From Streetscapes to Sculptures

Public Art in the ATL

Atlanta’s public art scene is as vibrant and diverse as the city itself. At the pulse of that scene is the ATL’s street art. From the explosion of one creative movement— hip-hop — came another. Graffiti art is synonymous with hip-hop culture. What started with the rise of the ATL’s hip-hop scene, blossomed into a scene of its own. Street art is now as woven into the fabric of Atlanta’s culture as hip-hop itself. 

Street artists have helped define the city as a fountain of visionary energy. Creative nonprofits like Living Walls, and curated events like Forward Warrior and Outerspace Project continue to reimagine the city’s canvases, transforming them with thought-provoking works of art.  

Cycle down Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail and ride past a giant polka dot-covered wall by artist Hense. Immerse yourself in the powerful story of Atlanta’s civil rights and social justice history through more than two dozen murals that make up the Off the Wall project. Snap a perfectly ‘grammable selfie in front of the Atlanta or West End postcard murals. Strike a Beatle-esque pose with friends as you stride across the rainbow crosswalk in the heart of the LGBTQ community in Midtown. 

In addition to the city’s street art and murals, Atlanta’s history is documented in sculptures across the city. Capture the light radiating from the hand of Martin Luther King Jr. as the sun sets behind the metalscape honoring him. Step into the oversize bust of John Wesley Dobbs dubbed the unofficial “mayor” of the Sweet Auburn district, and peer “Through His Eyes” to experience the pride he must have felt looking out at this historic neighborhood, the backbone of the Black community.   

At the Noguchi Playscape in Piedmont Park, kids and adults alike enjoy the fun, beautifully designed playground/art space. At the climbable ATL Playground in Woodruff Park, little ones can literally play in and on the A—and the T and the L, as the letters are fashioned into slides, monkey bars and rock climbing grips.

Atlanta’s art scene continues to evolve with the social issues of the day.  

Discover the art in the ATL.