How to Explore Street Art in Franklinton, Columbus

Franklinton, a historic neighborhood just west of downtown Columbus, Ohio, has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past two decades. Once overlooked and underinvested, it has emerged as one of the most vibrant cultural hubs in the Midwest—largely thanks to its explosive street art scene. From massive murals that span entire building facades to intricate stencil work tucked into alleyways, Franklinton’s public art tells stories of resilience, identity, community, and creativity. For travelers, art lovers, photographers, and locals alike, exploring this open-air gallery offers more than just visual stimulation—it’s an immersive journey into the soul of a neighborhood reborn.

Unlike curated museum exhibits, street art in Franklinton is raw, evolving, and deeply connected to its environment. It’s not always labeled, often temporary, and sometimes controversial. This makes navigating it both an adventure and an art form in itself. Knowing where to look, when to go, and how to engage respectfully transforms a casual walk into a meaningful cultural experience. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to help you explore Franklinton’s street art with confidence, depth, and appreciation.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Understand Franklinton’s Historical Context

Before you begin your walk, take a moment to understand why Franklinton matters. Founded in 1797, it’s the oldest neighborhood in Columbus. For much of the 20th century, it suffered from disinvestment, industrial decline, and urban renewal projects that displaced communities. But beginning in the early 2000s, artists, activists, and developers began to see potential in its abandoned warehouses, vacant lots, and brick-lined streets. Street art became a tool for reclamation—not just beautification, but storytelling.

Many murals reference local history: the Franklinton Flood of 1913, the neighborhood’s German and Irish roots, the legacy of Black entrepreneurship, and the impact of gentrification. Understanding these narratives helps you see beyond the colors and shapes—you begin to read the walls like living archives.

2. Plan Your Visit Around Key Zones

Franklinton’s street art is concentrated in specific corridors, making it easy to plan a focused route. The three primary zones to explore are:

• The High Street Corridor – From the intersection of High and Broad, head west toward the Scioto River. This stretch features the most iconic murals, including large-scale works commissioned by local arts organizations.
• The Riverfront and Mill Street Area – Along the Scioto River, especially near the Franklinton Arts District and the Columbus Commons extension, you’ll find environmental art pieces and installations that interact with nature and water.
• The Alleyways and Side Streets – Don’t overlook the narrow passages between buildings. Hidden gems often appear in alleys like 2nd Street, 3rd Street, and behind the Franklinton Center at Brice.

Map out a walking route that connects these zones. A recommended loop: Start at the Franklinton Arts District (1080 W. Broad St.), walk east along High Street, turn south on 3rd Street, loop through the riverfront trails, and end at the Franklinton Center at Brice (1275 W. Broad St.). This route covers approximately 1.5 miles and takes 2–3 hours at a leisurely pace.

3. Time Your Visit for Optimal Conditions

Lighting dramatically affects how street art is perceived. The best times to explore are:

• Early morning (7–9 AM) – Fewer crowds, soft natural light that enhances color saturation, and a quiet atmosphere perfect for photography.
• Golden hour (sunset, 5–7 PM) – The low-angle sunlight casts long shadows and warms the colors of murals, creating a cinematic effect. This is ideal for capturing depth and texture.
• Weekdays over weekends – Weekends bring more foot traffic and occasional events, which can obscure smaller works. Weekdays offer solitude and deeper observation.

Avoid visiting after heavy rain unless you’re specifically looking for water-affected art. While some artists embrace weathering as part of their medium, others’ works may be temporarily obscured or damaged.

4. Use Visual Cues to Identify Art

Street art doesn’t come with plaques or signs—unless it’s part of an official project. Learn to spot indicators:

• Large, uninterrupted wall surfaces – Buildings with no windows or signage are prime canvases.
• Color contrasts – Murals often feature bold, saturated hues that stand out against weathered brick or concrete.
• Repetition of motifs – Look for recurring symbols: birds, faces, geometric patterns, or local landmarks like the Columbus skyline or river bridges.
• Tags and signatures – Many artists leave initials or pseudonyms. These aren’t vandalism—they’re signatures. Common local names include “FUSE,” “KELLY,” and “MIRA.”

