Karissa RangelSan Antonio might not be known as the art capital of the country, or even Texas, but I think we deserve some serious credit. With a vibrant culture that is a unique blend of SA’s people, past, and future, we have a vibe that’s all our own. While I’m a fan of visiting art museums, there’s nothing like discovering a brightly-colored mural in the midst of pavement and cityscapes on a gloomy day. Keep reading to see a few of my current favorites!
Essex Modern City: 51 Essex St.
Essex Modern City is a street art paradise! The outdoor gallery invites local and visiting artists, like Ruben Rojas, to paint on the future site of a mixed-use development on the east side. Spend Second Saturdays at Essex for live art, music, and food trucks. Fair warning: If you go on another day, the property could be gated shut. Out of four visits, I found the grounds are open to visitors weekdays before 5 p.m. and closed on weekends.
The RIM: 17619 La Cantera Pkwy
Amidst the shopping and restaurants in The RIM, you’ll find three murals in the breezeway between The Rustic and Bowl & Barrel. Snap your photo in front of these walls made in partnership with San Anto Cultural Arts!
Google Fiber: 450 Soledad St.
What would a San Antonio Wall Crawl be without retro spurs colors and our skyline? Checking all the boxes of SA-ness, this Jenkins2d mural doubles as a great spot for close ups and wide shots. Although this spot is downtown, you’ll be able to park in the neighboring bar’s lot if you visit before nightfall.
Gemini Ink Alley: Navarro Street + N St Mary’s Street
While I love all the walls on this list, this one holds a special place in my heart! You’ll find this colorful, geometric beauty by Mur0ne in the alley adjacent to Gemini Ink. Pro Tip: Visit before late afternoon. As the sun sets, the surrounding buildings will cast hard shadows on sections of the mural.
Los Otros for Luminaria: N St Mary’s Street + Richmond Avenue
Chances are you’ve seen this mural by San Antonio duo Los Otros and Chris Montoya, but it definitely deserves a spot on this roundup. Originally commissioned as part of Luminaria, the art and light festival bringing visual art installations to downtown, this mural is on the same building as #4 on our list.
SA Street Art Initiative Phase 1 : N St Mary’s Street + Interstate 35 underpass
It’s not everyday you find 16 murals by local artists all in one spot. Pull into the lot on N. St Mary’s under I-35 to experience San Antonio Street Art Initiative’s first installation. The nonprofit works to bring art to the streets of the city and features artists like Cruz Ortiz and Paul Garson in the most unlikely of places.
Rumble: 2410 N St Mary’s St. (near E. Ashby Place)
By now you’ve probably guessed that St Mary’s is the place to be. You’ll find a taste of Rumble’s monochromatic tile replicated on the side of the popular bar.
Paper Tiger: 2410 N. St Mary’s St.
And the geometric walls continue! Just steps away from Rumble lies the Paper Tiger. Tip: Visit this music venue before mid-day; food trucks and parked cars are less likely to block your insta-moment.
The Official Fiesta Store: 2611 Broadway St
I couldn’t round out this list without a mural paying homage to Fiesta! Countdown the days to the city-wide celebration in April and don your flower crown early. Tip: Visit before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. as this Los Otros mural is located in a parking lot.
This isn’t even the tip the brightly-painted iceberg! There’s art popping up everywhere in San Antonio. To see new locations as I find them, you can visit my Instagram, @Kwissyriss, and the hashtag #SanAntonioWallCrawl. Which mural will you visit first?