Detroit's street art scene is on the rise & one of the best places to view pieces done by local & international muralists is Eastern Market.

Detroit Street Art And Murals

The story of Detroit, a city of rebirth and renewal, can be read on its colorful walls. Over the last few years, the city has really come to life and during our recent visit we were able to explore one of the best areas in the city to see the growing collection of Detroit street art.

 

Detroit Street Art In Eastern Market

Detroit’s Eastern Market has been around since 1891 and is considered one of the countries oldest and largest year-round markets. On Saturdays, rain or shine and all year long, over 225 vendors sell all kinds of unique food and products. Everything from flowers to homemade salsa!

 

Detroit Eastern Market mural
Detroit Eastern Market mural

 



 

We had heard from a local that visiting the Eastern Market on a Saturday morning was one of the top things to experience in Detroit. We were already curious and ready to check it out, but when she said that it was also the best place to see street art in Detroit, that sealed the deal for us.

 

Murals in the Market

We did some research and found out that for the last two years there has been a festival at the Eastern Market called Murals in the Market. During the event, over 50 local and international muralists painted live throughout the area and over the course of ten days. There was also music, children’s workshops, exhibits, and other cultural activities. It was basically a huge block party and looked like a lot of fun.

 

So after two festivals, there are now plenty of murals around Eastern Market for visitors to see. If you’re planning on taking a stroll to admire the pieces, we recommend taking a look at this map created by Murals in the Market. It shows the mural locations and the artists that painted them.

 

We probably spent a couple of hours walking around and taking photos, in between glancing at the products being sold at the market. Below are a few of our favorites…

Detroit street art in eastern market by House of Meggs
Mural by House of Meggs
mural in the market by Clifton Perry
Mural by Clifton Perry
mural in the market by Tylonn Sawyer
Mural by Tylonn Sawyer
mural in the market by Sydney James
Mural by Sydney James
mural in the market native american girl by Jan Nagalski
Mural by Jan Nagalski
mural in the market by Ouizi
Mural by Ouizi
mural in the market by Patch Whisky x Ghostbeard
Mural by Patch Whisky x Ghostbeard
murals in the market by Zak Meers
Mural by Zak Meers
2015 mural by Kashink
Mural by Kashink
2016 mural by Felipe Pantone
Mural by Felipe Pantone
2016 mural by Cey Adams
Mural by Cey Adams
mural in the market by Sheefy
Mural by Sheefy
mural by Fel3000ft
Mural by Fel3000ft
Detroit street art by Hebru Brantley
Mural by Hebru Brantley
Detroit eastern market street art
Detroit Eastern Market street art

 

The artists that created these murals in Detroit’s Eastern Market are, without of doubt, very talented. We even recognized some of the artists; they’ve also painted murals in an area of Miami called Wynwood.

 

Wynwood’s street art also came about because of an effort to renew and revitalize an area that many considered destitute. As we walked around and admired the pieces, we couldn’t help but think of home. And in this city that was new to us, we felt a sudden comfort. A connection and familiarity that brought smiles to our faces.

 

For more on the area, read Things To Do In Detroit

 

It will be interesting to see what new paintings and murals spring up over the next few years. Because like the city itself, Detroit’s street art scene is only on the rise.

 

What do you think of the street art in Detroit? Is there a mural you like the most? Let us know in the comments below! 🙂

 

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Detroit's street art scene is on the rise & one of the best places to view pieces done by local & international muralists is Eastern Market.

 

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29 Comments

  1. Awesome photos! What vibrant street art! It’s been awhile since I’ve been to Detroit. Will definitely have to check out the street art whenever I visit again!

    1. Hi Kaylene! Yes, we definitely recommend stopping by. 🙂

  2. I’ve not yet been to Detroit but I’m not surprised to see that the city has such great street art. I hope to see it in person sooner than later.

    1. It’s a great city Mindi! I hope you’re able to see it soon too!

  3. I was just in Detroit a couple of months ago for a concert and had no idea about the murals! Looks like I’m going to have to head back! I’m glad you’re showing the positive side of Detroit.

    1. Let us know what you think of it when you do head back! 🙂

  4. It’s nice to read something positive about Detroit.

    As someone already commented, the colours look so vibrant. I love urban street art!

    1. We do too, so it was definitely a great surprise!

    1. We love the many different styles as well. 🙂

  5. Wow, those murals are AMAZING! I would have a field day… so many Instagram opportunities 😉 But seriously, street art is one of my favorite things to experience while traveling. Thanks for sharing and happy travels!

    1. Not yet, but it sounds like a fun place to check out!

  6. It would have sealed the deal for me too! I love street art, and love what I am seeing in your photos. Would have loved to have been there when the festival was on and seen some of that art work being painted live, very cool!

  7. Fantastic street art and photos! I love this as a means of beautification. I just explored an area of Brooklyn like this and, like you, seeing these Detroit works of art made me think of home. Hard to choose a favorite because I love murals that have a strong message, but I equally enjoy the ones that are just pretty and amazing pieces of art!

  8. WOW! Absolutely cool and amazing street art scene! I always enjoy the beautiful street art and I would definitely love to visit Detroit one day and explore it.

  9. stacey veikalas says:

    This street art is just gorgeous and so vibrant! I just love all the colors and the wow so much talent on these murals just wow! Its gorgeous I would love to see it in person.

  10. I’m obsessed with street art! I would love the “Mighty Love” art framed on my bedroom wall, haha! The colors would match well!

  11. Megan Jerrard says:

    I love the idea of murals in the market – I had no idea there was such a vibrant and colorful street art scene in Detroit! Love it! Street artists are so talented, I wish I could create something even half as good as these!

  12. Never knew Detroit is so good with street art! Probably because I had been seeing only boring pictures of this place, lol! I’m a big fan of wall art and murals and loved all of these! I think I would visit Detroit just for these!

  13. I am in love with street art and murals! They just give life to places! And the murals in the market is such a brilliant touch!

  14. Thank you for this gorgeous compilation of Detroit street art. I’m a native Michigander and don’t get back to visit often enough…but when I do, I always visit Detroit. My sibling works downtown and on my last visit we did an Eastern Market visit. Like you, I was blown away by the stunning art. But – Detroit has always been a haven for artists and creativity.

    So, so happy you are helping share the city’s successes and beauty with the world!
    xoxo

    1. I’m so glad you enjoyed the post!! I’m really hoping to spread the word about Detroit and what a great city it is. 🙂

  15. Awesome street art. Love street art, something about them that gets to me in a positive vibrant way.

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