OKC's walls speak. They tell stories of our history, our diversity, and our dreams. USA Today has ranked Oklahoma City among the top cities in the U.S. for street art in recent years—a "veritable outdoor gallery" with public art at seemingly every turn. Whether you're a long-time resident or just visiting for the weekend, the 405 offers an incredible array of murals if you know where to look.
But the deeper point isn’t just “pretty walls.” In OKC, murals act like civic infrastructure: they anchor districts, turn alleys into destinations, and signal which neighborhoods are investing in culture instead of chain uniformity. The strongest pieces aren’t just art—they’re wayfinding, identity, and proof that a local scene is alive.
OKC didn’t build its mural scene overnight. It built it wall by wall, district by district.
Unlike cities where street art feels imported, OKC’s murals feel hyperlocal.
In the 405, murals aren’t decoration. They’re neighborhood markers.
Plaza Walls: The Heart of OKC Street Art
Lined with galleries, vintage shops, and buzzy restaurants, the Plaza District is one of the artiest neighborhoods in OKC—and Plaza Walls is where that spirit goes big. The vision of the Oklahoma Mural Syndicate, a nonprofit that fosters public art across the state, Plaza Walls is an ever-changing outdoor gallery tucked mostly in an alley behind businesses like Dig It, Out on a Limb, and Bad Granny's Bazaar. Practically every surface is covered with work by local and national artists. The best way to experience it is during the annual Mural Expo, when 40-plus new murals go up amid a street festival with live music, vendors, and dancing. It’s open 24 hours.
Film Row: Where Cinema Meets the Wall
With a name that nods to the West Village's cinematic history, Film Row—along Sheridan Avenue and Main Street in downtown OKC—has always had art at its core. Outdoor installations wrap the historic Paramount Building, cover the massive parking garage at Sheridan and Classen, and appear on walls by Walker and beyond. Pair a mural crawl with a visit to the Oklahoma City Museum of Art or the Fordson Hotel galleries and you've got a full afternoon of art in one walkable district.
39th Street District: Everyone Is Fabulous
Follow the rainbow to 39th Street, home to one of the most colorful murals in the city. In a district known for its inclusive nightlife and LGBTQ+ community, a huge mural declares "Everyone is Fabulous!" against a kaleidoscopic rainbow backdrop. It's the marquee piece on a thoroughfare lined with colorful benches, bike racks, rainbow flags, and vibrant storefronts. The 39th Street District has its own mural map—worth grabbing if you're doing a dedicated crawl.
Bricktown: History and Culture on the Canal
Murals are everywhere in Bricktown now. The entertainment district known for the canal, bars, and water taxis has become an artsy enclave too. Some of the most prominent work appears in the underpasses linking Bricktown to the rest of downtown—murals depicting Native American characters and culture. You'll also find art along the canal, under bridges, and on the water taxis themselves. On both sides of the train line along E.K. Gaylord Blvd., elaborate murals depict early OKC history and development. It's the perfect excuse to walk the canal and look up.
Automobile Alley: Art Where the Cars Used to Be
Once known for automobile production, Automobile Alley is now known for its art. Vibrant street art runs along 9th Street, and Factory Obscura adds gallery displays in its windows and across its front facade. The district is a natural stop on a downtown mural crawl—and a short walk or streetcar ride from Bricktown and the rest of the core.
Classen Boulevard: The Extended Crawl
For a longer mural crawl, drive up Classen Boulevard—and take it slow. Start at Classen Inn, a retro-inspired motel with a "Let's Stay Together!" mural on the north side and pops of color all over. Further north you'll pass the Gold Dome and the Milk Bottle Grocery building, then the "Greetings From Oklahoma City" mural on the east side of the street just north of 30th. Stop at The Red Cup for vegan comfort food and its art-bedecked motif (including the giant Red Cup sculpture out front). Turn onto 35th Street for a fresh batch of work from acclaimed local artist Denise Duong.
Britton District: Route 66 on the Wall
For a dose of retro charm, head to the Britton District. As you cruise down Britton Road, one of the first things you'll spot is a sunny Route 66–themed mural on the side of the old Ritz Theater—perfectly positioned where Britton connects I-235 to Lake Hefner Parkway. Pop into Orange Peel for thrifted threads or Madhopper Brewing for a pint and soak up the district's vintage-meets-modern vibe.
Asian District: Café Kacao's Tropical Wall
For a vibrant splash of color (and a side of horchata cold brew), swing by Café Kacao in OKC's Asian District. On the east-facing wall of this beloved Guatemalan café, you'll find a bold, tropical-inspired mural—hummingbirds, florals, and vivid hues that match the restaurant's energy. Painted by Carlos Barboza, it celebrates Latin and Guatemalan heritage. Fuel up on café con leche and pepián, then explore the district's boba spots and Asian supermarkets.
Paseo Arts District: Ceramic Stories
The Paseo has been a focal point of art and culture since the 1920s. In 2024, the district gained three new ceramic tile murals as part of the voter-approved Better Streets, Safer City project. Created by local mother-daughter duo Nicole and Aztrid Moan, the six-foot-wide pieces honor Paseo's history: "The Paseo Plunge" (the 1933 swimming pool), "Restaurant Poetry Reading" (the area's poetry and gathering traditions), and "Paseo Art Walk" (modern vibrancy). They're a perfect complement to the Paseo's galleries and First Friday Art Walks.
The Mural Trail
If you want to see it all, Downtown OKC offers an interactive public art map, and Visit OKC has detailed guides to murals and public art across the city. Many pieces are within walking distance of the streetcar line; others—Plaza Walls, 39th Street, Classen, Britton, Paseo—reward a short drive or bike ride. Next time you're in the 405, put your phone away (except for the photos!) and look up—you might just find a new favorite story written on the walls.
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