The best murals in Nashville are the Instagram-famous Nashville Wings Mural, I Believe in Nashville, and the Dolly Parton mural in East Nashville. I’ve lived in Nashville, Tennessee for years and I still make time every month to drive around and hunt for new wall art because the Nashville art scene keeps growing.
These outdoor murals turn neighborhoods into open-air galleries that mix country music vibes with bold colors and local stories. This guide gives you everything you need for a perfect Nashville mural tour — exact addresses, artists, photo tips, parking hacks, and what to eat nearby so you spend less time scrolling Google Maps and more time snapping pics.
Nashville street art exploded in the last decade thanks to local and international artists who painted on everything from silos to garage doors. You get free public art that feels personal and Instagram-ready at the same time.
I cover the 15 top murals right now in 2026, neighborhood breakdowns, a full self-guided tour plan, and honest advice from someone who has stood in line at the wings mural more times than I care to admit. Whether you want the most popular murals in Nashville, murals in 12 South Nashville, or murals in East Nashville, I have you covered with real 2026 details.
The 15 Best Murals in Nashville Right Now — My Personal 2026 List
Here are the 15 best murals in Nashville that I actually recommend to friends and family who visit. I ranked them by how often I see them in real life and how much they capture Music City spirit. Each one has an exact address, artist name, and my local tips so you know what to expect.
1. Nashville Wings Mural (What Lifts You) by Kelsey Montague
Location: 230 11th Ave South, Nashville, TN 37203 (The Gulch). This is still the most photographed Nashville mural in 2026. Kelsey Montague painted giant white lace wings with hidden Nashville icons — cowboy hats, guitars, and barbecues.
I always tell people to go early in the morning or after 6 p.m. to skip the line. Parking is tight, so use the paid lot across the street. Pair it with a quick stop at Biscuit Love for breakfast right around the corner.
2. I Believe in Nashville Mural by Adrien Saporiti
Location: 2700 12th Ave South, Nashville, TN 37204 (12 South neighborhood). The bold black-and-white “I Believe in Nashville” sign stands as a symbol of resilience after the 2020 tornado. You will find replicas around town, but the original in 12 South stays the most visited. I park at the small lot behind the mural and walk two minutes to Draper James or Frothy Monkey for coffee afterward.
3. Dolly Parton Mural in East Nashville
Location: 1006 Forrest Ave, Nashville, TN 37206. This vibrant portrait of Dolly Parton captures her bigger-than-life personality with bright colors and that famous smile. East Nashville locals love it. I stop here during my self-guided mural tour and grab a biscuit from the nearby 51st Deli.
4. Dragon Mural at Belcourt Theatre
Location: 2102 Belcourt Avenue, Nashville, TN 37212 (Hillsboro Village). Guido van Helten painted this massive dragon that wraps around the historic Belcourt Theatre. It feels magical at dusk. Belmont University students hang out nearby, so parking fills fast on weekdays.
5. Molly Green Mural
Location: Near Bare Bones Butcher in 12 South. Molly Green’s colorful floral design brightens the whole block. I always pair it with a visit to Love Shack Fancy or Faherty Nashville for shopping.
6. Black Cat Tips Mural
Location: Charlotte Avenue corridor. This playful black cat mural gives good-luck vibes and makes everyone smile. It sits near Epice Restaurant if you need lunch.
7. Cowgirl Street Art & Masked Cowgirl Mural
Location: Various spots in 12 South and The Gulch. The masked cowgirl and “Cowgirls Love Tall Boys” pieces feel like pure Nashville sass. I photograph them near the Bottle Cap Mural for a full cowgirl-themed walk.
8. Music City Kitty Mural
Location: Near Fido in Hillsboro Village. This cheeky cat mural nods to Nashville’s quirky side. Kids and pets love posing here.
9. Bottle Cap Mural
Location: 2403 12th Ave South (side of Bottle Cap). Bright bottle caps create a pop-art feel that screams 12 South. Perfect for a quick selfie before heading to Playdate or Milk and Honey.
10. Make Music Not War Mural
Location: 12 South neighborhood. This peace-and-music message stays one of my favorites for its positive energy.
11. Nashville Looks Good on You Mural
Location: Near Draper James in 12 South. Reese Witherspoon’s shop sits right beside this fun, flattering mural.
12. Looking Pretty Music City Mural
Location: 12 South. The bold lettering and floral accents make it a go-to for group photos.
13. Jessi Zazu Mural
Location: East Nashville. Local artist Jessi Zazu created this heartfelt piece that honors community.
14. Guido van Helten Silo Murals in The Nations
Location: 1407 51st Ave, The Nations. These massive portraits on old silos tell real Nashville stories. Drive or take a tour — they are worth the short trip.
