Last updated on July 7, 2022.
Street art is becoming more and more popular around the world, with various artists showcasing incredible talent on city buildings. It’s become a huge hobby of mine to find the best street art when I travel, so I figured I should do it in my hometown, too! Check out this list of all the known Syracuse street art, along with locations and a map to help you find them.
I could not have written this article on my own. I’d like to give a HUGE thank you to the Downtown Committee of Syracuse and Syracuse.com for their articles about public art. In addition, David Haas from Syracuse History was a huge help in tracking down more information about the murals as needed. Lastly, the Syracuse subreddit community was a big help in locating some of the murals I hadn’t known about. It truly takes a village!
Always Advance
Painted by Josh Luke & Meredith Kasabian in 2017
350 West Fayette Street (on the side of The Warehouse)
This mural was created as part of the Connective Corridor initiative by Syracuse University. The mural took a few weeks to sketch and paint in the Art Deco style. It was inspired by the invention of the Smith Premier typewriter in Syracuse and sends a positive message of encouragement to the Syracuse community.
Armory Square Collection
Painted by Ally Walker in 2021
333 West Fayette Street (along Onondaga Creek)
Why make one mural when you can create many? Ally Walker’s work has been popping up all over Syracuse, in every different neighborhood. Her latest is a series of murals connecting West Fayette Street to Walton. Each mini mural is 10-15 feet wide with a different theme. They make for a fun variety of photo shoot backgrounds – check it out for yourself!
Ally is also the artist behind the “Put the U Back in Syrac_se” murals. These colorful pieces are usually made with chalk and can be found scattered throughout Syracuse.
Be Yourself
Painted by Ally Walker in 2019
713 East Fayette Street (on the side of XO Taco)
Painted by Ally Walker in late 2019, this colorful mural inspires you to “be yourself – every one else is taken”. And “be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud”. With my passion for mental health and suicide awareness, these murals hold a special meaning for me. The larger-than-life psychedelic giraffe with the main quote can be found on the right side of XO Taco – go at night to get a clear view without a full parking lot. The umbrella makes for a great ‘Instagrammable background‘ on the left side of the building.
Black & White Trees (Untitled)
Painted by Gigi Brooks in 2015
401 South Clinton Street (in the alley outside Modern Malt)
This is a simple but fun mural. It’s the perfect backdrop to a fun photoshoot with your friends if you’re waiting for a table at Modern Malt!
Clinton Serenade
Painted by Corky Goss & Chip Miller in 2010
126 North Salina Street (on the side of the bank)
This is my favorite mural in Syracuse because it’s the first thing you see when you’re coming off 81 into downtown. The blue is so striking, it’s hard to miss it! The painting itself reflects downtown Syracuse from the early 1900s.
Columbus Circle
Originally painted by Andy Matlow in 1980; restored by Kelly Curry in 2013
264 East Onondaga Street (on the side of Catholic Charities)
It took Kelly about two months to restore the mural, plus time negotiating with the city. This mural is another depiction of previous life in Syracuse, and is designed to look like a real building facade.
I have traveled and learned so much from so many people that my art is a reflection of the places I have been, the people I’ve met, the conversations that I have had, the experiences that I have lived… all show up in every stroke of my brush.
Kelly Curry
About the artist: Kelly is originally from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, but grew up in New York – bouncing around to different towns. Now, she spends half her time in New York and half in Nicaragua, where her husband is from. Surprisingly, Kelly did not begin painting until she was 36 years old and had no formal training.
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que Logo
Designed by CINSYR Creative Group & painted by Elliott Mattice and Kathy Maio in 2020
The painting replaced the previous mural, painted by Jeff Davies in 1992.
246 W. Willow Street (on the front facade of Dinosaur Barbecue)
The famous dinosaur has gotten a 2020 makeover! CINSYR Creative Group worked with the legendary barbecue company this year to design a new logo. And what better way to celebrate it than a fresh mural on the front of the flagship restaurant?
