We all know that San Jose has a vibrant arts scene – and we’re not just talking about the San Jose Museum of Art or the Anno Domini Gallery. One of our all-time favorite galleries? San Jose itself.

Today, we’re sharing where to find pieces that really paint a picture of Teal Town with our guide to 12 murals in town.

The gorgeous "¡Alebrijes!" mural on the side of the Mezcal restaurant in San Jose. | Photo by SJtoday Staff

¡Alebrijes!,25 W. San Fernando St.| By Francisco Franco
On the side of Mezcal Restaurant on West Fernando Street, this brilliant and colorful this mural pays tribute to Mexican folk art, the spirituality of the Oaxacan region of Mexico, and the Zapotec people’s artistic and culinary traditions. The figure in the mural is the patron goddess of the plant from which mezcal is made, Nuestra Señora Immaculada de Juquila.

"Afternoon" at the corner of Almaden and Julian Streets in Downtown San Jose. | Photo by SJtoday Staff

Afternoon,John Street at Almaden Boulevard | By Sainer
This Little Italy art piece depicts a tired elderly woman sitting in a chair and a young person playing a flute. Meant to represent a view of the Italian countryside, the mural sits at the entrance to the original settlement for Italian immigrants in downtown San Jose. It's the first solo work in the US of Polish street artist Sainer.

The brightly colored mural lights up the side of the First St. building. | Photo by SJtoday Staff

Gross/Holmes Building,55 N. First St., Ste. 300 | By Ricky Watts
Created as a part of the inaugural Pow! Wow! San Jose festival, the colorful, looping 3D swirls of psychedelic gradients light up the side of the Gross/Holmes building on North First Street.

An important moment in Olympic history with local roots. | Photo by SJtoday Staff

Homage, San Salvador + First streets | By Chris Duncan and Paul Urich
This mural pays tribute to African American sprinters John Carlos and Tommie Smith — the gold and bronze medalists from the 1968 Olympics who raised black-gloved fists during the US national anthem. The San Jose State alums’ silent protest was also immortalized as statues on campus.

Vida Abundante is Spanish for "Life Abundant." | Photo by SJtoday Staff

Life Abundant, 233 W. Santa Clara St. | By Jim Minor
Featuring the visage of a woman, a cornucopia of fruits and vegetables, and a nod to the Egyptian Art Deco stylings of the Hotel de Anza (upon which this mural sits), the artist says the work reflects a deep appreciation for the South Bay’s agricultural roots.

The mural was finished mere days before the devastating 2023 fires in Maui. | Photo by SJtoday Staff

Malama Aina, 86 N. Market St. | by Taylor Reinhold, Erik Smiley, and Casey Landaker
This mural celebrates the traditions, culture, and achievements of AAPI people. The phrase “malama aina” is a Hawaiian phrase meaning “caring for and honoring the land.”

The towering visage of the late Supreme Court Justice looks down upon W. Santa Clara St. | Photo by SJtoday Staff

Notorious RBG, 2 W. Santa Clara St. | By Chuba Oyolu
This towering, five-story mural overlooking downtown’s busy Santa Clara Street was commissioned by the building and depicts the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The artist says he was inspired by RBG's work ethic + tireless commitment to her ideals.

The city celebrated this mural's unveiling with a celebration. | Photo by SJtoday Staff

Nuestra Ofrenda, 499 S. Market St. | By Roberto Romo and Francisco Rameriz
This mural is a dedication to the generous donor families of San Jose, specifically the organ donations of the late Nancy Yahayra Gutierrez and Brandon Castellanos. The hummingbird, representing the holy spirit, flies in front of a cempazúchitl flower (Mexican marigold). Also pictured are the likenesses of the two donors, cross-legged, smiling, and at peace.

Since the 2015 unveiling, the mural's building has changed owners. | Photo by SJtoday Staff

Phylum of the Free, Fountain Alley at South First Street | By Jeffrey Hemming
Featuring a clash between space-age machines and towering giraffes, this mural rests on the side of the former Lido’s Nightclub. The artist said this piece is meant to represent the contrast between slick Silicon Valley technology and the yearning for natural spaces.

The Draculas are muralists Jeff McMillan and Gary Musgrave. | Photo by SJtoday Staff

SAP Center 25, San Fernando and First streets | By The Draculas
This mural is a collaboration between Empire Seven Studios, The Sobrato Organization, Digital Reality, and the SAP Center, in celebration of the venue’s 25th anniversary in 2019. Featuring the likenesses of professional ice skating legend Kristi Yamaguchi, the San Jose Sharks, performers Elton John + E-40, and many other familiar faces.

Billy DeFrank was an important figure in San Jose's LGBTQ+ history. | Photo by SJtoday Staff

Spirit of Generosity, Love, and Inclusion | By Serge Gay Jr.
This bright and colorful mural showcases the many sides and struggles of the building’s namesake. William Price, who performed under the stage name “Billy DeFrank,” was an LGBTQ+ activist and community organizer in San Jose in the 1970s.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C7m_p9BvGAM
Threads Woven, San Pedro Street | By Jimmy Paints + community
Local artist Jimmy Paints and Local Color San Jose partnered with 1,250 volunteers in May 2024 to paint this colorful community mural on San Pedro Square. The piece is 12,000-sqft and features 10 colors, and is meant to represent SJ's different cultures and communities.