We all know that Sacramento has a vibrant art scene — and we’re not just talking about Crocker Art Museum or Sol Collective Art Gallery . One of our all-time favorite galleries? Sacramento itself.
The City of Trees is home to a number of meaningful murals and street art pieces. Today, we’re sharing where to find the spots that really paint a picture of our city.
Koi fish are a breed of ornamental common carp, often symbolic of prosperity and perseverance.
Photo by SACtoday staff
🐟 Mural of koi fish, 1050 20th St. | By Maren Conrad
This mural extends down the backside of the MARRS building off of J Street, which hosts businesses like Good News Wine
+ Low Brau
. It features multiple massive koi fish in black and white surrounded by a sea of blue-painted brick.
Some of the murals in Sacramento base their themes on the uses of the building it decorates.
Photo by SACtoday staff
🌸 Mural of people in ornate frames, 1723 J St. | By various artists
On the side of Maverique Style House
, this mural gives a vintage feel with its hairstyles + muted color choices. The peacock feathers, florals, and detailed frames compliment the more minimalist interior.
Street art adds vibrancy to otherwise forgettable alleyways in town.
Photo by SACtoday staff
🦋 Mural of green-haired women, 930 20th St. | By various artists
The side and back of Big Brother Comics
features this mural of green-haired women. From the flowing hair to the golden poppies and butterflies, the mural adds a touch whimsy to this Downtown building.
Taking a walk around Downtown and Midtown is a great way to discover hidden gems.
Photo by SACtoday staff
🎤 Betty Inada, 2005 I St. | By Shaun Burner
On the side of Bryant Christie Inc.
, this mural is a tribute to Sacramento born jazz artist Betty Inada
. Inada moved to Japan at 19 years old, becoming Japan’s most popular female jazz singer in the era before WWII.
The artistic styles of murals in Sacramento cast a wide variety of local expression.
Photo by SACtoday staff
🤖 Mural of an abstract face, 2020 I St. | By John Horton
This mural decorates the building of The Wellness Club
, a fitness center with disco balls and party lights. The vibrancy of its interior is well-matched by the mural, which follows abstract, futurist-style themes common in Horton’s portfolio.
Sacramento itself is the muse for many local artists.
Photo by SACtoday staff
🏙️ Mural of Downtown Sacramento and Tower Bridge, 614 16th St. | By unknown artist
Barber’s Shop Automotive
is home to this mural, displaying a panoramic view of Sacramento’s iconic Tower Bridge and nearby downtown buildings. The beloved local auto shop was in a previous building for 42 years, before starting over in its current Midtown location after a fire
.
If you pay attention to the artist info left behind on murals, you may see some familiar names.
Photo by SACtoday staff
🐥 Mural of a goldfinch, 1500 N St. | By Jaya King
Yellow birds are just one of the common themes in Jaya King’s mural work around Sacramento. The colorful + bold exterior of CLTRE Club
is also the work of King, with artistic aid from GsUltimatic
and Juliet Elise
.