Dinosaur BBQ Mural
246 W. Willow Street (on the front facade of Dinosaur Barbecue)
Painted by Elliott Mattice in 2001
Back in 2001, Elliott was given free reign to paint whatever he wanted on the side of Dinosaur BBQ. So he spent an afternoon creating this mural, inspired by the casual atmosphere around him. He even included one of the nearby waitresses into the mural. Elliott’s artwork has become synonymous with Dinosaur BBQ – he does work at all of the locations before they open. He even did the signage for the New York State Fair and the horse on the roof of the restaurant.
Making a living doing art is hard, but it drives me to be the best at what I do to stay in demand.
Elliott Mattice
Other Works
Although he mostly works out of New York City, he is based in Syracuse and you’ll find his artwork in many familiar places. Blue Tusk, Apizza Regionale, Limp Lizard, Doug’s Fish Fry, and Pastabilities are just a few of the places his work can be seen. In partnership with Kathy Maio, his retro-style pop art has also seen the likes of The Ramones, HGTV, the Museum of Design in Atlanta, and PC Magazine. One of most recent accomplishments includes work at Hudson Yards in New York City with Belcampo Meats.
Double-Ender
Painted by Corky Goss in 1989
300-block East Water Street (on the side of the Erie Canal Museum)
Another depiction of the older days of the Erie Canal. This mural shows the inner-workings of a “double-ender” building – one that was used for two different purposes. This example shows a building that was operated as both a feed store and a flour store. One side would face the canal while the other faced the street.
Francesca
Painted by Jackie Colello in 2021
545 North Salina Street, on the right side of Francesca’s Cucina
These beautiful mural is one of Jackie Colello’s most recent additions to downtown Syracuse. The mural depicts THE Francesca, grandmother of George Angeloro and the namesake for the famous restaurant. Next time you’re going out in Little Italy, take a peek at Francesca. She’s right at home in her favorite color.
Martin Luther King Jr. & Frederick Douglass
Painted by London Ladd in 2019
South Salina Street, below the Taylor Street bridge
Both Martin Luther King Jr. and Frederick Douglass gave speeches in Syracuse multiple times. This mural can be found on the south side of the city along Salina Street – an area known to have a more predominantly African American population. These murals are rays of hope for an end to racism and segregation, which still exist despite years of trying to end it.
This mural has a local connection as well – Frederick Douglass lived in nearby Rochester. He is buried in Mount Hope Cemetery.
Lipe Art Park
Artists unknown
1003 West Fayette Street
This art park is often overlooked, but it’s worth a visit! There are new pieces regularly. Plus, it’s right next to one of the new major murals, so it’s easy to find.
Love Letter to Syracuse
Painted by Stephen Powers in 2010
There are a few bridges around the city that have sassy phrases on them – and they are my favorite! Commissioned but the Near West Side Initiative, Powers and his team listened to the people of the Syracuse community to get inspiration for these messages. One could argue that the train bridges either link together or separate different areas of the city – the booming and the struggling. Quirky, entertaining, and nationally recognized, you’ll notice them when driving or walking around downtown.
About the artist: Stephen is based in the Bronx and has an impressive following on social media. His works can be seen throughout the country – in New York City, Philadelphia, Miami, Baltimore, … – and in major cities around the world, including Sydney, Australia and Tokyo, Japan.
Mule Days of Summer
Painted by Kelly Curry in 2014
300-block East Water Street (on the side of the Erie Canal Museum)
This mural is one of the results of the Connective Corridor campaign with Syracuse University to better connect the campus with downtown. Kelly took about two months to paint it, after almost a year of planning and negotiations. The mules in the mural depict what life was like on the Erie Canal during the 1800s. A visit inside the museum will show you even more!
It quickly became apparent that the mules had been one of the most important parts of the Erie Canal since without them the boats did not move.
Kelly Curry
Other Works
You can find more of Kelly’s work throughout New York State in Clayton and Alexandria Bay. She also has murals in several locations in Florida as well as New Orleans, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua.
