If you drive around any part of Columbia, you’re bound to see a new colorful mural on your journey. In 2021, several murals and public art pieces have popped up in prominent locations, welcoming you to the city, offering insta-worthy photo backdrops, and contextualizing the city’s rich history.
With so many local businesses embracing the art, and talented local artists providing their skills, Columbia offers an extensive selection of outdoor art.
Pro tip: One Columbia — Columbia’s local art’s agency — offers a list and map of public art.
Read our guide to Columbia murals.
🏢 Main Street District
“The Pursuit of Opportunity: Celebrating African American Business”
Title: “The Pursuit of Opportunity: Celebrating African American Business”
Artist: Ija Charles
Location: 1401 Main St.
About: The new 300 ft x 600 ft mural debuted in May depicts what once was Columbia’s Black Wall Street. The mural helps depict the story of the Black business community in Columbia and its rich downtown history.
Title: “Architecture of Strength”
Artist: Deedee Morrison
Location: Corner of Main and Gervais
About: Located directly across from the State House, the “Architecture of Strength” monument via the Columbia City of Women serves as a daily reminder of women’s perseverance and power.
🏞️ NoMa
Title: “The Pursuit of Citizenship, Benjamin Mack, Septima Clark, and Listervelt Middleton”
Artist: Charmaine Minniefield
Location: 950 Jackson Ave.
About: The new mural unveiled in June and featured in the renovations of Hyatt Park, highlights several community leaders who lived in the North Main area.
5️⃣ Five Points
Artist: Erbriyon Barrett AKA Cloud Cruiser
Location: Saluda Street in 5 Points
About: The mural on the side of Bang Back Pinball Lounge on Saluda Street in Five Points, features three bold colors designed to stand out in the Soda City.
🌹 Rosewood
“The Pursuit of Education, Rosewood Elementary, and School Desegregation”
Artist: McClellan Douglas
About: Located at 3744 Montgomery Ave at Valencia Park in the Rosewood community, the mural highlights the story of 24 children who fought for their right to education in a then segregated Richland One school district in 1964.
🛍️ Devine Street
Artist: Andrew and Sarah McWilson
Location: Woodland Park 6500 Olde Knight Parkway
Artist: Ija Charles
Location: 4455 Devine St.