Nashville Murals: the Best Photo Spots in Nashville
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Whether you’re a local Nashvillian or just visiting for the weekend, Nashville is a very photogenic city, so you’re gonna want to pull out your camera…A LOT. Lucky for you, I’ve compiled a list of the most Insta-worthy Nashville murals to help you spice up your Instagram feed. I’ve sorted these murals by neighborhood so you’ll have no problem finding the best murals in Nashville.
This guide is tailored specifically to the various murals in Nashville. I encourage you to check out my other posts on the most photo-worthy spots in Nashville and my 2 day Nashville itinerary (coming soon) to make the most of your time in Music City, USA.
12 South
Nashville’s 12 South neighborhood is definitely the go-to spot for mural hunting. It’s truly an Instagrammer’s paradise because it has the most Insta-worthy murals so close together. There’s something something special around every corner in 12 South.
Donuts Galore
Not only is this a spot for an adorable donut themed mural, but it gives you an excuse to snag one of Five Daughters Bakery’s delicious donuts. I originally only bought one of the famous 100 layer donuts for the photo op, but after tasting it I went back for seconds (and maybe thirds…I’ll never tell!) There is a really cute fenced in patio that is perfect for munching and admiring the various murals. Who needs it to be raining men when it could be raining donuts?
- Location: Outside patio of Five Daughters Bakery at 1110 Caruthers Ave
- Artist: Gage Lozano
- Hashtags: #FiveDaughtersBakery
#Nowplaying in 12 South
- Location: Side of The Flipside at 2403 12th Ave S
- Artist: Gage Lozano
- Hashtags: #Nowplayingin12South
Nashville Looks Good on You
After you’ve got your fill of donuts, head to Frothy Monkey for breakfast #2 before you hit the next mural. I recommend the grilled cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, avocado and fried egg with basil mayo on multigrain bread). This place is better known for the coffee, but I’m no coffee connoisseur. My mom definitely is, though, so she recommends the iced monkey mocha (espresso, steamed milk, house-made chocolate, banana syrup).
Ok, ok. Enough of the food. I know you’re here for the murals. Right behind Frothy Monkey is one of my favorite murals: “Nashville looks good on you”. Yeah, it’s at the back of a parking lot and surrounded by dumpsters, but you can’t tell that from the pics. I went here after breakfast, but the lighting was dreadful! Head here a little before sunset for bomb lighting.
- Location: Behind Frothy Monkey at 2509 12th Ave S
- Artist: The nash TN
Legoman
- Location: On the side of imogene + willie at 2601 12th Ave S,
- Artist: Chris Tidwell
- Hashtags: #forbecks
Nashville Predators
You’ll find homage to Nashville’s hockey team, the Predators, all over the city. This is just one of many.
- Location: On the side of Twice Daily at 2607 12th Ave S
- Artist: Unknown
- Hashtags: #Smashville #PredsNHL
Draper James Bench
No trip to Nashville is complete without visiting Reese Witherspoon’s adorable clothing store, Draper James. Not only is this a 12 South staple but it was the first ever Draper James when it opened in 2015. Pop in for a peek at Reese’s classic southern style. The outside of the store is just as cute as the clothes inside, so go snap some pics when you’re done shopping.
Location: On the side of Draper James at 2608 12th Ave S
Blue & White Stripes
- Location: On the side of Draper James at 2608 12th Ave S
I Believe in Nashville
There are actually several of these around Nashville, but the one in 12 South is my favorite, and it’s also the original. This is definitely one of the best photo spots in Nashville. Don’t believe me? Ask Instagram, where it’s been featured over 1 million times!
The other two “I Believe in Nashville” murals are on Marathon Music Works at 1402 Clinton St and on The Basement at 917 Woodland St.
- Location: Right across from the aforementioned Blue & White Stripes at 2700 12th Ave S
- Artist: Adrien Saporiti
- Hashtags: #IbelieveinNashville
Looking Pretty, Music City
This is another favorite of mine. The Looking Pretty, Music City is a little burst of sunshine and good vibes in the heart of 12 South.
- Location: On the side of Madewell at 2709 12th Ave S
- Artist: Emily Eisenhart / Eastside Murals
R!v!ve Nashville
The R!v!ve Nashville Mural combines nature and city into one cohesive vision of today’s Nashville. Sponsored by R!v!ve Nashville, this mural is part of a movement to revitalize Nashville’s streams and rivers.
- Location: The side of 12 South Yoga at the corner of 12th Ave S and Paris Ave
Flower Garden
This mural is a beautiful array of flowers whimsically painted on the side of a salon. With a little imagination, this mural can transport you from the hustle and bustle of 12 South to a peaceful field of wildflowers. There is no artist signature nor any hashtags, so the origins of this mural are a true mystery. I think it’s here for the sole purpose to make people happy and to help them stop and smell the roses.
- Location: On the Side of Green Pea Salon at 2900 12th Ave S
Make Music Not War
This next groovy mural is conveniently located right across from the Flower Wall mural. Music is the heart and soul of Nashville; it’s not called Music City for nothing! People come from far and wide to test their musical chops here, so this mural really represents that aspect of Nashville.