Native Syracuse Mural
Painted by Stetz in October 2018
1022 West Fayette Street (side of taqueria)
This mural was funded by Believe in Syracuse and overseen by Rick from the Gear Factory. Stetz painted the mural in 8 days and literally weathered the storm! His struggled through high winds, rain, snow, and cold to produce this bright shining star of a mural.
The imagery in the mural is all Syracuse-based, from the native owl, to the sky scene [from] a photo I took 3 years prior… to the women in the 3 portraits, Nasrene, a Syracuse local.
Eugene Stetz
North Syracuse Mural
Painted by Shannon Kirkpatrick & others in 2017
105 N. Main Street, North Syracuse
This mural is tucked in a little park in the middle of the Village of North Syracuse. It highlights all of the things that make North Syracuse what it is from Sweetheart Corner to the history of the plank road.
Gosh, I love the story behind this mural. It was painted by a Girl Scout in order to get her Gold Award. Fun fact – I was a Girl Scout for several years! That’s how I came to fall in love with camping. She also went to the same high school I did.
About the artist: Shannon wanted a way to give back to the community and its people. She led the group of 10 artists who worked together to make this project become a reality.
The Rose of No Man’s Land
Painted by Jack Rabbit Studios in 2017
457 James Street (on the side of The James Street Parlour)
This mural lives on the exterior wall of an 1800s mansion turned tattoo parlour. Tattoo artist Paul Roe and his wife moved to Syracuse from Washington DC and bought the property to renovate. The mural is named after a WWI song in homage to nearby St. Joseph’s Hospital. The US and UK flags represent the nationalities of Paul (who is British) and his wife, Gina.
S.Alt City
Painted by Brett Snyder & Irene Cheng in 2012
300 South Warren Street (on the side of M. Lemp Jewelers)
S.Alt City has to be the most unique and interactive of all the Syracuse street art. From a distance, the mural looks like a salt barge (from the good ‘ole days of Syracuse). But, when you get up close you’ll notice hundreds of QR codes actually make up the painting. If you use a QR reader on your phone, you’ll be taken to websites for various Syracuse artistic landmarks, like Syracuse Stage and the Everson Museum. Incredible!
About the artists: Both Snyder and Cheng have architectural backgrounds. Their artwork, like in S.alt City, encourages people to embrace technology and find new ways to learn about the environment around them.
Syracuse Basketball
Painted by Jonas Never in 2022
333 East Onondaga Street
The most recent mural to brighten the streets of Syracuse has a special place in my heart. First, the subject is famous/historical basketball players from Syracuse. But more importantly, I got to meet Jonas while he was working on the mural. My husband and I even played tour guide to him during his time in Syracuse. We introduced him to some Syracuse staples like salt potatoes, chicken riggies, Pastabilities, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, and the local craft beer scene.
Originally from Venice Beach, California, Jonas now lives in Los Angeles with his girlfriend and his cat, Hobbes. His work is famously known around the country, and can be seen in several major cities. Many of his murals feature realistic portraits of celebrities. He also does regular work for the LA Dodgers and Handmaid’s Tale.
The basketball stars of the mural
Before you ask why certain players (Boeheim, Carmelo, Pearl…) aren’t part of the mural, here are the historic players who were chosen and why:
BREANNA STEWART: a Syracuse native (and fellow CNS alum), Breanna has continued to crush records and break barriers. An Olympic-winningWNBA athlete, she has stood up for LGBTQ rights and was part of the#MeToomovement.
EARL LLOYD JR: a member of the 1955 Syracuse Nationals championship team, Earl was also the very first Black player in the NBA.
DOLPH SCHAYES: also a member of the 1955 team, Adolph Schayes was a hero in the Jewish community, having persevered despite anti-Semitic struggles.
MANNY BRELAND: a historic member of the Syracuse community on many levels, Manny was the first Black person to receive a basketball scholarship toSyracuse University. But after college he stopped playing basketball. Instead he became the first Black science teacher in Syracuse, and later the first Black principal.