15. Candy Hearts Mural in The Gulch
Location: 601 8th Ave South. Bryson Leach painted sweet candy hearts that spread love and community vibes.
Here is my quick 2026 comparison table so you can plan your route:
| Rank | Mural Name | Neighborhood | Artist | Best Time to Visit | Nearby Eat/Drink | Photo Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nashville Wings Mural | The Gulch | Kelsey Montague | Early morning | Biscuit Love | Stand back for full wings |
| 2 | I Believe in Nashville | 12 South | Adrien Saporiti | Late afternoon | Frothy Monkey | Use natural light |
| 3 | Dolly Parton Mural | East Nashville | Local artist | Golden hour | 51st Deli | Bring a hat for fun props |
| 4 | Dragon Mural | Hillsboro Village | Guido van Helten | Dusk | Fido | Wide angle lens |
| 5 | Molly Green Mural | 12 South | Molly Green | Morning | Love Shack Fancy | Bright colors pop |
Self-Guided Nashville Mural Tour by Neighborhood
The easiest way to see the most famous murals in Nashville is a self-guided mural tour split by neighborhood. I do this route all the time with visitors.
12 South Neighborhood Murals
Start at the I Believe in Nashville mural and walk south. You hit the Bottle Cap Mural, Looking Pretty Music City, Make Music Not War, and Nashville Looks Good on You in under 30 minutes. Park once and stroll — it feels like the 12 South mural trail. Stop at Draper James for shopping and Black Cat Tips for coffee.
The Gulch Murals
The Nashville Wings Mural and Candy Hearts sit two blocks apart. Add the Giant Ear & Microphone for a full hour of photo ops. Parking garages are plentiful but cost $10–15.
East Nashville Murals
Drive across the Cumberland River for the Dolly Parton mural and Jessi Zazu mural. The area feels artsy and relaxed. Pair it with brunch at Milk and Honey.
Hillsboro Village & Belmont
The Dragon Mural at Belcourt Theatre and Music City Kitty are quick stops near Belmont University. Walkable with plenty of cafes.
The Nations & Germantown
Guido van Helten’s silo murals in The Nations reward the short drive. Germantown has smaller, hidden pieces near shotgun houses.
Practical Details for Your Nashville Mural Tour
Most murals in Nashville are free and open 24/7. Best time is golden hour (sunrise or sunset) for photos. Weekday mornings beat weekend crowds. Download the Nashville mural map from Visit Music City or use Google Maps with the addresses I listed.
Parking tips:
- 12 South — free street spots early.
- Gulch — paid lots or garages.
- East Nashville — easy street parking.
Wear comfortable shoes — you walk 2–4 miles on a full tour. Bring water and sunscreen in summer.
History and Nashville Art Scene Behind the Murals
Nashville murals started as community projects and grew into a full street-art movement. Artists like Kelsey Montague, Adrien Saporiti, and Guido van Helten brought international attention. The Nashville Walls Project and local festivals keep new pieces appearing every year.
People Also Ask
What are the best murals in Nashville?
The Nashville Wings Mural and I Believe in Nashville top my list every year. They deliver the perfect mix of color, message, and photo ops.
Where are the most popular murals in Nashville?
12 South and The Gulch hold the most famous murals in Nashville. You can hit five or six in one walk.
Are there murals in East Nashville?
Yes — the Dolly Parton mural and Jessi Zazu mural are must-sees. East Nashville feels more local and artistic.
What is the famous wings mural in Nashville?
The Nashville Wings Mural (What Lifts You) by Kelsey Montague at 230 11th Ave South. It is the most Instagrammed spot in town.
Is there a Taylor Swift or Dolly Parton mural in Nashville?
Yes — the Dolly Parton mural in East Nashville is permanent. Temporary Taylor Swift pieces come and go, but the Dolly one stays.
Are Nashville murals good for families?
Yes — most are outdoors, free, and quick to see. Kids love the wings and cowgirl murals.
Practical Tips from a Nashville Local Who Photographs These Murals All the Time
I always tell visitors five things:
- Go early or late to avoid lines at the wings mural.
- Park once per neighborhood and walk — it saves time and money.
- Bring a portable charger — you will take a lot of photos.
- Combine your tour with food — every mural neighborhood has great spots like Biscuit Love or Fido.
If you only have one day, do The Gulch and 12 South in the morning and East Nashville in the afternoon.
Final Honest Advice from Your Nashville Neighbor
Nashville murals turn a simple walk into a full art adventure that feels personal and fun. I still get excited every time I see a new piece pop up because it shows how Music City keeps evolving. Grab your camera, wear comfy shoes, and spend a morning chasing these 15 murals — you will leave with great photos and a deeper love for the city.
Come hungry, take your time, and enjoy the colors. I promise the murals in Nashville deliver every single time. See you out there snapping pics — wave if you spot me.
