5 Surprising Places To Find Art in a City

When we think about art in cities, our minds often jump to museums, galleries, or grand public murals. But art is everywhere, and it’s often hiding in plain sight! In fact, most cities are brimming with creative surprises just waiting for you to discover them. Here’s a list of five surprising places you might be able to find art in a city on your next urban adventure.

1. Sidewalk Chalk Murals

Next time you’re walking down a sidewalk, remember to look down because you might see the stretch of concrete transformed into a temporary canvas. These murals range from playful drawings by local kids to jaw-dropping 3D illusions by professional artists.

Cities with vibrant street art cultures, like Miami or Berlin, often host sidewalk chalk festivals where artists come together to create sprawling works of art over the course of a day or two. Don’t discount these temporary pieces; their fleeting nature makes them all the more charming and precious.

2. Manhole Covers

Even the most seemingly insignificant, dirty parts of a city can be canvases for beauty—including manhole covers. For instance, the manhole covers of Japan feature elevated design that turns these functional items into vibrant, hand-painted displays celebrating local history and culture. Whether depicting cherry blossoms, historic monuments, or mascots, these covers provide a unique glimpse into the spirit of a city. Back in the US, Seattle has also incorporated designs into its covers, many of which feature Native American art.

3. Utility Boxes

Those unassuming gray utility boxes scattered across city streets are often mini art galleries. Many city art initiatives invite local artists to paint utility boxes, adding splashes of creativity to normally mundane pieces of infrastructure. San Francisco has a particularly vast collection of beautifully adorned utility boxes. Hunting for them can turn into a fun urban scavenger hunt!

4. The Ceilings of Subway Stations

While subways may be known more for their efficiency than their aesthetics, some stations contain breathtaking hidden art. Instead of staring at your phone while you wait for a train, remember to look up!

For example, the Stockholm Metro in Sweden is known as “the world’s longest art gallery,” with over 90 stations featuring vibrant murals, mosaics, and sculptures. Closer to home, New York City’s Oculus at the World Trade Center or Los Angeles’ Hollywood/Highland feature stunning ceiling art.

5. Hidden Gardens and Courtyards

The most breathtaking art might not be hanging on a wall but growing right in front of you. Tucked away behind urban buildings are secret gardens or quiet courtyards that display nature as art.

You don’t even need to visit the biggest floral gardens in the world to see some gorgeous landscaping. For instance, most cities in Europe are riddled with tiny inner courtyards filled with greenery, sculptures, and fountains. Similarly, Chicago’s Lurie Garden or Barcelona’s walled gardens bring unique designs and peaceful breaks to city chaos. These pockets of nature combine landscaping, sculpture, and architecture to create living art.

You can find art in a city in some rather surprising places, from manhole covers to subway ceilings. Take the time to look up, down, and around on your next urban adventure—you just might find a masterpiece!