Wide Open Walls Murals - Mural of a landscape on a concrete wall.
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Wide Open Walls Murals

4.7
·18 reviews·Sacramento, United States

Sacramento's 'Wide Open Walls' transforms the city into a vibrant outdoor art gallery with stunning, large-scale murals by local and international art...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
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Wide Open Walls Murals - Mural of a landscape on a concrete wall.

Wide Open Walls Murals

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Sacramento's 'Wide Open Walls' transforms the city into a vibrant outdoor art gallery with stunning, large-scale murals by local and international artists.

4.7
(18 reviews)

"Sacramento celebrates artistic expression placed on many walls throughout the city. World wide participating wall muralists/artists dazzle us with their imaginative creations."

Vertical photo
TIP

🗺️ Plan Your Mural Route

These murals are spread out! Use a map or app to plan your walking or driving route to see multiple pieces efficiently.

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to discover these urban art gems. Prioritize comfort!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Orangutans by Bordalo II

Orangutans by Bordalo II

Near Golden 1 Center

A striking mural of orangutans, a powerful statement on conservation, often cited as a favorite.

Johnny Cash by Shepard Fairey

Johnny Cash by Shepard Fairey

16th and L Street

An iconic portrait of the Man in Black, a must-see for music and art fans alike.

Ana Valentine's Art

Ana Valentine's Art

U.C.D. Medical Center Parking Garage, Stockton Boulevard

Vibrant and imaginative creations by artist Ana Valentine, showcasing local inspiration.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Art Walk

Sacramento's 'Wide Open Walls' transforms the city into an outdoor gallery. Plan your route to see the most impressive murals, as they're spread across various neighborhoods. Wear comfortable shoes for exploring!

Best Viewing Times

While murals are visible anytime, consider visiting during daylight hours for the best lighting and photo opportunities. Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Discover the vibrant creativity of Wide Open Walls Sacramento over the years, where world-class artists transform the city into a living gallery. Explore stunning murals, street art, and cultural stories on every corner. Check it out the next time you are in town! Aren’t people so creative? #wideopenwalls #sacramentoart #streetart #graffitiart #sacramento
@scenic_eats
7 likes • 158 views

🗺️ Plan Your Mural Route

These murals are spread out! Use a map or app to plan your walking or driving route to see multiple pieces efficiently. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to discover these urban art gems. Prioritize comfort! Reddit

Recent mural I did in Sacramento California for the @WideOpenWalls mural festival with help from @mjlindoart #murals #tongan #tiktokartists
@joshuathelawyer
6.9K likes • 30.6K views
So this happened this weekend as part of wide open walls a bunch of artists took over Tahoe elementary in south sac and covered it with beautiful murals this was my contribution. #gmanhunterart #wideopenwalls #tahoeelementaryschool #sacramento
gman_hunter
101 likes • 1.8K views

📸 Capture the Art

Bring your camera or phone for stunning photos. Look for unique angles and lighting to make your shots pop.

🚗 Parking Tips

Parking can be tricky near some murals. Look for public parking garages or be prepared for street parking challenges.

A lovely day at Wide Open Walls watching artists create murals all over the Rosa Parks Middle School campus in South Sac!
playfulleader
65 likes • 419 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🗺️ Plan Your Mural Route

These murals are spread out! Use a map or app to plan your walking or driving route to see multiple pieces efficiently. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to discover these urban art gems. Prioritize comfort! Reddit

📸 Capture the Art

Bring your camera or phone for stunning photos. Look for unique angles and lighting to make your shots pop.

🚗 Parking Tips

Parking can be tricky near some murals. Look for public parking garages or be prepared for street parking challenges.

What Travellers Say

4.7
(18 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Sacramento's 'Wide Open Walls' for its impressive collection of public art, transforming the city into an open-air gallery. The murals are celebrated for their creativity, diversity, and accessibility, offering a unique way to explore Sacramento. While some find the spread of murals requires significant travel, the artistic merit and community impact are widely appreciated.

"I think That Sacramento has an open mind when it comes to art. The "Wide Open Walls" program shows just that, It gives artists an opportunity to express their art that was inspired by Sacramento and can be enjoyed by all that pass by, Here's an example by artist 🎨🎭 Ana Valentine that was done at U.C.D. Medical center's Parking garage on Stockton Boulevard and here's a huge mural of Johnny Cash by Shepard Fairey viewable from 16th and L Street. both in Sacramento"

Author Alfred Guajardo

"About half a dozen or so mural that are high quality. Kind of reminds me of being in Oakland or Miami. Glad it exists, good chance to stretch one's legs."

Greg Bem

"Sacramento celebrates artistic expression placed on many walls throughout the city. World wide participating wall muralists/artists dazzle us with their imaginative creations."

