The welcoming western outpost of Denver has long attracted artists of all mediums. Certain neighborhoods are rife with studios, galleries, and creative spaces, while others display beautiful murals splashed against industrial buildings, bringing transformative energy into once colorless sectors. Here, we list some of our favorite spots to spy the best Denver street art, and maybe even snag an Insta-worthy photo or two.
If you’re looking to call these colorful streets home, reach out to AptAmigo for your own personal apartment expert. You’ll get access to the hottest deals on the market and expert local insight. The best part? It’s totally free!
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Denver Street Art by Neighborhood
RiNo Street Art
The River North Arts District, popularly referred to as RiNo, was originally established as an artists’ collective and has since grown to include hundreds of art displays and some epic Instagram backgrounds. This district has flourished over the past few decades and boasts an abundance of restaurants, eateries, bars, and event spaces that now occupy its previously industrial streets. Moreover, some of Denver’s most renowned artists have found a home here. Stumble through RiNo’s unique graffiti for insight into the lifeblood of this creative community.
Top Murals in RiNo :
“Larimer Boy” and “Larimer Girl”
Painted by artist Jeremy Burns in 2015, this piece depicts a cartoonish boy from one angle and a cartoonish girl from the other. Viewers can only catch a glimpse of the entire figure from a very specific angle.
Location: 2732 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
Take me there:
“Power and Equality”
Created by the internationally recognized Shepard Fairey, this mural was erected during a mural painting event called CRUSH in 2018.
Location: 2631 Larimer Street, Denver, CO 80205
Take me there:
Santa Fe Art District
This well-known neighborhood is equal parts eccentric and elegant. From hole-in-the-wall bars and authentic Mexican food to high-end galleries and fine dining, the Santa Fe Art District caters to everyone. While this area earned a name for itself via its First Friday Art Walks, ample street art lines the roads for anyone willing to explore them.
Top Murals in Santa Fe Art District:
“Visit Denver – Love This City”
This acclaimed mural constitutes one piece of a three-part series titled “Love this City” by artist Jason T. Graves. The artist painted it alongside Remington Robinson, Pat Milbery, and Pat McKinney. This colorful, geometric mural spans the entire side of a building and portrays birds, mountains, and hearts.
Location: 2314 Broadway, Denver, CO, 80205
Take me there:
“Smiling Boy”
Stroll down the alley between Santa Fe Drive and Inca Street for a total immersion in colorful, eye-catching murals. This particular piece by artist B.L.V.D. encapsulates a happy young boy with arms outstretched.
Location: Santa Fe Dr. & Inca Street alley
Take me there:
Top Art Galleries in Santa Fe Art District:
To view contemporary pieces by local artists, check out these galleries after your mural tour of Santa Fe Art District.
D’art Gallery
Established in 2019, D’art is an artist cooperative that supports creatives of all disciplines with a mission to offer a space where anyone and everyone can showcase their work without censorship. The space opened to the public on August 1, 2019 and quickly became a local favorite. Art lovers of all kinds can see some truly exquisite pieces at this artistic haven. Classes and workshops are also available for those interested in expanding their creative skillset.
Take me there:
Spectra Art Space
Typically, Spectra Art Space functions as an event and studio space, striving to cultivate all types of art, including the nontraditional. By hosting lectures, demos, and events, Spectra provides a platform for creators to hone their craft and engage with their audience.
Take me there:
LoDo Street Art
Lower Downtown, or LoDo, is alive with energetic nightlife, but this neighborhood offers so much more than bars and restaurants. This historic area of Denver contains some of the city’s most iconic murals. Spend warm summer days and crisp nights discovering the street art in this beloved neighborhood.
Top Murals in LoDo:
“Greetings from Denver”
Styled after the vintage postcard aesthetic, a pic with this mural posted on your socials will declare, “I moved to Denver.” As one of Denver’s most iconic murals, “Greetings from Denver” is a must-visit.
Location: 1695 Platte St., Denver, CO 80202
Take me there:
The Dairy Block
An abundance of murals line this popular micro-district, boasting some of the best restaurants and shops in LoDo. Catch the iconic milk sculpture at the entrance to The Dairy Block, as well as colorful, geometric patterns and large-scale portraits.
Take me there:
Denver’s Famous Alley Art
Long celebrated as one of the Mile High City’s hot spots for street art, Art Alley exhibits many hidden gems. Experience a variety of paintings, sculptures, and more in this one-of-a-kind installation. The Downtown Denver Partnership and the Downtown Denver Business Improvement District launched downtown Denver’s “Alleyways Project” in 2018 to encourage “people to spend time in these underutilized spaces, ultimately creating safe, welcoming and ‘selfie’-worthy places.”
“Alley Cats”
These little feline sculptures are posted up everywhere throughout this neighborhood. “Alley Cats” consists of Spy Tabbies, Calicos, Siamese and other breeds perched on rooftops, windowsills, and a few other less-than-obvious places.
“Public Bodies”
3D body parts, such as eyes and arms, pop out from a black backdrop on the stretch between California and Stout Street.
“Alley Freshener”
Gigantic Christmas tree air fresheners hang from wires high up above the alley. This alpine-themed art is part of an initiative to brighten up downtown Denver’s alleys and make them safer.
South Broadway Street Art
Riding the heels of its neighboring Baker, Wash Park, and Cap Hill districts, South Broadway has made a splash in recent years. It has pretty much always been a home to antique shops, vintage stores, and dive bars, but this area has seen a renewed interest from transplants and long-time locals alike.
Take me there:
Find a Home in One of These Vibrant Denver Neighborhoods
Looking at Denver before the turn of the century, visitors may have noticed sleepier streets, less traffic, and a smaller skyline, but they might also have noted colorless city blocks and dark alleyways. As the city continues to grow, it also perpetuates a creative spirit, attracting artists who make our city an innovative and beautiful place to call home.
If you decide to immerse yourself in this creative atmosphere for the long term, reach out to AptAmigo for help finding your next apartment in one of these vibrant neighborhoods. Simply tell us what you’re looking for, and our team will curate a list of apartments that are perfect for you. Access to the best deals, expert local knowledge, and your own personal Denver apartment expert are just a click away.
* The original version of this article was first published on July 13, 2020.
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Abigail is a freelance writer who loves exploring new places, especially in the Southwest, and lived in her van during the Covid-19 pandemic. When she's not working on writing gigs to support her #vanlife endeavors, she loves packrafting alpine lakes, floating lazy rivers, and trail running.
