We all know that Swan City has a vibrant art scene — and we’re not just talking about the Polk Museum of Art. One of our all-time favorite galleries? Lakeland itself.
Lakeland is home to a number of meaningful murals and street art pieces. Today, we’re sharing where to find pieces that really paint a picture of our city.
AstroKnights, 844 S. Florida Ave. | By C. Stanley
You don’t have to dive underwater to find this treasure. Look for this Dixieland art piece on the side of South Florida Gun and Pawn.
The Yard on Mass Oranges, 802 N. Massachusetts Ave. | By Gillian Fazio
This juicy mural has us reaching for a glass of OJ. Apparently, many of our readers feel the same way — this piece won our mural bracket challenge in 2022.
The Legend of Ondine, 927 S. Florida Ave. | By Cecilia Lueza
This mural is inspired by Ondine, a mythological water nymph who falls in love with a human, becoming human herself.
L’Hermione, 3825 S. Florida Ave. | By Tim Haas
Maria Mahoney of The Mahoney Group commissioned this mural as a gift to the City of Lakeland. According to Maria, it honors the friendship between the French and American colonies in 1780. Marquis de Lafayette sailed the Hermione — equipped with money, arms, and soldiers — to aid colonists.
Exploring Innovation, 235 N. Kentucky Ave. | By James Hicks
According to the artist, this 70-ft mural outside Mitchell’s Coffee House is inspired by humanity’s relationship with technology. Grab a coffee and spend a few minutes taking it all in — James’ name is even hidden in its complex design.
Dixieland THEN, 948 S. Florida Ave. | By Ahmad H. Taylor
Take a trip into Lakeland’s past with this mural. Featuring vintage cars and an ice cream parlor, we feel like we’ve stepped back into the 1950s just looking at it.
Let’s Ride, 1058 Florida Ave. S. | By Gillian Fazio
Get ready for a ride on your new bike from Bent’s Schwinn Cycling & Fitness with this art piece found beside the biz. It features muralist Gillian Fazio’s signature floral art style.
Flights of Fancy, 901 Florida Ave. S. | By Tim Haas
Wanting to take a vacay but short on dough? Don’t fret. This mural at Southside Cleaners will transport you to another realm. “Flights of Fancy” by artist Tim Haas features a steampunk ocean and moonscape scene complete with whales, a spinning nebula, and an airship.
Create, 502 E. Main St. | By Gillian Fazio
This mural inspires the entrepreneurs of Catapult — and Lakeland’s passersby — to create something new each day.
Cultivate, 502 E. Main St. | By Maegan Carroll
You can find this mural on the other side of Catapult, out on the patio. It’s sure to work up your appetite while you enjoy a pop-up meal from a Catapult kitchen member and cultivate your professional network.
360 Unlimited, 911 S. Florida Ave. | By Tim Haas
Just next to “Flights of Fancy” is this spaced-out mural, also by Tim Haas. Completed in 2021, it draws from 360 Unlimited’s Saturn logo and its mix of old and new goods found inside.
Watchful Woman, 235 N. Florida Ave.| By Gabriela Jaxon
Always feel like somebody’s watching you? It could be this mural, the first commissioned by the city in the historic downtown area. Find it outside Thom Down’s Antiques.
Crape Blossoms, 913 S. Florida Ave. | By Kate Hall
Find this mural located outside of Low Country Vintage — the original location of Lundy’s Bakery. Crape myrtle trees can be grown in Central Florida, and they get their name from their crepe paper-like flowers, pictured in the mural.
Greetings from Lakeland, 505 Martin L. King Jr. Ave. | By Gillian Fazio
Stop by Stronghold Roofing & Solar on Lake Wire to say “hello” to this wall featuring a few Lakeland landmarks. We spy the Polk Theatre, Southgate sign, Lake Mirror, and more.
ART/ifact Studios Mural, 820 N. Massachusetts Ave. | By JUJMO
You can’t miss this colorful painting outside the creative space at ART/ifact Studios. It features Tampa artist JUJMO’s signature bright, organic style.