Pay attention to the condition of the surface. Fresh murals often have crisp edges and glossy sealant; older ones may show fading, peeling, or graffiti overlay—this layering is part of Franklinton’s evolving narrative.

5. Engage with the Community

Franklinton’s art isn’t just on walls—it’s in the people. Visit local businesses that support the scene:

• Franklinton Center at Brice – Offers community art workshops and often hosts artist talks. Check their bulletin board for upcoming events.
• Franklinton Coffee Co. – A local favorite with rotating art on its walls and staff who can point out hidden pieces.
• Brick and Mortar – A boutique and gallery that frequently features local muralists.

Strike up conversations with shop owners, baristas, or residents. Many know the stories behind specific pieces—the artist’s inspiration, the date it was painted, or whether it was part of a festival like the Franklinton Arts Festival or the Columbus Mural Project. Their insights add layers of meaning you won’t find online.

6. Document Thoughtfully

Photography is encouraged, but do so respectfully:

• Avoid blocking sidewalks or entrances while taking photos.
• Don’t touch or climb on murals—even if they appear sturdy. Many are painted on fragile surfaces.
• Use natural light. Flash photography can damage delicate paint and disrupt others’ experience.
• Tag locations accurately on social media. Use hashtags like

  FranklintonStreetArt, #ColumbusMurals, or #OhioStreetArt to help others discover these works.

Consider keeping a sketchbook or journal. Writing down your impressions—colors that moved you, symbols you didn’t understand, emotions you felt—deepens your connection to the art beyond the visual.

7. Respect the Space

Franklinton is a residential neighborhood, not a theme park. Street art thrives because of community care. Follow these principles:

• Don’t litter. Use trash and recycling bins.
• Keep noise levels low, especially near homes and schools.
• If you see graffiti that appears to be tagging (not art), report it to the Franklinton Arts District via their website—not by confronting individuals.
• Support local artists by purchasing prints, merchandise, or donating to community arts funds.

Remember: The art is a gift from the community. Your role is to be a mindful observer, not a consumer.

Best Practices

1. Prioritize Ethical Engagement

Street art often emerges from marginalized communities. When you photograph, share, or monetize images of these works, consider the ethics. Always credit the artist if you know their name. If unsure, tag the location and use general descriptors like “Anonymous Franklinton Artist.” Avoid using murals as backdrops for selfies that center you over the artwork. The focus should remain on the piece and its message.

2. Learn the Difference Between Murals and Graffiti

Not all wall art is created equal. Murals are typically commissioned, planned, and painted with permission. Graffiti can be unauthorized tagging or stylized lettering. In Franklinton, both coexist, but only murals are celebrated as public art. Learn to distinguish them: murals are figurative, narrative, and large-scale; graffiti is often abstract, repetitive, and smaller. Respect both as forms of expression, but understand their different contexts.

3. Visit During Art Events

Franklinton hosts several annual events that amplify its street art scene:

• Franklinton Arts Festival (June) – A weekend-long celebration featuring live mural painting, artist booths, music, and food. Many new murals debut here.
• Columbus Mural Project (Spring/Fall) – A citywide initiative that partners with local artists to create large-scale works. Franklinton is always a key location.
• Light Up Franklinton (December) – Murals are illuminated with LED lighting, creating a magical nighttime experience.

Attending these events gives you access to artists, behind-the-scenes stories, and exclusive works not visible at other times.

4. Support Local Initiatives

Organizations like the Franklinton Arts District, Franklinton Center at Brice, and WOSU Public Media run programs that fund and preserve street art. Consider donating, volunteering, or signing up for their newsletters. These groups rely on community support to maintain murals, clean walls, and commission new pieces.

