Welcome to our Exploring Denver Series where we cover the best places around Denver to enjoy the culture of the Mile High City—follow this series to stay up to date on the hottest spots in our beautiful city. In this article, we cover the best Denver Street Art.
Denver has long been attracting artists of all mediums to its welcoming western outpost. Certain neighborhoods are rife with studios, galleries, and creative spaces, while others boast beautiful murals splashed against industrial buildings. Denver street art brings transformative energy into once colorless sectors. Here are some of our favorite spots to spy street art around the city— 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!
Related: 13 Best Views in Denver and Pet-Friendly Denver Apartments
RiNo Street Art
The River North Arts District, popularly referred to as RiNo, was originally established as an artist collective, and has since grown to include hundreds of art pieces. 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.
What’s more, some of Denver’s most renowned artists have found a home here. Stumble through RiNo’s unique graffiti for an insight into the lifeblood of this creative community.
This is definitely one of Denver’s best-known areas for street art and epic Instagram backgrounds. Each year, the neighborhood hosts CRUSH, a week-long festival in which internationally and locally acclaimed artists flock to RiNo and adorn its walls with a smattering of intricate masterpieces.
Top Murals in RiNo
“Larimer Boy” and “Larimer Girl”
Painted by artists 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
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“Power and Equality”
By internationally recognized Shepard Fairey, this mural was erected during CRUSH in 2018.
Location: 2631 Larimer Street, Denver, CO 80205
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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 has a little something for everyone. While this area has earned a name for itself via its First Friday Art Walks, there’s ample street art to be enjoyed for those willing to explore.
Top Murals in Santa Fe Art District:
“Visit Denver – Love This City”
This acclaimed mural is one piece of a three-part series titled “Love this City” by artist Jason T. Graves. It was painted by the artist along with 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
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“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 encapsulates a happy young boy with arms outstretched by artists B.L.V.D.
Location: Santa Fe Dr. & Inca Street alley
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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. The space opened to the public on August 1, 2019 and has been a local favorite ever since. Art lovers of all kinds can see something truly exquisite at this artistic haven.
What’s more, the group’s mission is to offer a space where anyone and everyone can showcase their work without censorship. Classes and workshops are also available for those interested in expanding their creative skillset.
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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.
In light of COVID-19 restrictions, this space is now offering virtual activities each day to enjoy from the comfort and safety of your home.
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LoDo Street Art
Lower Downtown, or LoDo, is alive with energetic nightlife, but this neighborhood is so much more than bars and restaurants. This historic area of Denver contains some of the city’s most iconic murals and street art. Spend warm summer days and crisp nights discovering the street art that exists in this beloved neighborhood.
Top Murals in LoDo
“Greetings from Denver”
Styled after the vintage postcard aesthetic, a pic with this mural is the perfect way to say, “I’ve moved to Denver.” As one of Denver’s most iconic murals, this beauty is a must-visit.
Location: 1695 Platte St., Denver, CO 80202
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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 in this area of LoDo.
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Denver’s Famous Alley Art
Long celebrated as one of the Mile High City’s hot spots for street art, Art Alley is rife with hidden gems. Experience a variety of paintings, sculptures, and more in this one-of-a-kind installation piece. 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.” Learn more about this project here.
“Alley Cats”
These little feline sculptures are posted up everywhere throughout this area. “Alley Cats” consists of spy tabbies, calicos, siamese and more perched on rooftops, windowsills, and a few other less-than-obvious places.
“Public Bodies”
3D body parts like 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’s pretty much always been a home to antique shops, vintage stores, and dive bars, but recently this area has seen a renewed interest from transplants and locals alike.
South Broadway, or SoBo, has transformed into an artistic enclave and, in an effort to cope with closures from COVID-19, artists have taken to painting the plywood of boarded-up stores. Learn more here.
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Find a Home in One of These Vibrant Denver Neighborhoods
Looking at Denver two decades ago, one may have noticed sleepier streets, less traffic, and a smaller skyline— but they might have also noted colorless city blocks and dark alleyways. As the city continues to grow, it also perpetuates a creative spirit, attracting artists of all mediums that make our city an innovative and beautiful place to call home.
Reach out to AptAmigo to find your next apartment in one of these vibrant neighborhoods. Simply tell us what you’re looking for and our team will get started on curating 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.
Abigail is a freelance writer who loves exploring new places - especially in the southwest - and moved into her van full time last fall. When she's not working on writing gigs to support her #vanlife endeavors, she loves packrafting alpine lakes, floating lazy rivers, and trail running.
