Scattered throughout the city of Knoxville are murals from an array of talented artists. The carefully selected artists were entrusted to cover stairways, alleys, blank walls, and hidden spaces with beautiful artwork to help share the history of this city. While the murals bring a unique beauty to our already beautiful city they also offer a fun experience for visitors and locals alike.
1. Postcard From Knoxville
301 S. Gay St
Victor Ving, a New York based graffiti artist, painted the 31 ft mural. The “Greetings From Knoxville” mural is one of 50 in a national project that aims to have one “Greetings” mural in every state.
2. It’s Great to be a Tennessee Vol
500 State St
Painted by two alumnae of the Univesity of Tennessee, Paris Woodhall and Kristina Luna. Sponsored by Visit Knoxville the idea of the mural is to encourage UT students to explore the city of Knoxville while sharing with others why its good to be a Vol.
3. Strong Alley
32 Market Square
This Alley was a collaboration with business owners and a group of local artists. The aim was to create a beautiful space that encourages strength. This collections most popular piece is the Dolly Parton mural originally painted by Colton Valentine. The mural was vandalized in recent years and Megan Lingerfelt fixed and updated the mural.
4. Knoxville Music
505 S Gay St
The Knoxville Music mural was created by Kathy Wilder Brown. Along with some help from local high school students perfectly represented the segregation in Knoxville.
5. Millers Building Mural
10 Market Sq
A perfect example of tromp i’oiel style of painting by G. Byron Peck. The 90’ x 21’ mural perfectly depicts a few realistically detailed window scenes from downtown Knoxville.
6. Current Past
100 S Gay St
A connection between Knoxvilles present and past culture is beautifully brought to life by the artist. Taking a vintage picture of Knoxville and giving is new life by adding layers of colors and abstract objects.
7. London Streetscape
123 S Central St
Created by Fredrick Gardner this 60 ft mural perfectly captures 19th century London. The open courtyard will instantly transport you to England.
8. Historic Train Mural
100 N Central St
Keep Knoxville Beautiful came together with artist Walt Frida to create this masterpiece. This mural was painted to pay tribute to the arrival of the railroad in Knoxville in the 1850’s. Which drove a boom in the citied population.
9. Tennessee River Buddies
916 Volunteer Blvd
The mural was created by Eduardo Mendietas and Commissioned by the Public Arts Committee to pay tribute to the diverse species that reside in the nearby Tennessee River.
10. Weaving Rainbow Mountain
1050 Cumberland Ave
A set of stairs leading from the World’s Fair Park and UT Campus was transformed into a rainbow. The Baltimore duo of Jessie Unterhalter and Kathy Truhn took the stairs and turned them into a artistically created rainbow.
11. Stories
10 Market Sq
Knitting together the stories of the numerous people to have come through our city.The artisit perfectly created a unique piece of art as a way to celebrate the stories of writers, artisit, celebrities and the many other that have made our city what it is today.
12. Windows the the Smokies
403 S. Gay St
On the side of the Lenor Lofts building you can find the most recent work of art by Megan Lingerfot. A array of beautifully detailed windows perfectly frames views of the Smoky Mountains.
13. Knoxville Music History
118 E Jackson Ave
Created by artist Walt Fieldsa as a way to honor the musicians that have graced our wonderful city. The mural is a portrait of Knoxvilles musical past featuring icons such as Dolly Parton, Don Gibson, Chet Atkins, Red Rector, Mary Costa, and so many others that have ties back to the city.
14. Molly Knox
101 S Central St
The image of burlesque dancer Molly Knox can be found on the side of the popular Scottish Pub Boyds Jig and Reel. Painted by Curtis Glover for the pub itself to help enhance the already fun atmosphere of the place.
15. Old City Alley
109 S. Central
Artist Shane Berg has created several murals around the city. The one Included In the mural hunt Is that of a beautifully detailed lion. Showcasing the strength and dignity of Knoxville In one mural.
16. Dreambikes Mural
390 N Central St
A gift from the city of Knoxville to help brighten and liven up the city. However, the brightly colorful mural is more than just a pretty picture. It also serves as a reminder the important role that bees play in the lives of humans and just how much we rely on them.
17. Cassiopeia
402 Walnut St
Possibly the largest mural on this list Is Cassiopeia by Addison Karl. Karl Included faces of East Tennesseans that he photographed during the planning of the mural. Using an array of colors and he brought the faces to life In a beautifully artistic way.
18. Firefly Mural
600 Clinch Ave
“For each fire is all fires, the first fire and the last to ever be” – Cormac McCarthy
This beautiful quote helps to enhance the simple beauty of the mural by Robert Felker showing off the fireflies of East Tennessee
19. Knoxville Covid-19 Memorial
810 Clinch Ave
The most recent addition to the city’s mural hunt is by nationally acclaimed artist Kelsey Montaque. The touching tribute is to all those in our community that made scarifies big and small to help, protect, and ensure the safety of our high risk residents during the pandemic.
Enjoy your adventure through Knoxville. For a copy of the official mural map click here.
Thank you so much for sharing this! I will be looking for these on our next trip to Knoxville!
What an artistic place to visit!
I want to see it all. I love the rainbow steps
I especially want to see the mural of Dolly, in person. The artist that painted her face, did an excellent job.
I am eager to visit Knoxville
Love this website makes me want to take a trip now! The information will definitely come in handy my next trip up there saving to my favorites