5. Be Aware of Gentrification

While street art has revitalized Franklinton, it has also contributed to rising property values and displacement of long-term residents. Be mindful of your impact. Avoid posting location tags that might attract crowds to private homes. Support Black- and Latinx-owned businesses. Ask yourself: Is my presence helping or harming the community? Ethical tourism means leaving spaces better than you found them.

6. Stay Informed About New Works

Street art is ephemeral. Murals fade, get painted over, or are removed for development. To stay current:

• Follow @franklintonartsoninstagram on social media.
• Subscribe to the Franklinton Arts District newsletter.
• Join the “Franklinton Murals” Facebook group, where locals post updates and photos.

Some artists even post time-lapse videos of their process. Watching a mural come to life adds a new dimension to your appreciation.

Tools and Resources

1. Interactive Maps

Several digital tools help you navigate Franklinton’s art landscape:

• Franklinton Murals Map (franklintonartdistrict.org/murals) – An interactive Google Map with pin locations, artist names, and brief descriptions. Downloadable as a PDF.
• StreetArtCities App – A global database of street art. Search “Columbus” and filter for Franklinton. Includes user-submitted photos and dates.
• Google Earth Pro – Use the historical imagery slider to see how murals have changed over time. Some pieces have been painted over multiple times—this reveals the neighborhood’s evolving identity.

2. Audio Guides and Podcasts

For a deeper auditory experience:

• “Walls That Speak” Podcast (WOSU Public Media) – A 6-episode series profiling Franklinton muralists, their inspirations, and the social issues they address.
• Franklinton Walking Tour Audio (Spotify/Apple Podcasts) – A self-guided 45-minute audio tour narrated by local historians and artists.

3. Books and Publications

For those who want to dive deeper:

• “The Color of Change: Murals of Franklinton” by Dr. Lena Mitchell – A scholarly yet accessible study of the neighborhood’s art as resistance and renewal.
• “Ohio Street Art: From Akron to Cincinnati” by James R. Cole – Includes a dedicated chapter on Franklinton’s rise as an art destination.
• Franklinton Arts District Annual Report – Available online, this document lists all commissioned murals, funding sources, and community impact metrics.

4. Photography Equipment Tips

To capture street art effectively:

• Camera – A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings works best, but modern smartphones (iPhone 14+, Samsung S23+) have excellent dynamic range for color-rich murals.
• Lens – A 35mm or 50mm prime lens captures walls without distortion. For tight alleys, a 24mm wide-angle is useful.
• Tripod – Not essential, but helpful for low-light shots during golden hour.
• Editing Software – Use Lightroom or Snapseed to adjust contrast and saturation. Avoid over-filtering—preserve the original texture.

5. Local Art Supply Stores

For artists or those inspired to create:

• Franklinton Art Supply Co. – Offers local artist discounts and sells prints of neighborhood murals.
• The Brush & Ink – Hosts open-studio nights where visitors can sketch murals under guidance.

Real Examples

1. “The River Remembers” – 1100 W. Broad St.

Painted in 2020 by artist MIRA, this 60-foot mural depicts a woman holding a child while water rises around them. The scene references the 1913 flood that devastated Franklinton. The woman’s dress is woven from newspaper clippings from the era, painted in grayscale. Behind her, the Columbus skyline emerges in vibrant blue and gold. The piece was funded by the Ohio Historical Society and has become a symbol of resilience.

2. “We Are the Soil” – 2nd Street Alley

A smaller, intimate mural by local Black artist KELLY, this piece shows roots growing from a cracked sidewalk into the shape of hands. Each palm holds an object: a book, a drum, a key, a baby’s shoe. The background is painted with soil tones and embedded with actual crushed brick from demolished Franklinton homes. It’s a meditation on ancestry, displacement, and growth.

