Exploring Chicago's Wabash Arts Corridor
Commonly known as a “living urban canvas” because it’s constantly being added to, Chicago’s Wabash Arts Corridor feels like an open-air museum full of reclaimed public space. It’s collection of street art is one of the most diverse and expansive in the world, making it the perfect way to experience the Windy City’s South Loop neighborhood!
It was just my luck that a week after I moved to Chicago last year, the world seemingly stopped, shutting everything down in the process.
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t frustrated at first. It’s my second nature to instantly get out and explore a new place, but that didn’t seem possible here.
Here’s what I didn’t realize: Chicago is actually a mecca for street art in the Midwest. Each neighborhood seemingly has its own collection of masterpieces, making it feel as though you’ll discover something new at each turn. With the bright colors, thought-provoking illustrations, and sheer volume of images, the city is basically one large open-air museum.
One of the most expansive, diverse, and well-known street art destinations in the city is the Wabash Arts Corridor (WAC) in the South Loop neighborhood.
Here’s what you need to know.
For Chicago’s top photography spots, don’t miss this post:
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
The Wabash Arts Corridor was founded in 2013 by Chicago’s Columbia College. Since then, it has grown to be one of the most “expansive, diverse, and accessible public art programs in the country” according to the WAC website.
Beginning in 2016, the corridor shifted its focus to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion and, in that time, has amassed one of the largest collections of street art created by people of color and women artists.
Pretty sweet, huh?
Many people refer to the Wabash Arts Corridor as a “living urban canvas” due to the fact that new murals are constantly being added and, as a result, public space is reclaimed and transformed into an immersive experience.
Most of the art can be viewed from the sidewalk, making it the perfect sunny day activity that’s free of charge.
The southern border of the corridor is Roosevelt and runs as far north as VanBuren. Within that space, the artwork is scattered within two city blocks running east to west, Michigan Ave to State St.
To get there, take the ‘L’ train to Roosevelt Station (red, orange, green lines) and make your way north along Wabash Ave.
Don’t forget to walk “off the path” and into the alleys. You never know what’s waiting around the next corner!
Before you go, be sure to print off the downloadable map online. This will greatly help along the way. If solo exploring isn’t for you, then it’s easy to sign up for a guided tour ($18/$12/free, adults/students K-12 & seniors/children under 5)!
WHERE TO STAY NEAR THE WABASH ARTS CORRIDOR
Located in the heart of ‘The Loop’ in downtown Chicago, there are plenty of high quality places to stay to suit any budget. From some of the top boutique hotels to something more in the budget, there are plenty of options to chose from. A few to consider are:
THE ARTWORK
The Wabash Arts Corridor map lists 30+ pieces of artwork, so this list by no means encompasses each one.
After all, you don’t want me to spoil everything for you, right?
Without further ado, here are some of my favorite murals found thus far:
IMPOSSIBLE MEETING
Artist: Marina Zumi | Location: 901 S. Michigan
Artist Marina Zumi traveled from her home in Sao Paulo, Brazil in 2016 to complete this fantasy-depicting mural. The pastel colors expose an otherworldly scene that are signature to her pieces around the globe, including in Berlin, London, Buenos Aires, and more.
I AM YOU, YOU ARE ME
Artist: Ricky Lee Gordon | Location: 634 S. Wabash
Ricky Lee Gordon is a South African artist whose work tends to depict interconnectedness. It’s fitting as the word Ubuntu originates from the southern part of the continent and is translated as I am, because you are. This mural is easy to miss, so keep a close eye out.
STARS & STYLES
Artist: DMNOLOGY | Location: 618 S. Wabash
DMNOLOGY is known as a graffiti sorcerer of sorts. A homegrown artist, he labels his style as “Wild Onion,” paying homage to the indigenous meaning of Chicago from the Algonquin language.
FROM BOOM TO DOOM
Artist: Collin van der Slujis | Location: 1006 S. Michigan
Collin’s mural features a yellow-headed blackbird that was once common to the area but has since disappeared due to a loss of habitat from invasive species and poor land management. This piece of work stands as a reminder to protect the environment around us.
MAKE YOUR OWN LUCK
Artist: ASVP | Location: 1 E. Balbo
Part of the Vertical Wall Gallery’s “Power of Paint” series, Brooklyn duo ASVP created this piece to express using art to help others. A portion of each sale was donated to the charity of their choice.
STOP TELLING WOMEN TO SMILE
Artist: Tatyana Fazlalizadeh | Location: 801 S. Wabash
Is the title a little uncomfortable for you? Good. Brooklyn artist Tatyana Fazlalizadeh set out to depict the pervasiveness of street harassment by highlighting the faces of 25 young women that have been catcalled while going about their daily life.
She nailed it.
UNTITLED
Artist: Lady Lucx & Sarah Stewart | Location: 525 S. Wabash
Lady Lucx utilized the location as inspiration for this piece, noting that the view from the parking garage includes the orange line of the ‘L’ train as it transitions from the south side of Chicago into the bustling loop.
MOOSE BUBBLEGUM BUBBLE
Artist: Jacob Watts | Location: 33 E. Congress
Columbia College launched a student and alumni competition in 2014 and Moose Bubblegum Bubble was selected as the winner. This is one of the most iconic pieces in the Wabash Arts Corridor and can be seen while riding the ‘L’ train south into Roosevelt or north from the same station.
Come explore and bask in Chicago’s open-air museum. The Wabash Arts Corridor may be the most established and well-known collection of street art in the city, but it is by no means the only one. Be sure to check out some of the city’s other neighborhoods and see what you can discover!
Stay safe & happy travels.
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