Murals

A mural is a large painting made on a wall or ceiling. Murals can be found inside buildings and outside on the sides of houses and stores. They add color and beauty to neighborhoods. Some murals tell stories about the community. People have been painting murals for thousands of years.

Famous Murals

The Sistine Chapel ceiling painted by Michelangelo is one of the most famous murals in the world. Diego Rivera painted huge murals in Mexico about workers and history. Ancient Egyptians painted murals inside tombs and temples. Today, cities around the world invite artists to paint murals on buildings.

Murals in Communities

Many neighborhoods have murals that show what makes them special. Some murals celebrate local heroes. Others show nature or colorful patterns. Community mural projects let people work together to paint a wall. Murals turn plain walls into works of art for everyone to enjoy.

Fun Facts

• The Sistine Chapel ceiling took Michelangelo about four years to paint.
• Some ancient Egyptian murals are over 4,000 years old.
• Philadelphia has over 4,000 murals and is called the Mural Capital of the World.

Did You Know?

Michelangelo painted the Sistine Chapel ceiling while lying on his back on scaffolding high above the floor. It took him about four years!