Tau Ceti mural - Image 1
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Tau Ceti mural

4.8
·71 reviews·Austin, United States

Austin's tallest mural, a 100-foot rainbow spectacle by Josef Kristofoletti, offering a vibrant and cosmic photo opportunity.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Softer light, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Tau Ceti mural - Image 1

Tau Ceti mural

Best Time

Early mornings

Softer light, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Austin's tallest mural, a 100-foot rainbow spectacle by Josef Kristofoletti, offering a vibrant and cosmic photo opportunity.

4.8
(71 reviews)

"The colors are so vibrant that you’ll feel “WOW” 🤩"

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Best Photo Angles

Experiment with iPhone pano mode for less distortion and more clarity when capturing the full height.

🚗 Parking Strategy

Parking can be tricky downtown; be ready to walk a bit from nearby garages.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.8 · 71 reviews

Type

Tourist Attraction

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Rainbow Spectacle

The Rainbow Spectacle

East 2nd & Brazos Street, Downtown Austin

Austin's tallest mural, a 100-foot-tall rainbow explosion of color that's a must-see photo op.

Cosmic Inspiration

Cosmic Inspiration

East 2nd & Brazos Street, Downtown Austin

Named after a star, this mural by Josef Kristofoletti offers a cosmic and magical backdrop for any visitor.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

While the Tau Ceti mural is a vibrant spectacle, consider visiting during off-peak hours to truly appreciate its scale and capture stunning photos without crowds. Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light and fewer people.

Parking Pointers

Parking near the Tau Ceti mural can be a challenge in downtown Austin. Be prepared for a bit of a walk from nearby garages or street parking, and factor this into your visit time. Some visitors suggest it's worth the stroll to experience this unique art.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Softer light, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour glow
Crowd
Medium
When
Sunday afternoons
Why
Potentially empty for photos
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Free Stuff to do in ATX part 5! #stufftodoinaustin #austin #austintx #atx #texascheck #tauceti #mural
@stufftodoinaustin
21.2K likes • 353.4K views

📸 Best Photo Angles

Experiment with iPhone pano mode for less distortion and more clarity when capturing the full height. Instagram

🚗 Parking Strategy

Parking can be tricky downtown; be ready to walk a bit from nearby garages. Reddit

Jing Wei explores the murals of Austin ✨ #sxsw #sxsw2022 #skillshare #muralsoftiktok #mural #artistsoftiktok #austintx #austinartists
@skillshare
19.3K likes • 180.2K views
Have you tried this iPhone Photography Hack? We were out exploring the instafamous Tau Ceti in Austin. It’s the tallest mural in Austin at 103 feet or ten stories tall. We compared the wide angle lens and pano mode on the iPhone and found we liked the pano mode shot better, a little less distortion and more clarity. If you are trying to capture an epic background without a wide-angle lens, follow ...
ourglobetrotting
146 likes • 2.2K views

🌈 Embrace the Colors

The vibrant rainbow hues are stunning, especially on a cloudy day when colors pop without harsh glare. Reddit

📍 Location Check

Find it at East 2nd Street & Brazos Street in Downtown Austin. Instagram

Any mural fans like us here? 📌 Then SAVE this reel for the best murals in Austin 🎨 Tau Ceti 📍Brazos & 2nd Streets The Beauty and Liberty of Equality 📍111 E Cesar Chavez St Peace Love Austin 📍175 W 2nd St Greetings from Austin 📍1720 S 1st St Dulce Amor 📍400 W 2nd St I Love You So Much 📍1300 S. Congress Space Cowboy 📍811 Nueces St Til Death Do Us Part 📍E 7th & Waller Streets Parlor & Yard...
madoverexploring
644 likes • 25.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Best Photo Angles

Experiment with iPhone pano mode for less distortion and more clarity when capturing the full height. Instagram

🚗 Parking Strategy

Parking can be tricky downtown; be ready to walk a bit from nearby garages. Reddit

🌈 Embrace the Colors

The vibrant rainbow hues are stunning, especially on a cloudy day when colors pop without harsh glare. Reddit

📍 Location Check

Find it at East 2nd Street & Brazos Street in Downtown Austin. Instagram

✨ Tallest in ATX

Marvel at Austin's tallest mural, standing at over 100 feet high! Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.8
(71 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Tau Ceti mural for its stunning, vibrant rainbow colors and impressive scale, calling it Austin's tallest and a 'cosmic magical place.' It's a highly recommended, free photo opportunity that brightens the downtown area. However, some find parking to be a significant challenge.

