A Guide to Durham's Public Art

Durham's streets are your gallery – admission is free.

No matter where you are in the Bull City, you're steps away from museum-worthy public art. Here, the community champions local artists, transforming city walls into platforms for expression that reflect Durham's creative spirit

Cruise around downtown and study the brushstrokes illustrating the lives of local pioneers. Visit iconic landmarks and prestigious universities as you interact with stimulating art across Central Durham. The trails, parks, and green spaces in North Durham will lead you to murals and custom-built installations as you take in the great outdoors. Admire expressive canvases full of color, inspiration, and purpose in South Durham's unique open-air art galleries. Visit the 40+ murals that tell the stories of some of Durham's most prominent figures at UHill Walls, one of the largest collections of public art in the Southeast. Look for all five murals of influential queer, civil rights, and women’s activist Pauli Murray across downtown. 

By highlighting murals, sculptures, and everything in between, we invite you to explore Durham's distinguished public art collection and visitor-friendly districts.

Any blank space can become a canvas in Durham, and it's common to see murals on walls, crosswalks and electrical boxes. Whether you're searching for the perfect Instagram background or looking for something inexpensive and fun to do outdoors, have an unforgettable day exploring Durham's public art.

A Poem by Khalisa Rae

"Art That Illuminates" by local poet Khalisa Rae will give you a taste of some of the inspirational public art Durham offers.

Art That Illuminates

When the light around you grows dim
Let the radiance of Durham illuminate your path
with art that inspires.

Public Art & Inspiration Guide
Discover Durham's Public Art and Inspiration Guide. A printed pocket guide to public art in Durham.
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More Durham Art

Museums & Galleries
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Performing Arts
Durham's performing arts scene thrives on contrast: world-class productions meet scrappy DIY energy, and both get standing ovations.
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Entertainment & Activities
Durham doesn't believe entertainment should be passive. Whether you're wielding a paintbrush, testing your trivia knowledge or dancing to live music…
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