Ithaca Murals - Image 1

Ithaca Murals

Ithaca, United States

Ithaca's streets are alive with color! Discover vibrant murals, from large community projects to the iconic 'Lost Cat' tags, transforming the city int...

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Best light for photos

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Ithaca Murals - Image 1

Ithaca Murals

Best Time

Daytime

Best light for photos

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Ithaca's streets are alive with color! Discover vibrant murals, from large community projects to the iconic 'Lost Cat' tags, transforming the city into an open-air gallery.

"Ithaca's murals are a must-see, turning every corner into an art exhibition!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Explore on Foot

Wander through downtown Ithaca to discover the diverse murals. Wear comfortable shoes for your art walk! :athletic_shoe:

🔍 Hunt for 'Lost Cat'

Challenge yourself to find the 'Lost Cat' graffiti tags by John Gavin Mahoney on parking meters. A fun local art scavenger hunt! :mag:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Type

Tourist Attraction

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The 'Lost Cat' Tags

The 'Lost Cat' Tags

Ubiquitous graffiti tags by the late John Gavin Mahoney, a unique local art signature found on parking meters city-wide.

Beverly J. Martin Student Lab Mural

Beverly J. Martin Student Lab Mural

A vibrant mural created with community involvement, showcasing local flora, fungi, and fauna. A true testament to collaborative art.

State and Plain Street Mural

State and Plain Street Mural

A striking piece of public art that adds color and character to the downtown area, a must-see for mural enthusiasts.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Art Walk

Ithaca's murals are scattered throughout the city, transforming ordinary streets into an open-air gallery. Plan to walk or bike to best experience the vibrant street art. Many are concentrated in the downtown area, making for an enjoyable exploration.

Discover the 'Lost Cat'

Keep an eye out for the iconic 'Lost Cat' graffiti tags by John Gavin Mahoney, a local artist whose legacy lives on. These small but distinctive pieces are hidden all over the city, especially on parking meters, adding a unique scavenger hunt element to your visit.

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Best light for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
First Fridays
Why
Gallery night events
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

i got y’all! comment if you want the link! #wlw #wlwtiktok #ithaca #wuhluhwuh #wlwcouple
@leechoyvstheworld
27.2K likes • 157.3K views

🚶‍♀️ Explore on Foot

Wander through downtown Ithaca to discover the diverse murals. Wear comfortable shoes for your art walk! :athletic_shoe:

🔍 Hunt for 'Lost Cat'

Challenge yourself to find the 'Lost Cat' graffiti tags by John Gavin Mahoney on parking meters. A fun local art scavenger hunt! :mag:

We’ve planned your perfect weekend getaway in gorges Ithaca, NY!   #iloveny #travel #traveltiktok #besttravel #travelgoals #nytravel #Summer #ithaca #ithacany #fingerlakes #travel #newyork   🎥: ILNY
@iloveny
6.8K likes • 1.5M views
“Imagine your reality. Create your reality.” 🐯 Repost from @everydayresearch! ❤️ ‘round the room. BJM Student Lab. Ithaca, NY. SUMMER 2024. Thank you, @ithacamurals!! • Thank you Principal Jackie! And thank you @caleb.r.thomas x @pilarxart x Tanya for coming thru and assisting!” • • • #art #austinartist #mural #streetart #spraypaintart #spraypaint #muralist #graffiti #artist #murals #ithaca #ith...
ithacamurals
63 likes • 1.1K views

📸 Capture the Colors

Bring your camera or phone to capture the vibrant street art. Golden hour offers beautiful lighting for photos. :camerawithflash:

📅 Check for Events

Look out for events like 'First Friday Gallery Night' or 'Mural Jam' for special art experiences. 📅

Talent is a pursued interest…✨ And these amazing muralists didn’t wait for it, they chased it! Brush in hand, vision in mind. Mural Jam was more than just an event, it was community, creativity, and dedication. Thank you to everyone who made it happen! 🤩 #meldrimspaintstores #meldrims #meldrimspaint #benjaminmoore #johnsoncity #ithaca #cortland #utica #buffalo #paint #paintstore #talentisapurs...
meldrimspaintcenter
85 likes • 2.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Explore on Foot

