You can learn a lot about a city by its street art. From its history, to its culture, to the little things that make a city unique. .
The street art in Minneapolis has completely blown me away since I’ve moved back to Minnesota. I live in the heart of downtown and have been fortunate enough to explore different areas, and discover new (and old) street art in Minneapolis.
Whether you are just visiting the city and are looking for some cute instagrammable spots in Minnesota. Or you live here and want to experience the city through the perspective of the street art, this post has you covered.
But I gotta warn you, this post is not a historical lesson on Minneapolis. There are plenty of other blogs for that! Instead, I share where you can find the best Minneapolis street art and some fun things you can do around each location.
All of the Artists’ Instagram Accounts are included in the post as well.
NORTHEAST / North Loop
1. MIDNIGHT “NEVER” PRINCE – ARTIST UNKNOWN
About the spot: You can’t write a post about Minneapolis without mentioning our beloved Prince. He was more than an iconic artist to Minnesotans and it was clear from his music, that he was proud to be from here. When he died in 2016, many creatives grieved through art, and painted Prince murals all over the city.
This one is located in Northloop Minneapolis on the side of the Floyd’s 99 Barber Shop. Sadly, the artist’s name is not listed on the mural, so if anyone knows who created this piece, write it in the comments section below!
424 N Washington, Minneapolis, MN 55403
2. CITY BEAR IN A SUIT – @ChuckU
About the spot: At first glance, this Minneapolis street art just looks like a bear in a suit. But this is one of the artist’s tallest pieces to date. It is about 3 stories high and about 20 feat wide.
You can find this Bear painting on the side of the Rafter Apartment building in Northeast Minneapolis. You truly can’t miss it!
A couple blocks away, is my ALL TIME FAVORITE MINNEAPOLIS RESTAURANT. Do yourself a favor and grab some BRASA to go.
333 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55414
1. I LIKE YOU WALL – Artist Unknown
About the spot: If you Google, “Instagramable spots in Minneapolis, the ‘I Like You Wall’ is sure to pop up. Oozing of happiness and sunshine, this mural is located on the side of the I Like You Shop in Northeast Minneapolis.
When you are done having a full on photoshoot outside the wall, you can go inside the shop for all of your essential Minnesota Swag. They also have a St. Paul location called I Like You Too.
UPDATE: The I Like You Shop has since moved locations. Be sure to check its new location and newly painted ‘I Like You Wall’ at 1955 Johnson St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418
1955 Johnson St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418
DOWNTOWN
4. STARS OF FIRST AVE – artist unknown
About the spot: The First Ave Stars Wall is located in the heart of Downtown and is easily the most well known music hall in Minnesota. This small venue has hosted talented musicians since the 80’s.
It’s fun to scan through the list of artists on the two walls covering the building, to see which of your favorite bands have made an appearance. Some of the notable names are James Brown, Eminem, The Beastie Boys, and of course our beloved Prince. Across the street, you’ll find the Target Center too!
701 N 1st Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403
5. Baby I’m a Star – @Greg Gossel
About the spot: The joy on my face says it all. This Comic Book style artwork is Downtown in the Hennepin Theatre District.
It features the quote from Prince “Take a Picture Sweetie–I Ain’t Got Time to Waste…Baby I’m A Star”. Funny thing, I can be found saying the same thing to my (instagram) boyfriend. Hehe. JK.
A popular thing to do in this area is to see a play of course! There are a handful of theatre’s along the street, you are bound to find something good.
930 Hennepin Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55403
6. BULLDOG MURAL – @Chuck U
About the spot: You will see a few pieces of Minneapolis street art from the masterful artist, Chuck U in this post.
This blue eyed bulldog is located Downtown, on the side of The Bull Dog Restaurant and Bar, which is across the street from the ‘Baby I’m A Star’ mural. I’ve actually never eaten at the restaurant, but this mural is a cool one to see.
1111 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403.
7. The Women of Four Seasons – @Turman
About the spot: Three doors down from the ‘Bulldog Mural’, this massive piece of street art is sure to stop you in your tracks. It features four different women, each in a different season.
‘The Women of Four Seasons’ mural is on the side of The Butcher’s Tale building in Downtown Minneapolis. This restaurant is FIRE, especially if you like different types of meat.
