If a picture is worth a thousand words, then Illinois is like an open book just waiting to be read. Larger-than-life murals enhance structures and buildings in cities across the state, telling the unique stories of each community’s people and heritage.

“The murals and statuary in towns and cities are an integral part of their history – past and present – and what these places represent,” says Dianna Mueller, a mural artist in Chester. “They demonstrate a town’s pride and ambience and afford so many opportunities for photographs.”

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Peoria mural

Peoria

In Peoria, visitors can see murals depicting the “History of the Mardis Gras” and the Illinois Traction Railway, among others. Much of Peoria’s public art is along the downtown riverfront, although there also are indoor murals in Peoria’s City Hall, the luxurious Hotel Père Marquette and the library at Bradley University.

“Each mural has its own character and theme,” says Jonathan Wright, managing editor of Central Illinois Business Publishers Inc. “Most of the murals have themes pertaining to the business inside – jazz musicians at the Madison Theatre, runners at the Running Central shoe store, and fair trade and international cooperation at Global Village, a fair trade shop. The indoor murals at City Hall and the Père are quite old and represent Peoria’s rich history.”

More on Murals

Want to know more about Illinois’ murals? Find additional information on murals on these websites:
Drive Lincoln Highway
The Illinois CVB

Another mural on the outside of Water Street Wines, Café & Coffees features several prominent Peorians hidden in the collage – an inside joke that invokes a chuckle with the locals.

“It’s difficult to put a dollar amount on the value of art, but it is undeniable that public art enhances the quality of life in the area and shows a connection to culture that is attractive to young professionals, tourists and other visitors,” Wright says.

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COMMENTS

  • On this topic, we just finished painting a WPA Poster inspired mural on an old viaduct in Bradley, IL. Can we submit pictures to be posted on this site.

    • Denny,
      You can send those photos and any other story ideas to ilfbpartners@jnlcom.com. We often update the stories on our website, but can’t guaranteed your pictures will be published. Thanks for reading and we look forward to seeing pictures of your mural!

      Blair Thomas
      Illinois Partners

  • Enjoyed the article Paint The Town Murals and would like to add a new addition that was painted last summer near where I live. It is located at the corners of Broadway and Henry streets in Alton. The artist worked many a night last summer because of the heat to complete a large building wall mural that sparked my interest. It is a sight to see!

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