Mural Mile Los Angeles – Public art celebrating LA's culture

In the San Fernando Valley, a public art project was started in 2012 to celebrate LA’s rich and diverse culture and invigorate the local community. Today, more than forty murals adorn the walls of Pacoima, with new ones popping up frequently. The vast majority can be found across Van Nuys Blvd (between Glenoaks Blvd and Arleta Ave). The wide range of topics and stories they touch on includes tributes to The Day the Music Died, and many other artists, from Frida Kahlo to Cheech Marin.

This trip will also provide you with the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the Valley, the way roads (and railroads) extend as far as the eye can see. This is definitely a daytime activity, as most murals don’t get enough artificial light to make it a late excursion, but I’d recommend timing it so you finish right before dusk. LA is a city that allows you to see plenty of sky no matter where you are but, around these parts, the sunset feels truly immense. It’s a breathtaking view and a perfect way to cap your day out.

For those in Central LA, and a bit hesitant to make the trip into the Valley, I suggest ditching the car and keeping it simple. Just take the subway into North Hollywood and then one bus (224 line) right outside the station that drops you off in the heart of Mural Mile.