The 10 Best Louisville Murals You Need to See (and Their Locations)

Since I moved to Louisville, I've been pleasantly surprised to find it shared a lot of similarities with home: good food, friendly people, and a thriving art scene. While not quite as ubiquitous as in New Orleans, studios are dotted across the city, with the focal point being NULU's East Market Street.

I had never set foot in Louisville before coming here to work. I was more than rethinking my decision when I saw what their version of downtown was. I had come from a sprawling urban area, full of art, music, and food, and was unable to comprehend what appeared to be a deserted and sleepy city. It took a little time, but before long I discovered Louisville wasn’t all that different. And my favorite part? A city of murals and graffiti that told a story of the city and people that occupied it.

There aren’t many “legitimate” murals in New Orleans, due to the age of the city. In addition, much of the graffiti, even walls claimed by Banksy, was dethroned by the “grey ghost”. So, needless to say, I was a little surprised and fascinated when I first came across a Louisville mural.

I did a little research, being an art and graffiti lover, and was surprised to find few resources that organized such accomplishments. Naturally, I quickly took to the streets with my camera and tried to document as many as possible. So, without further ado, I’d like to share some of my favorites with you.

Keep a lookout for my most Instagram-worthy Louisville locations in the near future!

Where: 736 East Market Street
Who: The Art Cartel
What: Albeit slightly creepy, this thoroughly awesome chicken king is one of my favorites in Louisville. It makes up the exterior wall of NULU's Royals Hot Chicken. When you go, stop inside for the best hot chicken sandwich around and a bourbon milkshake!

Where: 403 East Market Street
Who: Design: Bryan Patrick Todd & Kirby's Custom Signs
What: I've quickly become a fan of Bryan Todd since moving to Louisville, because his murals are ubiquitous and beautiful. This one is right down the street from The Falls City Brewery, and is definitely a visit worth repeating.

Where: 113 West Market Street
Who: Sponsored by Spinellis Pizzeria
What: From what I can tell, this sponsored mural has morphed over the years to include this face that is face that is familiar to everyone I've asked, but no one was able to name.

Where: 3950 Taylorsville Road
Who: Liz Richter
What: Former school teacher Liz Richter painted this as both a beautiful ode to Hike Point's history and a nod towards its bright future. I stumbled upon it at the end of my mural search, but loved the colors and details enough to make sure I included it.

Where: 1009 East Broadway
Who: Unknown
What: I don't even know what all is going on in this mural-graffiti mashup, but I kind of love it. A lot. If I'm going to be honest, this is the background on my phone... and laptop... and maybe a print in my house. Though I can't exactly discern who even created the thing, I hope I see more of it. It's kind of what I hope the apocalypse will actually look like: colorful and trippy instead of zombie-ridden.
Also nearby: Muhammed Ali mural (more to see later).

Where: 1158 Bardstown Road
Who: Design: Bryan Patrick Todd & Kirby's Custom Signs
What: Haughtily displayed and frequently photographed, this is probably my favorite mural on my side of town. "The Highlands- weird, independent, and proud" is a mural that allows us all to embrace our "inner Urkel".

Where: 1025 Barret Avenue
Who: Unknown
What: Hunter S. Thompson: Kentuckian, writer, badass. Some time after his passing in 2005, Money Wrench owner, Dennie Humphrey, had this ode to his lifelong successes painted on the side of her bar. Despite having dated someone in the past that shared his name, I've not had the pleasure of reading anything noteworthy of Thompson. After learning of his roots in Kentucky, I can say he's at the top of my reading list for 2017.

Where: 2118 South Preston Street
Who: Rebecca L. Baldwin
What: Though I haven't had the pleasure of tasting any of the made-to-order cakes, doughnuts, or other confections from Nord's Bakery, I've heard pretty enticing things. I'm not exactly sure where the bacon comes in, but if it's anywhere as tasty as this mural looks though, I'm in.

Where: 1220 Logan Street
Who: T yler Deeb
What: The side of the Bornstein Building made me stop and take a closer look. What I didn't realize is I should've taken a step back. Not only because the mural is a pixelated image of flowers (best seen from afar) and because when artists were painting the mural they was robbed at gunpoint. This is one of my favorite murals in the city, but definitely take heed when stopping to snap a picture.

Where: 225 South Clay Street
Who: Unknown
What: Probably my favorite mural in Louisville. Maybe only nearly as cool as actually working for VIA Studio, this wall is just so overwhelmingly awesome. Are you hiring?