Like most urban murals, the art filling walls across Tulsa tells the city’s story without words. Scenes from the past, whimsical maps, and present-day social concerns spread across buildings and brighten alleys. While you’re sure to discover additional Tulsa murals when you visit T-Town, this guide will help ensure you don’t miss any of the most impressive murals in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
From three-dimensional sculptures to large-format murals, street art tells a city’s story in a truly unique way. That’s why the murals in Tulsa, Oklahoma, feature sky-high oil rigs and historic Route 66. They pay homage to Native Americans, a thriving African-American community, and a unique music style known as Tulsa sound.
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Murals in the Tulsa Arts District
Tulsa Postcard Mural, 211 N. Boulder Ave.
With its classic postcard design, this Tulsa mural brightens the wall behind a rum and tiki bar in the Brady Arts District by incorporating Tulsa landmarks into the letters of the city’s name. The Tulsa postcard mural is surrounded by a chain-link fence topped with barbed wire, so the best way to see it in its full glory is to visit the Saturn Room and step into the grassy area in back.
Since I got up early to take most of my Tulsa mural photographs at sunrise, it was a little early for a daiquiri or mai tai. So, I stood on the roof of my car to get above as much of the fencing as I could.
Arts Alliance Tulsa Mural, 224 N. Main St.
Lovingly sprayed onto the side of The Hunt Club facing Main Street, this Tulsa mural celebrates all artists. Music floats, ballerinas leap, and ribbons of paint glide across the first-story wall of the building as a shout-out to the visual and performing arts.
Art District Map Mural, 18 E. Reconciliation Way
On the northwest corner of the Fairfield Inn & Suites where Reconciliation Way intersects with N. Main Street, this map mural spotlights some of the landmarks in the Art District, like Cain’s Ballroom and the next mural.
Homeless Vet Mural, 11 E. Reconciliation Way
Spray painted by US Army veteran Josh Butts during Mental Health Awareness Month, this mural of a homeless vet pushing a cart fills the narrow alley between the Tulsa Artists Coalition and Valkyrie. Staring into his haunted eyes and seeing the tattered American flag tucked in with his worldly possessions might motivate you to take action to support those who have served.
Bloomsday Mural, 13 E. Reconciliation Way
Turning 180 degrees from the homeless vet mural, you’ll gaze into the eyeless glasses of what appears to be a moustachioed ghost sipping a grande to-go latte. But this simple mural actually honors Irish author James Joyce and his novel Ulysses, which follows bespeckled main character Leopold Bloom from 8:00 am until bedtime on June 16, 1904.
Woody Guthrie Mural, 102 E. Reconciliation Way
Designed by artist Aaron Whisner, you’ll find this giant mural of folk singer and songwriter Woody Guthrie on the corner of the red brick building that houses the Woody Guthrie Center. The center is dedicated to continuing the Oklahoma native’s message of diversity, equality, and social justice.
Sage Advice: If you need a rest from exploring Tulsa’s murals on foot, cross Reconciliation Way and take a break on the Guthrie Green. This green space takes up one city block with a lush lawn and comfortable benches.
Tulsa Arts District Mural Map
How to Use This Map
- Zoom in or out using the + and – keys in the bottom left corner.
- Click the icon on the left side of the map title to view and learn more about a specific point of interest on this map
- Click the sharing icon on the top right side of the title bar to share this map via social media
- And click the rectangular icon in the top right to view a larger map
Murals in the Greenwood District
Black Wall Street Mural, 322 N. Greenwood Ave.
This 30-foot mural is just across the street from the historic Vernon AME Church on the north side of the wall of the I-244 overpass that marks the south end of the parking lot at the Greenwood Cultural Center. Designed by Kansas City artist “Scribe” D. Ross, this piece celebrates the rise of one of the most prosperous African-American communities in America and mourns its destruction during the Tulsa race massacre, one of the worst race riots in US history.
Black Lives Matter Mural (Removed)
In the summer of 2020, Tulsa was one of several cities across the country that rolled Black Lives Matter murals onto the streets. With bright yellow letters stretching the entire width of Greenwood Avenue, the words “Black Lives Matter” marched down Black Wall Street for an entire city block. Unfortunately, the text mural installed just before Juneteenth has been removed.
Murals in the Blue Dome District
Bob Wills and the Mother Road Mural, 514 E. 2nd St.
Stretching across the red brick wall on the south side of the building, the tour bus scene created by the Clean Hands Army on this Tulsa mural honors Western swing musician Bob Wills and his band, the Texas Playboys.
In addition to singing hit songs about the Sooner State, like “Good Old Oklahoma” and “Oklahoma Rag,” Bob Wills starred in several movies, including Take Me Back to Oklahoma.
Leon Russell Mural, 415 E. 3rd Street
Look for the larger-than-life mural of a young Leon Russell on the southeast corner of the building. Over the course of a music career that spanned six decades, Russell collaborated and performed with legends like Eric Clapton, Joe Cocker, Bob Dylan, and Frank Sinatra. English glam rocker Elton John calls Leon Russell his hero.