- Location: On the side of Epice at 2902 12th Ave S
- Artist: Relax Max Apparel
Animal Heads
- Location: 2318 12th Ave S, On the side of 12th South Taproom & Grill
There is also a whimsical bicycle mural on the side of Halcyon Bike Shop at 2802 12th Ave S. The artist is Aaron Martin.
The Gulch
Nestled between Music Row and Downtown is the Gulch, an upscale neighborhood boasting chic hotels, high-end boutiques, trendy restaurants, and of course, some of the most famous murals in Nashville.
The Nashville Walls Project Mural
Both the Jason Woodside Mural and Ian Ross Mural were created as part of a public art initiative called the Nashville Walls Project. I can tell you one thing – this is the best-looking parking lot I’ve ever seen! These vibrant murals come more and more alive the longer you look at them, bringing a fun and vivacious energy to the Gulch.
- Location: Beside a parking lot at 299 11th Ave S
- Artist: Jason Woodside
- Location: Right beside the Jason Woodside Mural – how convenient!
- Artist: Ian Ross
What Lifts You Wings Mural
The What Lifts You mural by Kelsey Montague has undoubtedly become the most popular photo spot in Nashville since its installation in 2016. Out of all the Nashville murals, this one is probably the most Insta-worthy. This means that people flock to this mural, so expect to wait in line for your picture. You should definitely come early to avoid those lines and avoid the harsh lighting and shadows. Then afterwards you can head to the original Biscuit Love for breakfast and try the “best sandwich in America.”
Fun fact: there’s another set of mini wings just to the right of this mural. I popped a squat there for some cute pics, but most people use it for little kids or their pets. How cute is that?
- Location: 302 11th Ave S (near Biscuit Love, behind Taziki’s)
- Artist: Kelsey Montague
- Hashtags: #WhatLiftsYou
East Nashville
East Nashville is known for it’s quirky vibe, yummy food, buzzing nightlife, and, you guessed it, murals!
What Lifts You – Hot Air Balloon Mural
Although not as popular as the wings in the Gulch, artist Kelsey Montague created another beautiful Nashville mural inspired by flight, and it’s her biggest one yet. If you want to capture the entire balloon on your fancy camera, bring a wide-angle lens (or just use your phone). This spot is ravaged with ugly shadows, so go in the evening for the best lighting.
- Location: Side of The Cleo at 1034 West Eastland Avenue
- Artist: Kelsey Montague
- Hashtags: #WhatLiftsYou
Stay Tuned Nashville Mural
- Location: 625 Main St
- Artist: Adrien Saporiti
Google Fiber Geometrics Mural
Nowadays it seems like Google is everywhere, doesn’t it? Believe it or not, this rings true even in the mural world. Back in 2017, Google Fiber partnered with 13 artists in 5 cities across the US to make the streets and the Internet more colorful (along with promoting Google Fiber high speed Internet). Nashville was one of the lucky cities chosen, so you can find a few of these kaleidoscope-looking creations around town. Thanks, Google!
- Location: The side of Five Points Pizza at 1012 Woodland St
- Artist: Nathan Brown
Nashville Balloons Mural
- Location: 1003 Russell St. (side of Boombozz East Nashville)
- Artist: Mobe Oner
Bear Outing
Location: 103 South 11th St. (Side of Eastside Cycles)
Artist: Leah Tumerman
East Nashville Mural
- Location: On the side of Donut Distillery at 311 Gallatin Avenue
Terra-Drift
- Location: 500 Gallatin Ave. (on the side of Hair World Beauty Supply)
- Artist: Skye Walker
You Belong Mural
This adorable self-affirming mural is right outside of The Russell, a hotel inside of a hundred-year-old church.
- Location: 819 Russell Street at the corner with 9th Street South (the mural faces 9th)
- Artist: I Saw The Sign run by “the Dream Team” aka Meg & Stinky
The Crying Wolf mural
- Location: 823 Woodland St.
- Artists: Denton Burrows, Lauren Asta
East Nashville Mural
We’ve already seen an East Nashville mural, but there’s actually a couple around town. I really like this one because the 3D effects are awesome.
- Location: 824 Main Street
Rainbow Tomato Mural
Since 2004, East Nashville has hosted the Tomato Art Fest. Why tomatoes? Well, why not tomatoes? People go all out for the Tomato Art Fest, even dressing up as their favorite fruit (yes, it’s technically a fruit, not a veggie. Life-changing info, I know). There’s ketchup and Bloody Mary’s aplenty. What time is it? Tomato time!
- Location: 824 Main Street, right next to the above East Nashville mural
Cheetah mural
- Location: 914 Main Street, behind The Pub at Basement East
- Artist: Eastside Murals
Freak Soul Mural
This is on the same building as the Cheetah mural, just to the left of it.
- Location: Behind 917 Woodland St. (behind The Pub at The Basement East)
Nashville Strong Mural
East Nashville was hit pretty hard by a tornado in March of 2020, and it took some old favorites of the murals in Nashville. But immediately after, Nashville showed it’s spirit and resilience the best way it knows how: by creating something new amid the destruction. Enter: the Nashville Strong mural to show that Nashville’s spirit cannot be dampened.
