Weird and wacky, colorful and creative—that’s Austin for you. Explore any of its neighborhoods and you’re bound to stumble on an ever-changing gallery of murals and street art. Whether an ode to the city of Austin, a play on words or a unique cartoon character, some of these public works of art have become beloved icons in the capital city. Stop by a few of the most famous pieces to snap a picture.
Austin musician Tje Austin at the I love you so much mural. Credit Annie Ray.
I LOVE YOU SO MUCH
1300 S. Congress Ave.
In the heart of the South Congress (SoCo) entertainment district and located on the side of Jo’s Coffee – known for its sweet Iced Turbo coffee, mouthwatering tacos and unparalleled people-watching – the “I love you so much” mural is perhaps Austin’s most well-known. In fact, this simple yet timeless message attracts such a following that there’s sometimes a line to take a picture in front of it.
Pro Tip: To beat the crowds, make this your first destination of the day, and be sure to grab a cuppa joe from Jo’s while you’re here.
LA LOTERÍA
1619 E Cesar Chavez St.
With deep roots to its East Austin neighborhood, the restored La LoterÍa mural has celebrated community and culture since it’s earliest iteration in the 1980s. Local Chicano artists participated in the restoration of the mural which features colorful cards with a local flair.
Pro Tip: While you’re in the neighborhood, make time for a tour of East Austin murals. Nearby sights include Let’s Band Together (601 Chicon St.), We Rise (12th & Chicon Streets), Voyage to Soulsville (1161 Angelina St.) and more.
Greetings from Austin Mural at Roadhouse Relics.
GREETINGS FROM AUSTIN
1720 S. First St.
Like a vibrant postcard you can step into, the iconic “Greetings from Austin” mural welcomes visitors to the South Austin neighborhood. Painted by Roadhouse Relics owner Todd Sanders and friend Rory Skagen.
Get the Shot: Stand between the painted capitol building and the word “Capitol” and have someone take your picture to capture the entire iconic image.
YOU’RE MY BUTTER HALF
2000 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
What fun is a picture with your sweetheart if you’re not going to get a little corny? Take your beloved to this pun-tastic, picture-perfect mural in East Austin for a sweeter-than-sweet shot.
Pose Perfect: Stand between the fluffy slice of bread and the melty cube of butter (right beneath the heart!) to strike a pose.
Hi, How Are You Mural. Credit Carmen M. Fischer.
HI, HOW ARE YOU – JEREMIAH THE INNOCENT
Guadalupe and 21st Streets
You might have noticed renditions of this whimsical, bug-eyed bullfrog on T-shirts, socks and figurines around town. But the original can be found on Guadalupe Street, near the University of Texas at Austin campus. Created in 1993 by artist Daniel Johnston, this friendly bullfrog features the words “Hi, How Are You?”
Do It Right: Eat lunch at the cleverly named Thai, How Are You? restaurant, and then walk around the corner to snap a picture of this beloved creature painted on its side wall.
WILLIE FOR PRESIDENT
1415 South Congress Ave.
A fitting tribute to the Austin icon, the Willie for President mural was painted on the side of STAG Provisions men’s store by artists Jacqui Oakley, Erick Montes and Joe Swec.
Make the Most of It: Make a day of the shopping and dining on South Congress Avenue. Stop for a slice from Home Slice Pizza before snapping a pic of the mural next door.
Tau Ceti. Credit Kevin Liu.
TAU CETI
Parking Garage at Brazos Street and Second Street
While in downtown Austin, stop by for a picture in front of the tallest piece of public artwork in Austin, the 103-foot rainbow mural “Tau Ceti” by Josef Kristofoletti.
Get the Shot: To capture the giant mural in full, get down low and point your camera towards the sky. Or, get a photo from across the street, before taking a break on the patio of Cedar Door.
