The primary reason I was drawn to Albuquerque enough to pick up my life and family and move here 18 months ago was the public art, culture, and diversity. Every corner of this city is filled with stories deeply rooted in authenticity and the human heart.
And the best part? Albuquerque wears its art out in the open.
As we zip across Central, debate whether I-25 or I-40 will be faster, or run errands on autopilot, there is a whole world of murals and visual storytelling surrounding us, holding us, reflecting us, and offering subconscious messages of love, pain, resilience, and symbolism.
You don’t need a museum ticket or a parking pass. Some of the most powerful art experiences in Albuquerque happen through your windshield.
“Mural” comes from the Latin murus, meaning wall. Art applied directly to a surface meant to be lived with, passed by, and witnessed collectively. This tradition dates back to prehistoric times. We’re still doing it. Still telling our stories on walls.
So consider this your invitation to drive a little slower, look up, and experience the city through the eyes of its artists.
Murals You Can Spot Without Leaving Your Car
St. Jame (David Santiago)
Known for his signature female faces painted on reclaimed wood, St. Jame’s work feels intimate and grounding, almost as if the city itself is watching over you.
Keep an eye out while driving past:
- Copper Ave & Monroe St – Behind a Dion’s Pizza
- Nob Hill – The mural Prickly, often spotted near a piercing shop
- 320 Broadway – A nearby mural by James Gatsby often gets grouped into this visual corridor
Central Avenue: Nob Hill to Downtown
If you do nothing else, take a slow drive down Central from Nob Hill toward Downtown.
This stretch alone is a rolling outdoor gallery, layered, political, playful, and deeply local. Even if you’ve driven it a hundred times, looking with intention changes the experience.
Jodie Herrera
A full-time artist and curator with Latina, Apache, and Comanche heritage, Jodie Herrera’s work centers on women, community, and social justice. Her murals often incorporate symbols tied to heritage and personal narrative, making each piece feel both powerful and deeply personal.
You can spot her work at:
- Downtown Hot Yoga (724 Central Ave SE) – A collaboration with the ACLU
- Lead Ave & Elm St – Supported by Kennedy Law Firm
- Old Town – Plaza Don Luis – A mural honoring New Mexican culture and resilience
- 5th & Central – Her Strength, created for New Mexico United to celebrate female fans
Fusion District (700 1st St NW)
Head toward Fusion and let your eyes wander. Art pops up both inside and outside buildings here, and even a slow drive through the area feels intentional and inspiring.
Public Art Kids Will Actually Notice
If you’re driving with kids, public art becomes a low-effort way to help them connect to the city they’re growing up in.
Honor Heindl’s playful, bold style shows up in places families already go, making art feel accessible and fun.
You’ll find her work at:
- Mrs. Sprinkles Ice Cream
- North Valley Academy
- The Block
- Bodylanguage
- Happy Campers Pediatric Dentistry
Showing our kids how unique Albuquerque is, and how much creativity lives here, builds local pride without needing a formal “lesson.”
Want to Go a Step Further?
If this sparks something in you, Muros Connect is a powerful next step. They connect local artists with empty walls across the city. Who knows, there might be a mural waiting to happen in your own neighborhood.
And mark your calendars for the Rio Grande Arts & Crafts Spring Festival, March 13-15 at the EXPO fairgrounds.
Public art in Albuquerque doesn’t ask for much, only your attention. The next time you’re driving your usual route, look up. The city is telling stories everywhere.
And check out this article about Fun Murals to Check Out in Albuquerque for more ideas!
