it’s gorgeous. Also, Gary Hirsch (he has a Ted Talk!) does Joybots (or Botjoy – I’ve seen it both ways) and they are all over town – there are some by the Trimet headquarters on SE 17th. Also, this might be up your alley – do you know about ‘ghost signs’? These are old signs/billboards that were painted on the sides of buildings from back when that’s how billboard-style advertising was done. Sometimes they are super faded and sometimes obscured by newer buildings that were built next to them. They are really interesting – Portland has a lot of them (Seattle too).
Jillianne Bandstra says
There’s a new one on NW Couch Street between Broadway and 6th Avenue you might be interested in checking out. It’s an interactive singing mural! When you hold your phone up to the mural, the images come to life and you’ll hear voices of the Portland Lesbian Singers, Portland Gay Men’s Chorus and Maybelle Community Singers.