There are more than a few Nashville murals that have garnered national recognition. They’re hardly hidden due to the looping lines of guys and gals waiting to have their photo taken in front of them — likely to post to their Instagram page. However, beyond the “I Believe in Nashville” and wings of the city, there are some really neat and new murals hidden around Music City that even locals may not have seen yet. So whether you’re looking to explore a new area of the city, you want to be the first to ‘gram these works of art, or you simply want to snag a photo in front of a unique backdrop, read on for a few of Nashville’s lesser-known murals and street art.
The Nations Wall
5901 California Ave, Nashville, TN 37209
Tucked away on California Avenue in The Nations, you’ll find a wall covered in multiple individual murals. Each painted by a different artist, with various themes and styles, they are anchored in the center by a mural that says “We are The Nations.” Representing the inclusive nature of the neighborhood, these were painted by 11 different artists.
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Music on Wheels
934 Jefferson St, Nashville, TN 37208
On the side of Green Fleet Bicycle Shop, you’ll find musical greats Stevie Wonder, Etta James, Jimi Hendrix, Marian James and Little Richard biking down the street. These musicians all famously played on Jefferson Street before desegregation and the building of Interstate 40. The playful and uber-cool mural was created by the talented Yusef Hubb (@doughjoe) of Norf Art Collective.
NASHVILLE in food
5001 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37209
Located on the side of the now-shuttered Nashville Cash & Carry on Charlotte Avenue, this mural might just be one of our favorites. Each letter is formed out of a few delicious eats – with an homage to Nashville’s Goo Goo Cluster and, of course, some Southern biscuits. Michael Cooper of Murals & More has an incredible eye for detail, and his many murals around town illustrate it.
Off the Wall Nashville
3020 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37209
Spanning a 1200-foot wall on Charlotte Avenue, Off the Wall Nashville features multiple local artists’ work — each with its own style and message. Bright and colorful and no-doubt eye-catching, the wall of murals set out to contribute to the revitalization of the Charlotte corridor. With messages like “Take Flight” and “It’s Gonna Be OK,” a portrait of Jessi Zazu, a beacon for women’s health activism, as well as some striking abstract designs, the wall brings artistic inspiration to Charlotte Avenue.
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The Dreamboat Himself
5115 Centennial Blvd, Nashville, TN 37209
On the side of The Centennial, you’ll find a giant portrait of ’80s heartthrob Patrick Swayze painted by Nashville’s I Saw the Sign. With additional paintings of a surfer and large wave, the mural is inspired by the movie Point Break. Take a photo, check out the art and duck inside for dive bar vibes and a delicious burger.
A Mural We ‘Like’
306 46th Ave., Nashville, TN 37209
This little heart on the side of Vegan Vee has no frills. The symbol for an Instagram ‘like,’ it takes up just one small part of the white wall and provides a plethora of photo options. Ideal, of course, for a post on its namesake platform, hold up a treat from Vegan Vee or have a loved one stand beneath that little heart for a public display of your affection! Artist forBecks has painted these at a few popular stops around town and is also to thank for the Lego figures, popsicles and ice cream cones painted around town. It’s always a delight to spot one of his happy creations.
Another recent crush
1814 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212
One of the newest on the Nashville mural scene, this one was love at first sight. The puckered, dripping red lips by artist Donald Robertson adorn the alley wall of UAL — the new hot spot for photos. Donald, a fashion world favorite artist, was contacted by the UAL team to contribute, and he couldn’t turn down the giant, blank wall. The team at Eastside Murals brought his painting to life, and it’s now a gem in the heart of Hillsboro Village.
Music City, USA
600 Benton Ave, Nashville, TN 37204
In honor of the music that built our city, Wedgehill Market convenience store has a nostalgic cassette tape painted on the side of their building. Created by artist Josh Blevins, the unique mural spans the entire wall and makes use of the windows and other physical features of the building to illustrate the cassette.
House of Blues Murals
518 E Iris Dr, Nashville, TN 37204
Around the House of Blues studios in Berry Hill, you’ll find many of music’s favorite artists painted on fences in a Wall of Fame. Artist Scott Guion portrays legendary musical talents in multiple spaces in the area. Additionally, the studios are painted with bold patterns and fun designs creating an atmosphere of lightness and fun in the area. Certainly, there are plenty of photo opps in this loop of town!
Hot Air Balloon
1034 W Eastland Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
East Nashville’s murals range far and wide, but this one on the side of The Cleo has an interactive element. Visitors can “climb inside” the mural by hopping into the basket in front. The hot air balloon mural was the largest of all of Kelsey Montague’s murals last year — so large, in fact, it’s hard to capture it all in just one image! Kelsey is also responsible for the Gulch’s famous wings, and we’re happy she came back to create this beauty at the end of last year.
For Christmas Photos … Year-Round
2225 Bransford Ave, Nashville, TN 37204
Local favorite dive and karaoke bar Santa’s Pub features a fittingly holiday-themed mural on the side of their building. Created by Jacob Burrows, the depiction of Santa and his reindeer at Santa’s Pub — singing, rocking sunglasses and having a jolly old time — is zany and cheerful and perfect for adult kids-at-heart.
There you have it — a few of our favorite murals in Nashville. Tag us when you visit or the next time you spot a new one! We’re @styleblueprintnville.
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