10 of the Most Famous Murals in the World

1. My God, Help Me to Survive This Deadly Love by Dmitri Vrubel

“My God, Help Me to Survive This Deadly Love” by Dmitri Vrubel is a famous mural art piece that encapsulates the raw and passionate emotions of love and turmoil. This iconic mural, located on the remnants of the Berlin Wall, features a passionate kiss between former East German leader Erich Honecker and Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev. Vrubel’s powerful creation becomes a symbol of the complex interplay between love and politics, beautifully frozen in time on the concrete canvas of history. It’s a famous mural art that not only speaks to the tumultuous era in which it was born but also to the universal, timeless theme of love’s endurance in the face of adversity.

2. Crack Is Wack by Keith Haring

The “Crack is Whack” mural is an iconic and thought-provoking piece of street art that graces the streets of Harlem in New York City. Created by legendary American artist Keith Haring in the 1980s, this vibrant mural boldly delivers a powerful message against drug addiction. With its dynamic and colorful design, it captures the spirit of the era and remains a lasting testament to Haring’s activism and creative brilliance. The mural continues to stand as a reminder of the artist’s commitment to social issues and his determination to use art as a force for positive change in our communities.

3. Balloon Girl by Banksy

Banksy’s ‘Balloon Girl’ is a captivating piece of street art that has captured the hearts of people worldwide. This iconic famous mural art, created in the early 2000s, depicts a young girl reaching out toward a red heart-shaped balloon. The image is not only visually striking but also deeply symbolic, representing hope, innocence, and the fleeting nature of dreams. Banksy’s signature blend of social commentary and artistic brilliance is on full display in ‘Balloon Girl,’ making it a beloved and enduring piece that continues to inspire and provoke thought. It’s a reminder that even in the most unexpected places, art has the power to touch our souls and challenge our perspectives.”

4. The Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo

The Sistine Chapel ceiling, a world-renowned example of famous mural art, is a breathtaking testament to human creativity and ingenuity. Painted in the early 16th century by the legendary Renaissance artist Michelangelo, it is a magnificent fresco that spans the entire ceiling of this sacred space within the Vatican. The ceiling’s most famous section, the ‘Creation of Adam,’ features the iconic image of God reaching out to touch Adam’s hand, an image recognized around the world.

Michelangelo’s meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail are awe-inspiring, and the rich tapestry of Biblical scenes and divine narratives adorning the ceiling provides a visual journey through religious history. The Sistine Chapel ceiling is not just a work of art; it’s a transcendent experience that continues to draw millions of visitors, offering a glimpse into the boundless potential of the human spirit and the enduring power of famous mural art to inspire, uplift, and connect people across centuries.

5. Nelson Mandela by Shepard Fairey

The “Nelson Mandela Mural” by Shepard Fairey is a powerful tribute to one of the world’s most iconic figures of peace and justice. Fairey, renowned for his street art and social commentary, created this mural as a symbol of hope and resilience. The mural captures Nelson Mandela’s dignified and determined visage, and it’s adorned with Fairey’s distinctive style, which includes bold colours and inspirational messages.

Depicting the former South African president and anti-apartheid revolutionary, the mural not only honours Mandela’s legacy but also serves as a call to action for positive change and social justice. Fairey’s art has the unique ability to blend politics and aesthetics, and this mural is a striking reminder of the enduring power of art to inspire, challenge, and unite people in the pursuit of a more just and equitable world.

6. The Flower Thrower by Banksy

“The Flower Thrower” by Banksy is an evocative and thought-provoking piece of famous mural art that captures the essence of non-violent protest and the enduring human spirit. This iconic mural, created by the enigmatic street artist, depicts a man in the act of throwing a bouquet of flowers as if it were a grenade. This powerful image represents the juxtaposition of beauty and conflict, showcasing the potential for peace and love even in the midst of turmoil.

Banksy’s signature blend of social commentary and artistic brilliance shines through in “The Flower Thrower,” as it challenges us to rethink the way we confront problems and seek solutions through peaceful means. It’s a striking reminder that art has the ability to speak volumes, provoke conversation, and inspire change, even when painted on the walls of the urban landscape.

7. Etnias by Eduardo Kobra

Eduardo Kobra’s Rio Olympics mural is a breathtaking kaleidoscope of colour and culture that captured the essence of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Kobra’s famous mural art is entitled ‘etnias’ — or ‘ethnicities’ in English. Stretching over 3,000 square meters, this mural is a testament to Kobra’s artistic genius, portraying five indigenous faces from various continents, representing the diversity of the world coming together in the spirit of competition and unity.

Kobra’s remarkable ability to blend photorealism with vibrant, eye-catching patterns results in a mural that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant. The mural serves as a lasting reminder of the global significance of the Rio Olympics, celebrating the rich tapestry of humanity and the power of sport to unite people from all corners of the Earth. Kobra’s work is a true masterpiece that continues to inspire and instill a sense of awe in all who encounter it.

8. Reflections by Guido Van Helten

The Wellington Dam mural in Australia is an extraordinary work of art that seamlessly blends nature and creativity. Located in the picturesque setting of Western Australia, this massive mural was a collaborative effort between Australian artist Sobrane and several talented artists from around the world. It transformed the Wellington Dam’s massive spillway into a stunning canvas that tells the story of the area’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty.

The mural showcases a breathtaking panorama of native wildlife, vibrant flora, and historical references, inviting viewers on a visual journey through time and place. This ambitious project not only revitalized an important piece of infrastructure but also turned it into a breathtaking piece of public art. The Wellington Dam mural stands as a vibrant testament to the power of art to connect people with their environment and heritage, all while leaving a lasting and awe-inspiring impression on those who visit.

Read more about some of the worlds largest murals on our blog!

9. The Collingwood Housing Estate by Matthew Adnate

In 2018, Matt Adnate made history by creating Australia’s tallest mural. As part of his diverse portfolio as a scenic artist, Adnate adorned a 20-storey building in Collingwood, Melbourne, with a striking mural. The artwork showcases the faces of individuals residing in the public housing block, providing a poignant glimpse into the vibrant community within. Among the portraits is Yulius Antares Taime, a resident on the 20th floor, who emphasises that for tenants, the mural is more than just art—it symbolises the unity of people coming together in Melbourne. According to Taime, it signifies a shared sense of community, reinforcing the idea that, “we all come to Melbourne and live together.”

Read more about Melbourne murals that’ll blow your mind!

10. The Giant of Boston by Os Gemeos

Both the surrounding skyscrapers and the architecture of the Intake Structure itself influenced the subject matter of the mural: a giant, yellow-coloured character in brightly mismatched clothes who appears to have squeezed himself in between the towering buildings that surround him. These yellow-coloured characters are an iconic and recurrent feature in Os Gemeos’s work, and are depicted in a wide variety of situations.

Os Gemeos hope their mural will bring colour and energy to the streets of Boston as well as inspire curiosity and imagination. Sometimes the figures they create inhabit fantastical, dream-like landscapes of joy and color; other times we see them in more everyday situations–riding the subway, sitting at home with their families or, in the case of the figure on the Greenway mural, just peering at the busy city life unfolding below.