Tobacco Leaf, 112 S. Tennessee Ave. | By Gillian Fazio
Gaines Jewelers doesn’t just offer wearable art. You can also find this painting outside on your next downtown stroll. It’s inspired by the Mottahedeh Tobacco Leaf china pattern created in the 18th century — stop inside to buy your own.
Lakeland swan mural, 1035 S. Florida Ave. | By Charly Malpass
This mural is, fittingly, found outside Art Centric Studio, on the side of the Dixieland Village Plaza. The City of Lakeland hired California artist Charly Malpass to complete the painting, and she said it was the largest piece she had done at the time.
Angel Selfie Wall, 1113 S. Florida Ave. | By Aaron M. Corbitt
Fly on over to Born & Bread Bakehouse to find this mural out back. Originally painted in 2016, the artist touched it up in 2019. Pose between the wings for a new profile picture, or hold up your cruffin to show off its heavenly layers.
Pace Center for Girls, Polk, 213 Tyler Ave. | By Gillian Fazio
This inspirational garden grows outside Pace Polk, a nonprofit that offers academic and emotional support for Lakeland girls ages 11-17. That’s one mane we hope never gets a haircut.
Rec Room, 202 N. Massachusetts Ave. | By Arielle “AKAT” Katarina
Before you head inside Rec Room for cocktails and arcade games, take a look outside at the half-wall mural by AKAT. It features classic video game icons like Kirby, a Pacman ghost, and more — how many can you find?
Gaslight Tattoo Company, 509 S. Florida Ave. | By Gilligan Gee
Not only is Gilligan Gee the artist behind the murals surrounding Gaslight Tattoo Company — he’s also a tattoo artist. Look for his colorful work outside the parlor and check out his tattoo art online.
Welcome to Lakeland, 110 W. Highland St. | By Jenna O’Brien
This pastel dream welcomes you to Lakeland with a few retro local icons like Sputnik. Find it on the back side of The Shop Across the Street next time you’re looking for a vintage item.
You Are Beautiful, 4520 S. Florida Ave. | By Fresh Kitchen
Get a pep talk when you grab a bowl from the newly opened Fresh Kitchen. This artsy compliment can be found over the drive-thru pickup window.
Magnolias, 230 N. Kentucky Ave. | By Maegan Carroll
These blooms are tucked away in Traders Alley, on the side of Stationery Loft. Did you know that southern magnolias are native to Florida?
Mosaic murals, 917 E. Memorial Blvd. | By John Garth
These large-scale mosaics were commissioned by Publix founder George Jenkins for his store in the former Searstown shopping center. After being painted over and covered several years ago, the first mural was restored in early 2023.
Mass Market Color Wall, 820 N. Massachusetts Ave. | By Haus 820
This mural shows that sometimes simplicity is key. With color blocks ranging from blue to pink, this makes the perfect backdrop for any photo.
Dixieland mural, 950 S. Florida Ave. | By Beth Warmath
Fun twists on local icons take center stage in this bright mural. We recognize the Southside Cleaners sign, Cob & Pen, and the Waller Center. Find it on the south wall of Quick Print Express.
The Well, 114 E. Parker St. | By Kent McAllister
This mural by a PCPS art teacher pays homage to local Black leaders Dr. Larry Jackson, Nat Adderley, Morris Chestang and Annie B. Phyall. Find it outside The Well, a coworking and event space.
Monarch butterflies, 130 S. Massachusetts Ave. | By Gillian Fazio
The Lakeland Community & Economic Development Department called on Fazio to paint this mural in the Downtown Redevelopment District. Flutter on by the Lake Mirror Tower Apartments to find these butterflies + flowers on the wall facing the lake.
Dream, Play, Explore; 2947 S. Florida Ave. | By Kate Hall
Inside these colorful walls is Kid Cafe, an indoor playspace for children ages 0-8. This work will inspire kids to dream big as they head in for all their play dates.
Want to make a day out of finding all the murals our city has to offer? Have a peek at this mural map and share photos of your artsy adventure with us on social media by using #LALtoday.