Notes From the Field: Mission District Murals

The little two block stretch of Balmy Alley in San Francisco has been home to important Latin American mural art since 1972. Today, the artwork continues to evolve, reflecting new stories of the Mission District. 

There are several great places in the Mission to see mural art, some professional, others thrown up by street artists and anonymous creators. The murals on Balmy Alley got their start when two women calling themselves “Las Mujeres Muralistas” (“The Woman Muralists”) put up the first piece. The artwork was further expanded with themes celebrating Latino and Central American culture in the 1980s and continues to this day.

Here are a few examples from our recent exploration:

Detail of mural titled “Culture Contains the Seed of …” by Miranda Bergman

This mural is called “Victorion” and is by artist Sirron Norris

A mix of cultural and American icons

Breaking the chains

Some dimensional mural work

The Balmy Alley Murals are ever evolving. The best way to explore them is to visit on foot. Guided walking tours are offered by the group Precita Eyes.

GO EXPLORE:

BALMY ALLEY, San Francisco, California

All photographs by the author

One of the most important things to us here at the Atlas is to always keep traveling and discovering. Notes from the Field are first person reports from the most inspiring trips taken by the Atlas Obscura Team. Read more Notes From the Field here>