Wander through downtown Ithaca to discover the diverse murals. Wear comfortable shoes for your art walk! :athletic_shoe:

🔍 Hunt for 'Lost Cat'

Challenge yourself to find the 'Lost Cat' graffiti tags by John Gavin Mahoney on parking meters. A fun local art scavenger hunt! :mag:

📸 Capture the Colors

Bring your camera or phone to capture the vibrant street art. Golden hour offers beautiful lighting for photos. :camerawithflash:

📅 Check for Events

Look out for events like 'First Friday Gallery Night' or 'Mural Jam' for special art experiences. 📅

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the vibrant and diverse collection of murals transforming Ithaca into an open-air gallery. The 'Lost Cat' tags are a unique and beloved local feature. While the art is widely appreciated, some visitors note that the murals are spread out, requiring dedicated exploration.

What People Like

Vibrant street art
Unique 'Lost Cat' tags
Community-driven art

What People Dislike

Murals are spread out

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Ithaca murals are spread throughout the city, with many concentrated in the downtown area. Walking or biking is recommended to see them up close. You can also find guided tours offered by Ithaca Murals. Instagram

Yes, Ithaca has public transportation options that can get you to the downtown areas where many murals are located. Check with TCAT for routes and schedules. TikTok

Most murals are located on exterior walls and are visible from sidewalks, making them generally accessible. Some may be in areas with stairs or uneven terrain. Instagram

Driving is possible, but parking can be challenging in the downtown core. Many streets have metered parking. Consider parking and then exploring on foot. TikTok

Downtown Ithaca, particularly around the Commons and various side streets, features a significant number of murals. The Beverly J. Martin Student Lab and areas around State and Plain Street are also notable. Instagram+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Ithaca murals are part of the city's public art and are free to view. It's an open-air gallery for everyone to enjoy. Instagram

Yes, Ithaca Murals offers guided tours that provide insights into the art and artists. Check their schedule for availability and booking. Instagram

Daytime offers the best natural light for photography. For a more vibrant atmosphere, consider visiting during 'First Friday Gallery Night' for special events. Instagram

There is no entrance fee for viewing the murals. They are integrated into the urban landscape and accessible to the public. Instagram

Yes, the murals are a permanent outdoor art installation and can be visited at any time of the year. Be mindful of weather conditions in winter. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The best time for photography is during daylight hours. Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, can provide beautiful, soft lighting for your shots. Instagram

Many murals are highly photogenic! The 'Lost Cat' tags offer unique, smaller photo opportunities. Murals at the Beverly J. Martin Student Lab and State and Plain Street are also popular subjects. TikTokInstagram+1

Drone usage is subject to local regulations. It's advisable to check with the city of Ithaca and ensure you have any necessary permits before flying a drone. Instagram

A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for capturing the vibrant colors. If you're serious about photography, a wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing larger murals. Instagram

Generally, there are no restrictions on personal photography of public murals. However, always be respectful of private property and any posted signage. Instagram

🎫 🎨 Art & Artists

A variety of local and visiting artists contribute to Ithaca's mural scene. Notable mentions include John Gavin Mahoney (known for 'Lost Cat' tags), and artists involved in the Ithaca Mural Jam. TikTokInstagram+1

The 'Lost Cat' is a recurring graffiti tag by the late artist John Gavin Mahoney, found on parking meters throughout Ithaca, serving as a unique artistic signature. TikTok

Organizations like Ithaca Murals and Community Arts Partnership often highlight the artists and their work. Look for artist signatures on the murals themselves. Instagram+1

Events like the Ithaca Mural Jam bring artists together to create new works. Keep an eye on local art organizations' social media for announcements. Instagram+1

Themes vary widely, often reflecting local nature, community spirit, and social messages. Murals can depict local flora, fauna, and cultural elements. Instagram+1

You may also like

1 of 2
Ithaca Murals (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide