Wabash Arts Corridor
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Wabash Arts Corridor

4.3
·90 reviews·Chicago, United States

An expansive outdoor gallery in Chicago, featuring vibrant murals by local and international artists, transforming urban spaces into a colorful canvas...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better light

CrowdLow
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Wabash Arts Corridor

Wabash Arts Corridor

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An expansive outdoor gallery in Chicago, featuring vibrant murals by local and international artists, transforming urban spaces into a colorful canvas.

4.3
(90 reviews)

"A neighborhood certainly worth a stroll for the many gorgeous murals that can be found within just a few blocks!"

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking through alleys and parking lots to find all the art!

☀️ Bring Sun Protection

A hat and sunscreen are recommended for afternoon visits, as many murals are outdoors.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.3 · 90 reviews

Type

Museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Doodle Grid Murals

Doodle Grid Murals

Various locations

Intricate and colorful murals created using a unique 'doodle grid' technique, transforming walls into vibrant canvases.

TikTokInstagram
Moose Mural

Moose Mural

Along Wabash Avenue

A striking and memorable mural featuring a majestic moose, a popular photo spot for visitors.

Instagram
Columbia College Chicago Murals

Columbia College Chicago Murals

Columbia College Chicago Student Center

Student-created public art and murals, showcasing emerging talent and adding to the corridor's dynamic artistic landscape.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Art Hunt

The Wabash Arts Corridor is an open-air gallery, so wear comfortable shoes for exploring alleys and parking lots. Some murals might be under construction or have been removed, so be prepared for a treasure hunt to find them all. Reddit

Timing is Key for Murals

While free to explore, visiting during daylight hours ensures you can fully appreciate the vibrant colors and details of the murals. Consider weekdays to potentially avoid larger crowds and construction disruptions. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better light
Crowd
Low
When
Saturday mornings
Why
Vibrant atmosphere, still manageable
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

“Why are you graffiti our wall?” This technique is so sick. Make sure you favorite so you can watch it later! #artist #doodlegrid #muralart #fypシ゚viral #murals #artistsoftiktok
@jariyadesigns
84K likes • 1.5M views

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking through alleys and parking lots to find all the art! Reddit

☀️ Bring Sun Protection

A hat and sunscreen are recommended for afternoon visits, as many murals are outdoors. Reddit

Preserving historic trades is part of our mission at Canal Park! Sign up for a class on our website and learn something new! #WEcanal #community #history #wabasheriecanalpark #preservation #education #volunteer #visitindiana #visitcarrollcountyIN #carrollcounty #homeofpurdue
@wabasheriecanalpark
5.7K likes • 279.7K views
✨Welcome to the Wabash Arts Corridor✨ Artists in order of appearance: 🖌️: @dontfretart 🖌️: @trogs 🖌️: @jasladiosa 🖌️: @renee_robbins 🖌️: @chersugarlee 🖌️: @kaitordietattoos 🖌️: @zicronaz 🖌️: @hectorduarte_artwork 🖌️: @zzzalwayz 🖌️: @dynamart 🖌️: @tenderj 🖌️: @asvp.studio 🖌️: @samuel_nigrosh 🖌️: @zurdouno 🖌️: @artworkbyjj 🖌️: @javier.figueroa.tattoos 🖌️: @amuse.126 🖌️: @doriansylva...
windycity_artwork
0 likes • 1.7K views

📸 Capture the Art

Don't forget your camera or phone to snap photos of the incredible murals. Instagram

🗺️ Explore Hidden Gems

Look for art in alleyways and under the L tracks for unexpected artistic discoveries. Reddit

What’s a doodle grid you ask? Part of my process for the “Curious Bunny Mural” I’m working on for @wacchicago @columbiachi #teachingartist #muralpainting #muralprocess #muralart #chicagoartist #chicagomurals #wabashartscorridor #bigmural #curiousbunny #doodlegrid #muralpainting
chersugarlee
148 likes • 2.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking through alleys and parking lots to find all the art! Reddit

☀️ Bring Sun Protection

A hat and sunscreen are recommended for afternoon visits, as many murals are outdoors. Reddit

📸 Capture the Art

Don't forget your camera or phone to snap photos of the incredible murals. Instagram

🗺️ Explore Hidden Gems

Look for art in alleyways and under the L tracks for unexpected artistic discoveries. Reddit

☕ Grab a Coffee Nearby

There are many cafes and restaurants in the area to refuel after your art exploration. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(90 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Wabash Arts Corridor to be a vibrant outdoor gallery with bold, mood-uplifting murals by international artists. While some expected more murals or found certain areas under construction, the free entry and the unique 'doodle grid' technique are highly praised. It's a worthwhile stroll for art enthusiasts and urban explorers.