"They painted the corner gap of a building with a rainbow pattern. It looks cool and definitely makes the neighborhood more attractive."

Matt B

"Super nice spot if you love photography. There are times when you may have done wait times but when we reached the spot it was empty!

Parking is a problem because it’s difficult to find something nearby so you may have to walk a little but it’s a must visit if you are at Downtown Austin.

The colors are so vibrant that you’ll feel “WOW” 🤩"

Keerthan

"Tallest mural in Austin, 103 feet by local artist. I bet tons of pictures are done at this spot. Very Impressive, cosmic magical place."

Kristina B

What People Like

Vibrant rainbow colors
Impressive scale
Free photo op

What People Dislike

Parking difficulties

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Tau Ceti mural is located in Downtown Austin at the intersection of East 2nd Street and Brazos Street. While public transport options exist for downtown, many visitors find it easiest to drive and park in a nearby garage. Be prepared for a short walk to reach the mural itself. Instagram

Parking directly at the mural can be difficult. The best approach is to utilize the parking garages in the downtown area, such as the Austin Convention Center garage or others nearby. Expect to walk a few blocks to reach the mural. Reddit

Yes, if you are already in Downtown Austin, walking to the Tau Ceti mural is a great option. It's a central location and a pleasant stroll through the city. Instagram

For those coming from further out, consider ride-sharing services or public transportation to reach the downtown core, which can simplify parking concerns. TikTok

Absolutely! Downtown Austin is bike-friendly, and you can easily cycle to the mural and secure your bike nearby. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Tau Ceti mural is a public art installation and is completely free to view and photograph. TikTok

As an outdoor mural, the Tau Ceti mural is accessible 24/7. However, for the best photography and experience, visiting during daylight hours is recommended. Instagram

There is no admission fee. This vibrant piece of street art is a gift to the city and its visitors. Instagram

Yes, photography is highly encouraged! It's a popular spot for photoshoots, and visitors often share their shots online. Instagram

The mural is a permanent fixture on the side of a building, so it's always visible. However, lighting conditions will vary throughout the day and year. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Many photographers suggest visiting during the 'golden hours' of early morning or late afternoon for softer light. Some reviews mention that cloudy days can make the colors pop even more vibrantly without harsh sun glare. InstagramReddit

For capturing the full height, consider using a wide-angle lens or experimenting with your phone's panorama mode. Adjusting exposure to balance the bright colors is key. Instagram

The entire mural is a photo opportunity! Standing directly in front of it or a little distance away allows you to capture its impressive scale. Instagram

Drone usage in downtown Austin is subject to strict regulations. It's best to check current FAA and local ordinances before attempting to fly a drone. TikTok

Its immense size (over 100 feet tall) and the vibrant, continuous rainbow pattern make it a visually striking subject for any photographer. Instagram

🎫 🌟 Onsite Experience

The Tau Ceti mural is a massive, colorful rainbow artwork painted on the side of a building in Downtown Austin, Texas. It's known as Austin's tallest mural, standing over 100 feet high. Instagram+1

The mural was created by local artist Josef Kristofoletti. TikTokInstagram

Absolutely! Visitors rave about its vibrant colors and impressive scale, calling it a 'cosmic magical place' and an 'epic photo op.' Reddit

Most visitors spend about 15-30 minutes here, primarily for taking photos and admiring the art. Instagram

Yes, Austin is known for its vibrant mural scene. While Tau Ceti is a standout, other notable murals like 'Greetings from Austin' and 'I Love You So Much' are also popular. Instagram+1

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