And although I can’t prove it, I’m convinced that Leon Russell also inspired both Axl Rose and Slash, because this rose-framed mural of him looks like a mash-up of those two artists.
That Tulsa Sound Mural, 415 E. 3rd Street
To the right of the Leon Russell mural, the Tulsa Sound mural honors the unique blend of rock, country, and blues pioneered by musicians like Russell and Eric Clapton.
Astronaut Mural, 415 E. 3rd Street
On the west side of the building, facing the blue roof that gives this Tulsa district its name, is a mural of an astronaut floating weightlessly under a full moon. Reflected in the visor of his fishbowl-shaped helmet are scenes of the Tulsa skyline, including the district’s iconic Blue Dome and some of the city’s art deco skyscrapers.
Sage Advice: To learn more about the intriguing patch on the astronaut’s right shoulder, visit Tulsa Remote.
Vote PBR Mural, 314 E. 2nd Street
If this mural on the left side of a trio of murals near the Blue Dome seems a bit like an ad, that’s because it was painted as part of a national art contest sponsored by Pabst Blue Ribbon beer to incorporate its logo into a work of art.
Blue Dome Mural, 314 E. 2nd Street
Within sight of the actual Blue Dome is its mural twin. Look for it sandwiched between the Pabst Blue Ribbon and Wayman Tisdale murals, looking a bit like a big blue cookie jar with a rainbow of handprints (or possibly high fives) surrounding it.
Wayman Tisdale Mural, 314 E. 2nd Street
After growing up in Tulsa, basketball power forward Wayman Tisdale attended the University of Oklahoma, where he still holds several school records. As a college student, he competed in the 1984 Olympics and won a gold medal as part of Team USA. Toward the end of his 12-year professional basketball career, Tisdale launched a music career on the Motown label as a bass player. Although Tisdale’s life was tragically cut short by bone cancer, his talent as a musician is captured in this Blue Dome District mural.
Related Article: 15 Fascinating Facts About Team USA
Rose Pawn Shop Murals, 2100 E. 3rd St.
Two murals adorn the brick wall of the Rose Pawn Shop. On the left is the “You’ll Survive” mural of a young woman with blue glasses, blue lipstick, and blue nail polish, managing her stress with a scoop of blue ice cream. (Probably because there’s no such thing as blue wine.)
And to the right is a trippy psychedelic mural of an Indian warrior. Painted by artist Rick Sinnett, the piece incorporates the Oklahoma state bird and wildflower into its design.
Tulsa Flag Mural, 310 E. 1st St.
On the east wall of the brick building that houses Sona Coffee and Next Level Bar & Grill, you’ll find a green-and-gold mural of the Tulsa city flag flying in front of Tulsa’s “TUL” IATA airport code letters.
Blue Dome District Mural Map
How to Use This Map
- Zoom in or out using the + and – keys in the bottom left corner.
- Click the icon on the left side of the map title to view and learn more about a specific point of interest on this map
- Click the sharing icon on the top right side of the title bar to share this map via social media
- And click the rectangular icon in the top right to view a larger map
Murals at the First Street Flea Market
The area just west of where Highway 75 and I-244 criss cross east of downtown looks a bit rough. Weeds grow in the cracks of crumbling concrete where buildings have been demolished, and there isn’t much to do or see unless you visit the First Street Flea Market when it’s open on Sundays.
But the incredible artists participating in the Habit Mural Festival have infused the building at 856 East 1st St. with vibrant colors. In fact, the murals that wrap around it and cover the wall outside the Route 66 Marathon office are some of the most spectacular in Tulsa.
Murals In and Around the Pearl District
We Did It Mural, 1306 E. 11th St.
In the shadow of the historic Meadow Gold sign along Route 66 rests this mural celebrating the completion of a bridge over the Arkansas River. While a railroad bridge carried freight cars over the river, there wasn’t an option for other types of traffic.
As the area’s oil business began to boom, and with no public funds to build the much-needed bridge, three local businessmen put their heads together, pooled their resources, and solved the problem. In early January 1904, a 1,200-foot iron toll bridge opened to pedestrians, wagons, and livestock. Hanging above the bridge’s entrance was a sign that read, “They said we couldn’t do it, but we did.”
Bison Mural, 803 S. Peoria Ave.
Covering the south side of the Center for Employment Opportunities building is a mural featuring a herd of geometric bison grazing on the prairie. As part of their deep connection with nature, the earth, and all of its creatures, Native American hunters used nearly every part of a bison — meat, hides, and bones.
Although it is estimated that 30 million bison roamed the American plains when Europeans first arrived on the continent, white men slaughtered the wooly mammals by the thousands in the 19th century as they continued to take over the land and control indigenous tribes.
Pearl District Mural, 1535 E. 6th St.