1121 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403
8. BOB DYALN RAINBOW MURAL – @Eduardo Kobra
About the spot: Did ya’ll know Bob Dylan was from Minnesota? This is one of my favorite pieces of street art in Minneapolis and it’s right around the corner from my old apartment Downtown.
It’s a mural that shows Bob Dylan at three different stages of his life, which boldly covers the building from top to bottom. Across the street, you’ll find the famous Pourhouse bar that’s known for live music and overpriced covers. Ha!
1, S 5th St, Minneapolis, MN 55402
9. MUSIC NOTE MURAL – Artist unknown
About the spot: Can you guess what song I was jamming to during these photos? On the corner of 10th St. and Marquette, you will find a fabulous mural made of oversized music notes. One thing I recently learned about this mural is that it is actual sheet music to the French song “Gaspard de la Nuit.”.
The next street over is Nicollet Street, one of the most popular streets in Downtown Minneapolis. Take some time to explore the many bars, shops, and restaurants on Nicollet Street. Our personal favorite? Brit’s Pub.
94 S 10th St Minneapolis, MN 55403
MIDTOWN
10. Minneapolis college of art & Design – artist unknown
About the spot: This Minneapolis mural in Midtown brought out the true diva in me! A bit further from Downtown, you can find this amazing piece of street art on the Minneapolis College of Art & Design building.
The MCAD is a private, nonprofit school focusing on visual education, so it’s only right that these creative students have a killer building like this. Speaking of these talented students, you can help support their efforts by donating via the MCAD website.
2501 Stevens Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404
11. Butterfly MigraTION Mural – @ROGER PEET & BARRY NEWMAN
About the spot: Okay, so I am not the biggest fan of butterflies, but I recognize their importance and think this mural is the coolest. The Center for Biological Diversity partnered with artists’ Roger and Barry to create awareness around the growing extinction of monarch butterflies.
This piece is another Midtown Minneapolis street art, and it’s painted on the side of a convenient store called Toni’s Market.
It’s also only about 6 blocks away from one of the most popular Minneapolis attractions, the Midtown Global Market. Here you can try cuisine from all over the world!
3448 Chicago Ave Minneapolis, MN:
UPTOWN
12. Prince Purple Power – Artist @Cyfi Martinez
About the spot: It’s worth repeating that Prince is often seen as the heartbeat of Minneapolis. So when he passed away in 2016, local artists expressed their admiration by creating incredible Prince murals throughout the city.
This one is located in Uptown. Around the corner from the mural, you can stop by Uptown Diner for a tasty bite to eat.
1309 W 26th St Minneapolis, MN
13. Intermedia of Arts Groovy Wall – @Reggie LeFlore
About the spot: Artist Reggie is serving us some incredible 70’s vibes with this powerful mural. When you’re done with this post, definitely check out Reggie’s Instagram where he showcases all of his work. SO GOOD!
UPDATE: This artwork has since been painted over. Still check out Reggie’s artwork though–he has some other great pieces throughout Minnesota. Who know’s the Groovy Wall may pop up somewhere else someday!
2828 Lyndale Ave Minneapolis, MN
14. Sing a song of uptown – @Greta McLain
About the spot: You can find this colorful piece of street art in Uptown, about a mile away from the ‘Purple Prince Mural’. There are a lot of awesome things happening in this mural, but what stands out to me is the unknown women that looks over the neighborhood wearing a flower crown. YES QUEEN.
Along with the artist’s tag, it also has the hashtag #uptownrainbowmural, which perfectly captures its’ essence.
1422 W Lake St. Minneapolis, MN
15. Moody Floral Wall – @Betsy Cole
About the spot: For the final mural on the list, we are going out with a bang! Not only is it big, bold, and beautiful, but it’s located in the best part of Uptown. You will have lots to check out when you are done visiting the ‘Moody Floral Wall’.
Our recommendations? Pop into the cutest coffee shop, Young Blood Coffee, across the street from the mural and then grab a drink at LynLake Brewery next door.
2940 Garfield Ave Minneapolis, MN
And that’s a wrap! You might not be able to get to all of the Minneapolis street art in this post, but try and knock off a few!