Discover Tempe's Iconic Murals: A Self-Guided Driving Tour of Street Art
Art inspires, amuses, shifts perspectives, and highlights everyday beauty. Tempe, Arizona, celebrates the arts through live theater, concerts, museum exhibits, and unexpected street installations. Explore the City of Tempe's public art collection to witness the city's vibrant creativity.
For a deep dive into Tempe's street art, embark on this self-guided driving tour of standout murals. View them safely from your car or a parking lot, maintaining social distance while capturing Instagram-worthy photos.
Follow this route for details on each mural, its artist, and location.
“Get Together Tempe” by Morgan Delaney (@____morganic)
This uplifting mural promotes community unity, especially resonant during times of isolation. Located on the west wall of Social Hall—a popular spot for cocktails, American, and Southwestern cuisine—it transforms a blank wall into a welcoming landmark.
Social Hall owner Mike Kenney shared: “The mural was designed by AWE Collective, a Tempe-based marketing firm. We commissioned local artist Morgan Delaney, who worked at Four Peaks. It took two weeks, with me on a 25-foot scissor lift taping edges. The goal was to beautify an eyesore and draw attention to our hidden location without a plain sign.”
Visit before happy hour, brunch, or takeout at the northeast corner of McClintock Drive and University Drive.
“The Tempest Mural” by Erik Rennick
Following 2019 renovations, The Tempest Hotel Tempe at ASU commissioned local artist Erik Rennick for an “Arizona-inspired” lobby entrance mural. Spot native animals and the iconic Hole-in-the-Rock trail amid stunning sunset glows.
Find it at The Tempest Hotel on University Drive between Dorsey Lane and McClintock Drive.
“Meet Me at Daley Park” by Jake Early (@jakeearly)
This 400-foot mural, painted in 2018, chronicles Tempe's neighborhood history over 100 years. Jake Early collaborated with locals, featuring the Arizona flag between pecan trees—nodding to statehood—and evolving student life from wired earbuds to AirPods. Completed in 12 weeks despite a broken arm early on, it's Tempe's second public mural commission.
Located on College Avenue between Broadway Road and Apache Boulevard, next to the railroad tracks.
“AMERICA. AMERICAN. AMERICANS.” by Jake Early (@jakeearly)
A quick drive-by or short walk: Commissioned by homeowners seeking a “provocative” replacement, Early drew inspiration from a White House photo lacking diversity. Featuring his bi-racial nephew, a Native American friend from Arizona, and an Indian-American friend from Los Angeles, this politically charged piece took just four days.
On Mill Avenue between 13th Street and Broadway, across from Tempe St. Luke’s Hospital. Park safely in the adjacent neighborhood.
Jake Early unveiled his latest at Broadmor Elementary School on March 6, 2020. See it here: https://www.instagram.com/p/B8xF9hrgORn/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
“Woman in a Dream” by Clyde Thompson (@clyde_graffitiartist)
Known for large-scale murals of ethereal women in teal blues, this launched Thompson's “Woman in a Dream” series. Painted without permission in one day on a two-story wall, the University Inn owner loved it and commissioned more, launching his career.
View more at Danella Plaza on Mill Avenue and Southern Avenue. Located at Mill Avenue and 9th Street, backside of University Inn & Suites.
“Don’t Wake the Dreamer” by Lauren Lee (@mslaurenlee)
Sought by businesses and the city, Lauren Lee's 153-foot mural features birds and pink blooms. Tempe's first public mural commission, it's endlessly photogenic—panoramic, framed by blooms, the dreamer, or birds.
Along Hardy Drive just south of 5th Street, next to Jaycee Park. Approach from University Drive northbound.
“You Are Amazing” by Jayarr (@jayarr.art)
This vibrant, uplifting message on colorful triangles marks Jayarr's rising profile—he also designed Valley Metro Rail wraps.
Adjacent to his studio on Beck Avenue south of University Drive, at Beck Avenue and Laird Street.
Discover these and more murals in Tempe. Tag @TempeTourism with #OurTempe and #TempeMurals.
