The murals found around Nashville make for more than just artsy photo ops. Symbols of Nashville’s past and future, they are a true testament to the city’s creative and eclectic spirit enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Learn the stories behind some of the most recognizable murals and the artists who painted them.

By Madison Bennett ● April 20, 2018

"I Believe in Nashville"
This iconic mural stemmed from local artist Adrien Saporiti’s desire for a Nashville symbol that celebrates the city in a way that both residents and visitors would be proud of. Now one of the city’s most popular photo ops, the mural’s message is loud and clear: Nashville pride is strong, and people everywhere are jumping on board to celebrate its unique culture. This mural is painted in several different locations, and you can find other murals created by Saporiti around Nashville, too. Learn More

Carter's Vintage Guitar Shop Mural
Before the guitar was popular in country music, “Mother” Maybelle Carter was a master of the instrument, even inventing a playing style known as the “Carter scratch” that is still revered today. It’s no surprise that Carter Vintage Guitars chose to depict Carter holding her vintage Gibson guitar in the mural on the side of their store. Artists Jenna Boyko Colt and Brian Law of Vermillion Murals used vintage styles and colors to capture the retro feel of the store. Learn More

"What Lifts You"
Artist Kelsey Montague created the campaign #WhatLiftsYou, which encourages people to pose in front of a giant pair of wings and post about what inspires them. While it’s a worldwide campaign, each set of wings is unique to the city they are found in. Nashville’s wings have guitars, boots, and the skyline hidden throughout the design. A whopping 20 feet tall, they are the tallest wings Montague has ever painted, which is why it’s no surprise that this mural is one of the most popular photo ops in the city. Learn More

"I & I"
In 2017, Instagram started a campaign to support LGBT communities in five cities across the world. They commissioned artist Adrien Saporiti (“I Believe in Nashville”) to create a geometric rainbow mural, which was revealed during Nashville Pride. Written alongside the colorful image is the hashtag “#kindcomments.” This hashtag campaign is meant to spread kindness throughout online communities and start meaningful conversations.

Legends Corner Mural
Mt. Juliet artist Tim Davis depicts country legends, old and new, fraternizing with one another over drinks in a mural on the side of beloved honky-tonk Legends Corner. Dolly Parton, Blake Shelton, Garth Brooks, and Loretta Lynn are just some of the Grand Ole Opry members that can be seen looking over the crowds of people making their way to Ryman Auditorium up the block. Learn More

"Guitars and Automobiles"
“Guitars and Automobiles,” another mural commissioned by the Nashville Walls Project, was created by five different artists who each designed a different guitar, mirroring the diversity and uniqueness of Nashville itself. Artists Herb Williams, Chris Zidek, Sam Dunson, Emily Miller, and Brandon J. Donahue all live and work in the Nashville area, and more of their pieces can be found on buildings and in galleries around town. Learn More

The Nations Silo Mural
Painted on an abandoned silo, this mural stands 15 stories tall, making it a noticeable landmark in The Nations. The Nashville Walls Project commissioned Australian artist Guido van Helten to take on this massive project. Van Helten specializes in large-scale, photorealistic portraits of people in communities around the world. For this project, he chose 92-year-old Nashville native Lee Estes, who has lived in the neighborhood since the 1920s and has witnessed the city’s drastic growth firsthand. To paint the behemoth, van Helten had to use a 155-foot crane. Learn More

Jimi Hendrix and Johnny Jones Mural
This mural painted by an artist from Norf Studios depicts blues guitarist Johnny Jones and legend Jimi Hendrix engaging in a guitar battle at Club Baron in 1962. Much to the surprise of even die-hard music fans, Hendrix lived on Nashville’s Jefferson Street for a year before he became a rock sensation, but when this guitar battle took place, which Jones won handedly, Hendrix was a relative no-name. Painted on the wall of what was once Club Baron and is now an Elks Lodge, the memory of that important piece of Nashville rock ’n’ roll history lives on. Learn More

Rolf & Daughters Mural
It makes sense that a nationally-recognized restaurant would commission a world-famous artist to paint its mural. Critically acclaimed Rolf & Daughters has foodies clamoring to try its New American cuisine and Instagrammers gathering outside of the factory-turned-restaurant to snap a photo in front of a mural painted by artist Shantell Martin. True to her stream-of-consciousness style, Martin’s intricate black-and-white mural depicts a series of interconnected faces. Her work has been featured in galleries, office buildings, and museums. She even has a collection of apparel with PUMA. Learn More

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