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Best Street Art In Minnesota

A mural can turn an otherwise drab building into something colorful and dynamic. A sculpture can redefine a street corner. Public art makes the street experience something more than just a walk down the sidewalk. It adds life and color to otherwise drab stretches of urban landscape. There is too much public art in Minnesota to list it all here, but here are a few pieces you'll have to keep an eye out for.

Midway Murals
www.midwaymurals.com

Commissioned as part of a greater effort to beautify Snelling Avenue, four murals now brighten the street heading north of University Avenue. The murals reflect the influence of the diverse culture of the neighborhood. The Yuya Negishi, "Birth of a New Day," at 689 Snelling Ave., is a nod to the neighborhood's Korean influence. The other three: Lori Greene's "Berbere" at 555 Snelling, Greta McLain's "Braided," at 512 Snelling and "Convergence" by BLASTER at 638 Snelling Ave., are all painted on East African businesses that have helped to rebrand the neighborhood as "Little Africa." Definitely stop in and try the food at Fasika or Snelling Cafe while you're checking out these beautiful displays of street art.

Bob Dylan Mural Minneapolis
(credit: CBS)

Bob Dylan Mural
5th and Hennepin
Minneapolis, MN 55401

Downtown Minneapolis is no stranger to grand displays. The latest change to the visual landscape is an enormous kaleidoscope mural of Minnesota legend Bob Dylan, who cut his teeth playing in Minneapolis back in the 60s. The colorful piece redefines the corner of 5th Street and Hennepin Avenue, and offers a stunning welcome to those getting off the light rail stop there. The mural not only adds a little color to an otherwise brick and steel-heavy cultural district, but it brings to life a local legend loved by residents and visitors alike.

Western Sculpture Park
Western Park
387 Marion St
St Paul, MN 55103
www.publicartstpaul.org

The constantly evolving sculpture park just west of the State Capitol is a colorful escape from the dense neighborhood that surrounds it. Inspired by the neighborhood's history, as it was once part of the now-razed Rondo neighborhood that helped shape St. Paul's past, as well as the diverse culture that defines it today, the sculpture park is a must-see for anyone visiting St. Paul and the capitol. Added bonus: the park is located a block from the Rice Street/Capitol stop of the Green Line.

Related:  Best Public Art In Minnesota

The Bigger Picture Project
www.thebiggerpictureproject.net

Taking the Green Line down University Avenue in St. Paul is like taking a journey through the heart of St. Paul, and to accompany you on your journey are four murals depicting animals in motion. Painted in four pieces, wolves, rhinos, giraffes, turtles and more seem as though they're running alongside the train. You can find parts of the mural at 633, 651 and 2145 University Ave. so, no matter how far you're going down the line, you know you'll have company.

Mural At Scmidt Music, Minneapolis
(credit: CBS)

Schmitt Music Mural

Minneapolis is known as the newer, flashier twin of the Twin Cities. That doesn't mean that there isn't a good amount of history literally painted on the walls. An iconic piece of downtown Minneapolis, the large brick wall of the building at 10th Street and Marquette Avenue, has the sheet music to to "Gaspard de la Nuit" by French composer Maurice Ravel painted on it. The piece is left over from when Schmitt Music owned the building in the 1970s. Prince was there, Time Magazine was there, pretty much everyone has been there at least once. You can't miss it coming downtown, and it has earned its place as a must-see piece of the downtown landscape. You can learn more about the artwork here.

Related: Finding Minnesota: The Mystery Musical Mural

Adrian Schramm is a resident Saint Paul writer with a passion for all things local. Through his work with Saint Paul Almanac and Minneapolis Examiner at Examiner.com, as well as in the kitchens of bars and restaurants around town, he has discovered what truly makes the Twin Cities tick.

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