- Location: 1008 Woodland St
- Artists: Jason Galaz, Milton Chavez, Eric ‘Mobe’ Bass
West Nashville
Charlotte Avenue in West Avenue is another go-to hub for murals. You’ll find 14 murals located along one stretch installed by Off the Wall Charlotte Ave. It’s a little tricky to reach these murals on foot, so your best bet it to park at Avo across the street, then walk over. These murals are BIG, so your photographer will need to stay on the other side of the road, snapping shots in between lulls in traffic.
Avocado mural
Lovers of avocado toast – this one’s for you! Seriously, take a picture with the ultimate hipster mural then head inside Avo for the real thing.
- Location: On the side of Avo at 3 City Ave
Take Flight mural
- Location: 3020 Charlotte Ave. at 28th Avenue North
- Artist: Kevin Bongang / OFF the Wall Nashville
It’s Gonna Be O.K. Mural
- Location: 3020 Charlotte Ave
- Artist: Sarah Tate / OFF the Wall Nashville
Black Cat Tips mural
- Location: 3020 Charlotte Ave. at 28th Avenue North
- Artist: Kyle Brooks / OFF the Wall Nashville
Hattie B’s Chickens
Do NOT leave Nashville without trying some of Hattie B’s hot chicken. The only thing better is their banana pudding. I’m drooling just thinking about it! Anyways, I recommend heading to Hattie’s B’s Nash West because it’s usually not too crowded and you can snap a cute pic with these chickens.
- Location: 5209 Charlotte Ave
Wish for Peace Mural
Turn right out of Hattie B’s. Cross the street and walk up for about 10 minutes. This mural is right next to Hugh Baby’s BBQ.
- Location: 4816 Charlotte Ave next to Hugh Baby’s
- Artist: WHAT. Creative Group
- Hashtags: #wishforpeace #nashvillewallsproject
Love Heals Every Body mural
I saw a wedding party getting photos here. What a cute idea!
- Location: 5122 Charlotte Ave. (side of The Café at Thistle Farms)
- Artist: Michael Cooper
Spot Mural
I thought these were cow spots, but I’ve heard it was the Dog Spot Mural. I’ll let you decide!
- Location: Go to 5000 Charlotte Ave (Sander’s Furniture) then turn down the alley
Germantown
Beethoven graffiti
- Location: on the side of Barista Parlor x Germantown
- Artist: Blek Le Rat
Instagram Like Mural
Do you “like” this mural? I know I do!
- Location: 1230 4th Ave N
- Artist: Chris Tidwell
The Kind Mural
Now this is my KIND of mural. See what I did there? 😉
The little text to the right says: “Kindness is so many things. That’s what makes it so special…Tell us in the caption of your photo what kind means to you.” This mural is practically begging to be Instagrammed! How can you resist?
- Location: On the side of Juice Bar Germantown at 1120 Fourth Avenue North
- Artist: Rebekah Rinehart and Sarah Gail Nelson, founders of The Kind Way
- Hashtags: #thekindmural #scatterkindness #choosekindness
- Tag: @thekindway
Harmony Mural
- Location: 1120 Fourth Avenue North; same wall as Kind Mural
Hillsboro Village
Hillsboro Village is one of my favorite spots in Nashville with hip cafes, adorable boutiques, and so much yummy food. I recommend eating at the Pancake Pantry, Biscuit Love, or the Grilled Cheeserie. They’re all super delish!
This area is pretty small, so it won’t take you too long to wander around and snap some pics of these murals (which are only 2 minutes from each other). If you have some extra time, walk over to the nearby Vanderbilt campus. It had me reminiscing of my college days!
Hillsboro Village Dragon Mural
The Hillsboro Village Dragon was painted back in 1995, making it one of the oldest Nashville murals. The artists were inspired by the sea serpent sculpture in nearby Fannie Mae Dees Park. The paint has been redone several times over the years to keep the beast looking fresh and fearsome.
- Location: On the side of Posh Boutique at 2102 Belcourt Ave (across from Belcourt Theater)
- Artist: Andee Rudloff, David Glick, Adam Randolph
Drippy Lips Mural
These luscious lips are one of the newer Nashville murals, and I’m hoping they’re here to stay because they were made to take photos in front of!
- Location: On the side of United Apparel Liquidators at 1814 21st Ave S
- Artist: Designed by Donald “Drawbertson” Robertson; painted by East Side Murals
This post was last updated in July 2020. This is not a complete list to all the murals in Nashville because there are too many to count, and there are new ones popping up every day. Some murals are unfortunately covered up with graffiti, and some are painted over altogether for a new design (ex. The Looking Pretty, Music City is a new addition painted over an old favorite). If I am fortunate enough to return to Nashville, I will update this list with new finds.
Which Nashville mural is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!
Also leave a comment if there’s any awesome Nashville street art that I didn’t mention but you think deserves a shoutout!