When you think of Austin, music usually comes to mind. It's not just a nickname that it's the capital of live music in the world.

However, if you walk around a bit, you'll realize that the true face of Austin is not just about music. It's about the living murals found throughout the streets. The murals in Austin are not just pretty pictures; they are like the face of the city, showcasing its character.

In the past, HOPE Outdoor Gallery was known as the holy land of Austin murals. Although you can no longer freely enter as before, the traces it left on Austin's artistic culture still remain throughout the city.

It's not an exaggeration to say that the atmosphere that allowed unknown artists to make a name for themselves on the streets by providing a space where they could paint legally has created the mural culture we see in Austin today. This city is particularly generous to artists, and that generosity is reflected in the street scenery.

The most famous mural in Austin is probably the Hi, How Are You frog on the wall of the Speedy Record building. This painting, left by musician and artist Daniel Johnston, has now become a symbol of Austin. Despite its somewhat clumsy lines, it strangely draws your attention. If you look at the faces of people taking pictures in front of this mural, everyone is smiling. It's a scene that perfectly reflects the character of Austin.

The Greetings From Austin mural on South First Street is also a must-see. It's the very picture you've seen countless times on postcards, but when you see it in person, it's surprisingly large. There are many tourists and locals constantly visiting, so there are always people around. Interestingly, this mural is not just a tourist attraction; it is maintained and cared for by the local community.

Personally, I really like the artist Fez Padriche. He is a Spanish artist who paints smiling fish characters, and seeing his murals just makes you feel good. The messages are simple, the colors are bright, and you can't help but look at them again as you pass by. The reason Austin's murals are so appealing is this friendliness.

There's a clear reason why there are so many murals in Austin. The city government recognizes and encourages murals as public art, and as long as the building owners give permission, they can be painted legally. Above all, the spirit of Keep Austin Weird dominates this city. It's an environment where it's okay to stand out, be different, and maintain your own color, which is the best setting for artists.

If you want to enjoy murals in Austin in 2026, I recommend walking along South First Street and East Austin. East Austin, in particular, has strong messages and many large murals, making it a fun place to see. Thanks to the view protection area around the state capitol, there are many low buildings, allowing for a view where murals and the sky can be seen together, which is a unique charm of Austin.

The murals of Austin are not just decorative tourist attractions; they are like a living autobiography of the city. Looking at these paintings, you naturally come to understand why people think of Austin as something special.