Across the street from Tulsa Beef & Provision, just west of Western Specialty Contractors, is this mural showcasing the past, present, and future of Tulsa’s Pearl District. Although the district’s name actually honors a section of Peoria Avenue — a main drag through this part of Tulsa that was originally called Pearl Avenue — locals also embrace the connection to the cream-colored gemstone. After all, like the stones that transform into something beautiful over time, they see the same potential for their neighborhood.
Dogs Getting Their Kicks On Route 66 Mural, 1621 E. 11th St.
You’ll find this fun Tulsa mural outside Spirit Ranch Dog Training on Route 66. As four pups cruise the Mother Road in a sky blue convertible, an older dog, whose hips have seen better days, runs after the vehicle. (Too bad Tulsa isn’t a little closer to Kansas City, because this guy could use a little more training!)
Connected Pathways Mural, 535 S. Peoria Ave.
Stretching more than 110 feet across the north side of the Atlas Homes building, this bright new mural is part of Tulsa’s indigenous peoples series. On a cornflower background under the light of a full moon, three people dance in the tall prairie grass. The artists who spent more than a week painting this piece didn’t make up the ornate design of the moccasins and leggings; instead they studied real articles of clothing loaned by local Native Americans to ensure the mural’s authenticity.
Mother Road Market Murals, 1124 S. Lewis Ave.
At the Mother Road Market, Tulsa’s food hall that unites multiple local eateries and shops under one roof, you’ll find two impressive murals. Out front is a mural with iconic Tulsa stops along Route 66, from the blue whale of Catoosa to the Desert Hills Motel.
Additionally, on the wall behind the Mother Road Market, is a beautiful young woman with purple coneflowers and ferns adorning her shirt and hair.
Pearl District Mural Map (And Other Murals Nearby)
How to Use This Map
- Zoom in or out using the + and – keys in the bottom left corner.
- Click the icon on the left side of the map title to view and learn more about a specific point of interest on this map
- Click the sharing icon on the top right side of the title bar to share this map via social media
- And click the rectangular icon in the top right to view a larger map
Other Murals in Tulsa
Cathedral District Mural, 1004 S. Main St.
Artist Josh Butts found inspiration in Michelangelo’s frescoes on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City when he created this Tulsa mural. But as God reaches for Adam in this piece, a few blocks south of Downtown Tulsa, it’s with a colorful backdrop of stained glass windows and art deco churches.
University of Wash Superhero Murals, 3132 E. 15th St.
A few blocks south of the University of Tulsa, on the west side of the University of Wash (a combination laundromat, arcade, and bar), is this superhero mural.
Sage Advice: Look across 15th Street for a bird mural on the west side of Bird’s Liquor Store.
Decopolis Art Deco Murals, 3399 East 25th St.
Just west of the intersection of E. 25th St. and S. Harvard Place, on the building on the far north side of the Harvard Square strip mall, are two art deco-inspired, Oklahoma-themed murals designed by William Franklin. On the left is a mural of an Indian blanket, the Oklahoma state wildflower, framed with gold art deco shapes.
On the right, flying above a gold art deco “Tulsa,” is a scissor-tailed flycatcher, the Oklahoma state bird.
What’s Your Favorite Tulsa Mural?
Do you have any background to share on any of the murals listed above? Are any Tulsa murals missing from this article? Share your experiences in the comments section below.
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I appreciate this extensive list! As a geographer and Tulsa native, I’d love to have a Google map list of ALL the murals you plotted into one map! Is that possible to have? Happy to make a donation to keep the fun coming!
Hi Chloe! Let me see what I can do! 🙂
I love all the murals and the street art movement that is taking shape in cities across the globe! It is such a good use of space and an amazing way to showcase peoples talents as well as the city featuring these pieces of art. I never imagined Tulsa to have such a vibrant mural scene!
You missed the murals at 15th and Lewis …. Poor Richard’s Furniture has two on the East side of the building, there are plans for one on the west side this spring. One mural was done by local artist “Kay” in celebration of the birth of his son. the other is “peace, Love and furniture”
What’s not to love about peace, love, and furniture?!? Thanks for letting me know, and I’ll be sure to stop by when I’m back in Tulsa this spring!
These murals are amazing – all of them. Although I like the astronaut best – the helmet looks so three-dimensional. Even if there wasn’t anything else to see in Tulsa, for these pieces of grand art it’s obviously totally worth a visit. Thank you for this wonderful introduction!
Yes, that astronaut mural is amazing! I have not yet mastered the fine art of capturing the moon in the background of a shot — it’s so hard for the moon not to look like a boring blob in the sky — but on my first night in Tulsa, a full moon was rising to the left of this mural and it was absolutely spectacular!
I love street art. I had no idea there are so many great murals in Tulsa. I am adding this place to my wish list. Such a great post! I want to photograph all these amazing murals.
Beautiful photos! I especially like the Art Deco murals towards the end of the post — with its bold colors and designs 🙂
Those two art deco murals of the state flower and the state bird are two of my favorites!