Terry Wilson

What People Like

Stunning public art
Free and accessible
Diverse artistic styles

What People Dislike

Murals are spread out

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting Around

The 'Wide Open Walls' murals are scattered throughout Sacramento. Many are concentrated in the downtown and midtown areas, but others are in different neighborhoods. Checking an online map or a dedicated app for the mural locations is highly recommended to plan your route. Reddit

Exploring the murals is best done on foot or by bike, especially in denser areas. For murals further apart, you might consider driving or using ride-sharing services. Public transportation can also be an option for some locations. Reddit

Many visitors find it enjoyable to create a walking tour of nearby murals. For those spread further apart, consider a combination of walking for clusters and driving or using a ride-share for longer distances. Reddit

While official guided tours might be limited, local walking groups or art enthusiasts sometimes organize informal tours. It's worth checking local event listings or community forums for such opportunities. Reddit

Yes, depending on the mural's location, Sacramento's public transit system can get you close to many of the 'Wide Open Walls' art pieces. Check the local transit authority's routes and schedules for specific mural locations. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, all 'Wide Open Walls' murals are part of a public art initiative and are free to view. They are displayed on exterior walls throughout the city, making them accessible to everyone. Reddit

The murals are publicly displayed and can be viewed at any time, day or night. However, for the best visual experience and safety, visiting during daylight hours is recommended. Reddit

There is no entrance fee. The 'Wide Open Walls' program aims to bring art to the public spaces, so all murals are free to admire. Reddit

Official 'Wide Open Walls' websites or local tourism sites often provide maps or lists of mural locations. Community forums and social media can also be good resources for up-to-date information. Reddit

The 'Wide Open Walls' festival typically takes place annually, often with live painting events and artist meet-and-greets. Keep an eye on their official channels for announcements about upcoming events. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best natural light for photographing the murals, avoiding harsh shadows and creating a more appealing image. Golden hour can be particularly magical. Reddit

Generally, there are no restrictions on personal photography of the public murals. However, always be respectful of private property and avoid obstructing public pathways. Reddit

Experiment with different angles, get close to capture details, or use the surrounding environment to frame the mural. Consider including people in your shots for scale and context. Reddit

Use a moderate aperture (f/8-f/11) for good depth of field. If shooting in low light, increase your ISO or use a tripod to avoid blur. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing large murals. Reddit

Drone usage is subject to local regulations and airspace restrictions. Always check FAA guidelines and local ordinances before flying a drone in urban areas. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Sacramento has a vibrant food scene. Many murals are located in areas with numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars, offering diverse culinary options from casual bites to fine dining. Reddit

You'll find a wide variety, including farm-to-fork specialties, international cuisine, breweries, and coffee shops. Areas like Midtown are particularly known for their eclectic dining options. Reddit

Yes, many restaurants in Sacramento cater to families. Look for casual eateries, pizza places, or cafes that offer kid-friendly menus and a relaxed atmosphere. Reddit

Absolutely! Many cafes, food trucks, and delis offer quick and delicious options perfect for a grab-and-go meal between mural viewings. Reddit

Sacramento is known for its healthy and diverse food options, so you'll find plenty of restaurants offering excellent vegan and vegetarian dishes. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The 'Wide Open Walls' murals offer a fantastic, free activity for families. Kids are often captivated by the bright colors and large-scale imagery. It's a great way to get them engaged with art and exploring the city. Encourage them to pick their favorite mural or create their own stories inspired by the art. Reddit

Plan your route to include murals that are easily accessible and perhaps located near parks or playgrounds for breaks. Many murals are in areas with casual dining options, making it easy to grab a bite. Remember to bring snacks and water, and make it a fun scavenger hunt to find different artworks!

🚶‍♀️ Art Enthusiasts & Photographers

For art lovers and photographers, Sacramento's murals are a dream come true. The 'Wide Open Walls' program has brought world-class talent to the city, offering a diverse range of styles and subjects. Dedicate ample time to explore, perhaps focusing on specific artists or neighborhoods known for their high concentration of art. Reddit

Consider visiting during the 'golden hour' for optimal lighting conditions that enhance the vibrancy and detail of the murals. Bring your best camera gear and experiment with different perspectives to capture the essence of each piece. The sheer volume and quality of the murals provide endless opportunities for stunning photography. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The 'Wide Open Walls' Initiative

The 'Wide Open Walls' program is a testament to Sacramento's commitment to public art. It began as a mural festival, inviting artists from around the globe to contribute to the city's landscape. The initiative aims to beautify neighborhoods, foster community pride, and attract visitors to experience art in everyday spaces. Many murals are inspired by Sacramento's history, culture, and environment, creating a unique visual narrative for the city. Reddit

These large-scale artworks transform blank walls into vibrant canvases, making art accessible to everyone. The program has significantly enhanced the city's aesthetic appeal and has become a major draw for tourists and locals alike. The diversity of styles and themes ensures there's something to captivate every viewer, from abstract pieces to detailed portraits. Reddit

Exploring Sacramento's Mural Scene

Discovering the 'Wide Open Walls' murals is an adventure in itself. The artworks are spread across various districts, from the bustling downtown to the charming residential streets. A popular approach is to create a self-guided tour, focusing on specific neighborhoods or themes. For instance, the area around the Golden 1 Center often features prominent murals, including the highly praised 'Orangutans' by Bordalo II. Reddit

Other notable pieces include Shepard Fairey's striking portrait of Johnny Cash and the imaginative works by Ana Valentine at the U.C.D. Medical Center. Many visitors enjoy stumbling upon hidden gems as they explore, adding an element of surprise to their art hunt. The sheer scale and creativity of these murals make them a compelling reason to explore Sacramento's urban environment. Reddit

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