Train Station Mural 1
Painted by Robert D’Agostino in 2004
208 North Townsend Street (on the front of Café Kubal HQ)
This mural brightens up the brick building and pays homage to the train era of Syracuse. It blends in so well to the building’s design! Robert has over 30 year of experience as a portrait artist and muralist in Syracuse.
Train Station Mural 2
Artist unknown
815 Erie Blvd East (on the back of Spectrum)
One of Syracuse’s most iconic murals is also the hardest to photograph. This mural depicts a train station as viewed along the platform, with passengers walking around. Located on the back of the current Spectrum building, it is almost only visible while driving on 690. Sorry, but I didn’t want to get out of my car on the highway to get a photo of this one!
Underground Railroad
Painted by London Ladd in 2019
1638 E. Genesee Street (on the side of Richmark)
Did you know that Syracuse (and Central New York in general) were key stops on the Underground Railroad? In fact, nearby Auburn was home to Harriet Tubman, who saved hundreds of lives of freed slaves. Ladd’s mural plays homage to that important piece of Syracuse’s history.
We are the Mighty Salt City
Painted by Cayetano Valenzuela in 2016
420 East Genesee Street (on the side of Access CNY)
We are Syracuse and we are mighty. That’s exactly the message portrayed in this mural. A bold statement, but a true one.
About the artist: You might recognize Cayo’s work as you can find him at the local art fairs and selling his art at Wildflowers Armory under his business, Black Rabbit Studio. He’s also the talent behind the logo for Recess Coffee.
Westcott Street Mural 1
Painted by Michael Moody in 1997
Westcott Street & South Beech Street
This mural has caused quite some controversy in recent times. In late 2018, the yogurt shop that took ownership of the building placed an exhaust fan through the face of a woman in the mural. After public outcry in the community, local Syracuse Mural Program 315 Alive! has restored the face, and the exhaust fan has been moved.
About the artist: Before passing in 2016, Michael Moody was beloved in the Syracuse community. He was one of the founding members of Art on Parade, part of the annual Parade of Homes in Syracuse His art depicted the life and culture of the African American community.
Westcott Street Mural 2
Painted by Alex Biegler in 2013
489 Westcott Street (on the side of Asahi Sushi)
Painted by a Syracuse University art graduate, this mural depicts the flora and fauna commonly found in the region. Over 100 plants and animals are featured in the squares throughout this mural.
Yellow Fella
Painted by Jacob Roberts & Lesley Owens-Pelton in 2018
214 South Geddes Street (on the side of True Value)
Originally built as a salt plant, the building was home to the production of many things in the 1800s. The most famous? The “Yellow Fellow” bicycle. This mural of the classic bicycle honors the history of that building – and brings a bit of color to the South Side! It was painted by Jacob Roberts, the coordinator of the 315 Alive! Syracuse Mural Program, along with Lesley Owens-Pelton.
You’ve Made It (Shot Clock)
Painted by Jon Bocksel in 2016
321 West Fayette Street (BOTH sides of the Penny Pub)
Did you know that the shot clock was invented in Syracuse? This mural is actually in two parts – on one side of the building, you’ll see the shot clock at 01 saying “You’ve made it.” On the other, time has run out at 00 seconds with the quote “Till next time.” It acts as a welcome and parting to Armory Square. Clever!
A shot clock can also be seen in Armory Square in front of Starbucks to commemorate the invention.
More Syracuse Street Art
With so many murals and pieces of art popping up in Syracuse, it’s hard to keep track of it all! Check out these other murals hidden around the city.
Looking for some more street art?
Check out Olympic Boulevard in Rio de Janeiro!
Business Murals
If you’re really eager to find all of the murals in Syracuse, you’ll have to include those on businesses as well. Sal’s Seafood in North Syracuse has a large fish on the left exterior wall and Boom Babies on Westcott Street has a large mural on the right.
Know of any murals in Syracuse that I missed? Let me know in the comments!