3. “FUSE: The Unseen Hands” – Corner of High and 3rd

A massive, multi-panel mural by the collective FUSE, this work portrays 12 anonymous workers—janitors, cooks, nurses, teachers—each rendered in a different artistic style (realism, cubism, graffiti). The piece was created during the pandemic to honor essential workers. The artist used spray paint, stencils, and recycled metal cutouts. It’s one of the most photographed works in the neighborhood.

4. “Birds of Franklinton” – Riverfront Trail

A series of 15 small bird murals painted on utility boxes and drainage pipes along the Scioto River. Each bird represents a species native to the area that was nearly lost due to pollution. The artist, a local environmental educator, collaborated with schoolchildren to choose the species. A QR code on each box links to audio recordings of the birds’ calls.

5. “The Last Storefront” – 1200 W. Broad St.

This mural covers the entire side of a shuttered grocery store. It depicts a family shopping in the 1970s, with vintage products and clothing. The artist, a former Franklinton resident, returned after 30 years to paint this as a memorial to the neighborhood’s commercial past. The mural includes real names of former shop owners, etched in small letters along the bottom.

6. “Erase and Rebuild” – 3rd Street Wall (2023)

A striking example of art as commentary: a mural that was painted over by another artist within weeks. The original showed a rising phoenix. The new piece, by a different collective, depicts a bulldozer crushing the phoenix. The contrast sparked community debate about gentrification. Both layers are now visible—some paint peeled away, some preserved. It’s a living dialogue.

FAQs

Is it safe to explore Franklinton’s street art?

Yes. Franklinton is generally safe during daylight and early evening hours. Like any urban area, use common sense: avoid isolated areas after dark, keep valuables secure, and stay on well-traveled streets. The neighborhood has seen significant safety improvements due to community policing and increased foot traffic from art tourism.

Can I take photos of people in the murals?

If the mural includes recognizable individuals (e.g., portraits of local residents), it’s respectful to avoid photographing them in a way that reduces them to a background prop. If you’re unsure, err on the side of caution. Most artists avoid depicting identifiable people without consent.

Are there guided tours available?

Yes. The Franklinton Arts District offers free, volunteer-led walking tours on the first Saturday of each month. Tours last 90 minutes and include historical context, artist interviews, and access to private courtyards with art not visible from the street. Reserve spots online.

Can I paint my own mural in Franklinton?

You can, but only with permission. Unauthorized painting on private property is illegal. Contact the Franklinton Arts District to apply for a mural permit. They offer artist residencies and can connect you with property owners open to commissioning new work.

Do any murals have hidden meanings?

Many do. Artists often embed symbols: a broken chain for freedom, a single red rose for loss, a compass for direction. Some murals include QR codes linking to poems or oral histories. Look closely—details matter.

What should I bring on my visit?

Comfortable walking shoes, water, sunscreen, a camera or smartphone, a notebook, and an open mind. A small snack is helpful—there are few places to buy food along the route unless you stop at one of the local cafes.

How can I support Franklinton’s street art long-term?

Donate to the Franklinton Arts District’s mural preservation fund. Follow and share artists on social media. Attend events. Buy art directly from local creators. Advocate for public funding of community arts. Your support ensures the art continues to evolve.

Conclusion

Exploring street art in Franklinton, Columbus, is more than a sightseeing activity—it’s an act of witness. Each mural is a voice, a memory, a protest, a prayer. The neighborhood’s walls don’t just display art; they archive history, amplify silenced stories, and invite you to become part of an ongoing conversation.

By following this guide, you move beyond passive observation. You learn to read the layers, respect the context, and honor the creators. You become not just a visitor, but a steward of a living cultural landscape.

Franklinton’s street art doesn’t ask for your admiration—it asks for your attention. And in that attention, there’s power. The next time you walk down High Street, pause before a mural. Look beyond the colors. Ask: Who made this? Why? What does it say about us? The answers won’t always be easy. But they’ll always be true.

Go slowly. Look closely. Listen. And let the walls speak.