"We walked the entire corridor and couldn’t find as many murals as expected. Not sure if some of them have been removed by the city as many sections were caged up for construction. There are a few hidden pieces of art in the alley way under the L. Visit 16th street ARCE projects for walls and walls of graffiti art!"

Mona

"Location: South loop, Chicago
Free entry as the beautiful murals are along the alleys and parking lots of the Wabash Avenue stretch. This is a canvas in the middle of urbans area. You will find colorful murals on top of the building elevation, parking lot walls, alley ways etc.
Artists from all over the world have left their impressions in form of depictions with different themes. The ideas are bold and mood uplifting.
I visited on a saturday morning. Started at 10am from Riverwalk to Wabash. It took me more than 2hours to cover everything, i still think i missed a lot.
Happy walking and happy seeing around!
Attaching few clicks from the visit.

Carry a Cap if you plan to go during afternoon. There are many cafes and restaurants near by as well.
Don't forget to stop by at Columbia college, Chicago. They have students work for public display too."

Pooja Wahane

"This neighborhood is certainly worth a stroll for the many gorgeous murals that can be found within just a few blocks! In addition, it’s just a very friendly and inviting neighborhood as well."

Daniël

What People Like

Vibrant, bold murals
Free outdoor gallery
Unique 'doodle grid' art

What People Dislike

Fewer murals than expected
Construction obscuring art

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Wabash Arts Corridor is easily accessible via public transportation in Chicago. The CTA 'L' trains stop nearby, offering convenient access from various parts of the city. Many visitors also find it convenient to walk from the Riverwalk or other downtown attractions. Instagram

Yes, there are parking lots and street parking options available in the vicinity. However, parking can be competitive, especially during peak hours. Consider public transit or ride-sharing for a more relaxed experience. Reddit

The best way to navigate is on foot. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to explore alleys and parking lots to discover the diverse range of murals. Reddit

The Wabash Arts Corridor is generally considered safe, especially during daylight hours. It's a well-trafficked area with many visitors. As with any urban exploration, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings. Reddit

While there isn't one definitive map, many visitors use their phones to navigate and discover murals. Social media posts and online guides can also offer suggestions for key locations. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the Wabash Arts Corridor is completely free! The murals are displayed on public walls, alleys, and parking lots, making it an accessible art experience for everyone. Reddit

The Wabash Arts Corridor is an outdoor public art space, so it's accessible 24/7. However, for the best viewing experience and safety, it's recommended to visit during daylight hours. Reddit

While official guided tours might be limited, many visitors create their own self-guided tours. Local art enthusiasts and students often share their favorite routes and discoveries online. Instagram

Some sections of the corridor may be under construction, which could temporarily obscure certain murals. It's advisable to check local updates if you have specific murals you're eager to see. Reddit

Absolutely not! The beauty of the Wabash Arts Corridor is that it's a free, open-air gallery for all to enjoy. Reddit

🎫 🎨 Onsite Experience

You'll find a diverse range of vibrant murals, from intricate 'doodle grid' designs to bold and mood-uplifting depictions by artists from around the world. TikTokInstagramReddit

Highlights include the 'Doodle Grid' murals, the iconic Moose Mural, and the student artwork displayed by Columbia College Chicago. Instagram+1

Exploring the entire corridor can take a couple of hours, depending on how much you want to see and photograph. Some visitors spend longer if they venture into nearby art projects. Reddit

Restroom facilities are not directly part of the outdoor art corridor itself. However, nearby cafes, restaurants, and public buildings may offer access. Reddit

Yes, absolutely! Photography is encouraged, and many visitors love to capture the vibrant artwork. Just be mindful of other visitors and any private property. Instagram

🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining

Yes, the area surrounding the Wabash Arts Corridor is filled with numerous cafes and restaurants, offering a variety of dining options to suit any taste. Reddit

You can find everything from quick coffee shops and casual eateries to more upscale dining experiences in the vicinity. Reddit

While there are no strict rules against it, it's generally more pleasant to dine at the local establishments. Remember to dispose of any trash properly. Reddit

Designated picnic areas are not a prominent feature of the immediate corridor. However, you might find public benches or small green spaces nearby where you could enjoy a snack. Reddit

Many visitors prefer to grab a coffee or a bite before or after their art walk, allowing them to focus on the murals during their exploration. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best natural light for photographing murals, minimizing harsh shadows and glare. Instagram

The Moose Mural is a very popular photo spot. Also, look for murals with interesting perspectives or those that incorporate the urban environment. Instagram

Any camera, from a smartphone to a DSLR, can capture the vibrant art. Consider a wide-angle lens if you want to fit larger murals into your frame. Instagram

You can photograph the murals themselves. If you wish to photograph individuals who are part of the art or other visitors, always seek their permission first. Instagram

Drone usage in urban areas like Chicago is subject to strict regulations. It's best to check current FAA guidelines and local ordinances before flying a drone. Instagram

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