Explore Mission District’s Amazing Murals

Explore Mission District’s Amazing Murals

San Francisco has over 1,000 street murals, and more than half are in the Mission District neighborhood. You’ll find them on walls, garage doors, fences, and other structures, adorning buildings, churches, parks, and streets.

The murals come in various styles and themes, from political and historical to fun. Exploring them is best done on foot. And with their sheer number, set aside plenty of time to see as many of these art pieces as possible.

These are the best places to go to start your tour:

Balmy Alley

Between 24th and 25th Streets

Balmy Alley is where it all started. The first mural was created in 1972 by resident Maria Galvez and several children from a nearby childcare center. The works of the Mujeres Muralistas followed this; female artists focused on feminine and socio-political themes. Later murals depict the struggles of Central American countries against human rights abuses and political corruption. The most recent artworks touch on gentrification and other political and social issues.

Clarion Alley

Between Mission and Valencia Streets

Clarion Alley is one of the top destinations for murals in the Mission District. More than 500 artists have contributed over 700 murals to the area, and you’ll find a wide array of artistic styles. The murals’ themes are focused on the economic, social, and political issues faced by the community and universal environmental issues.

The Women’s Building 

3543 18th Street

The internationally recognized MaestraPeace Mural covers two of the walls of The Women’s Building and depicts the contributions of women from around the world. It includes calligraphy of the names of over 600 women interspersed throughout the artwork. The mural was created in 1994 and was a collaboration of seven female artists who are also regarded as among the best muralists in San Francisco.

Precita Eyes Mural Arts and Visitor Center

2981 24th Street

Founded around 40 years ago, Precita Eyes is a community-based non-profit committed to “enriching communities through collaborative murals that celebrate culture, unity, history, and nature.” The organization is behind several murals found in different locations across San Francisco. Its Visitor Center is a virtual gallery of murals created by local artists, depicting social, political, and economic issues confronting the community.

The Carnaval Mural at the House of Brakes

24th and South Van Ness Streets

Above the House of Brakes is the Carnaval Mural, 24 feet by 75 feet artwork celebrating the first San Francisco Carnaval event, which took place in 1979. The mural was created in 1983 based on photographs taken at the event and depicts the high energy and revelry of the occasion. It’s considered one of the best examples of mural realism.

Caledonia Alley

Between Valencia and Mission Streets

While not as famous as nearby Clarion Alley, Caledonia Alley boasts its street art gems, including the works of some of the city’s top muralists. Unlike in other parts of the Mission District, the murals in Caledonia Alley are mostly gritty graffiti art with subtler depictions of political and social issues.

Along with its vibrant culture and economy, Mission District is also home to some of the best apartments in San Francisco. Learn more about your investment and rental opportunities here.


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