Matthew TremblayAh, street art in Halifax. They’re visual feasts that make museum art look like yesterday’s leftovers.
Admit it. There’s something about street art that’s just so raw and real.
It’s not tucked away in some pristine gallery; it’s right there on the streets, making us ponder life’s greatest mysteries and question our life choices while we’re on our morning coffee run.
Wondering where to catch these urban masterpieces? Don’t worry, I’ve got the scoop on the best spots to find this ever-changing art scene.
- 1. North End Public Art
- 2. The Quinpool Murals
- 3. Jon Cruz Mural
- 4. The Black Market Mural
- 5. Our Stories
- 6. Sound of Time
- 7. Anisa Francoeur Mural
- 8. Boris Biberdžić Mural
- 9. 'Fountain' and 'Get Drunk, Fall Down' Lampposts
- 10. Brian Porter Mural
- 11. bosny Mural
- 12. The Wave
- 13. Reno Mural
- 14. Bearly's Bar & Grill Mural
- 15. Corey Pane Mural
- 16. DJ Andresen Mural
1. North End Public Art
Media credit: datenighthalifax
Website: https://www.gonorthhalifax.ca/art
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/bVioimHVhKtgM6Lw9
The North End of Halifax is like a super cool art party where the streets are the canvases! It’s bursting with colorful murals and funky community banners that show off the neighborhood’s rich history and diverse culture.
Artists from all over have turned the North End into a giant outdoor gallery. From deep and meaningful pieces to art that’ll make you smile, it’s like the community’s way of saying, ‘Here’s a splash of joy for your day!”
| Pro Tip: Take a guided tour to hear the fascinating stories behind the murals. |
2. The Quinpool Murals
Media credit: therefinedvintagegal
Website: https://quinpoolroad.ca/business-on-quinpool/quinpool-mural-walk/
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/WKb42fEjcKZHBfsN8
Quinpool Road is an art party for your eyes, with murals popping up everywhere! Local artists have turned plain walls into awesome pieces of art, each one telling its own cool story about the community and creativity.
These colorful paintings jazz up the street, making Quinpool Road a top spot for anyone who loves art. From funny and quirky designs to deep and meaningful messages, the murals show off the amazing skills and ideas of the artists.
| Pro Tip: Visit during the day when the murals are best illuminated by natural light. |
3. Jon Cruz Mural
Media credit: blazentattoo
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MDvJ9MYkU4Y71J5NA
Jon Cruz, aka blazentattoo, is famous for his wild designs and bright colors. This mural is no different—it’s got his signature style all over it with shocking shades and crazy patterns.
If you love intricate art that makes your eyes pop, Jon’s work is like a fireworks show on a wall!
| Pro Tip: Visit during the day to see the full range of colors and details. The natural light makes the mural’s colors pop! |
4. The Black Market Mural
Media credit: blackmarkethalifax
Website: https://www.blackmarkethalifax.ca/
Address: 1545 Grafton St
Phone: +1 902-423-5724
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM–7 PM
The Black Market mural on Grafton Street is as colorful as the store it decorates, packed with designs that look like they’ve been inspired by a global treasure hunt.
The mural perfectly captures the Black Market’s vibe, known for its one-of-a-kind, exotic finds. It’s like an art buffet that’s hard to miss, tempting everyone to dive into the store’s collection of cool and quirky goodies.
| Pro Tip: Explore the quirky shops nearby for unique finds and a full local experience. |
5. Our Stories
Media credit: scotiasquare
Website: http://scotiasquare.com/
Address: 1899 Albemarle St
Phone: +1 902-429-3660
Our Stories at Scotia Square is an art party for your eyes, featuring 19 circular murals that will spin you around with color and culture in a totally awesome way!
These colorful creations, made by local Indigenous artists ranging from 9 to 55 years old, are slices of cultural cake that everyone can enjoy.
Just imagine a family reunion where everyone’s super talented and covered in paint. Yep, that’s the collaboration that OSO planning + design and the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre put together.
Each mural is like a unique peek into the artists’ lives and traditions, almost like flipping through the coolest scrapbook ever. Think of these murals as cultural postcards from Halifax’s Indigenous community, packed with history, creativity, and heart.
| Pro Tip: Take your time when taking photographs of each plaque. Just think: you have 19 shots to showcase in your IG feed! |
6. Sound of Time
Media credit: absenarchives
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4x8S2zJPuW3ZNeKs9
John McPartland, aka ABSEN, is the mastermind behind the cool mural called ‘Sound of Time.’ This art piece is like a musical time machine, showing how youth and creativity jam together.
It features a young woman lost in her piano, a guy making music magic, and a little girl soaking it all in like a sponge.
McPartland got his inspiration from the ticking clock and how older generations pass the creative baton to the younger ones. The mural is like a visual mixtape of artistic growth and the heroes who fuel our passions!
| Pro Tip: Take inspiration from the mural by reflecting on those who impassion you. |
7. Anisa Francoeur Mural
Media credit: anisafrancoeur
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MDvJ9MYkU4Y71J5NA
Anisa Francoeur’s mural is a burst of artistic magic on the street! Her unique style combines delicate details with bold, vibrant colors that make the mural pop.
This eye-catching piece jazzes up Halifax’s street scene and shows off Francoeur’s creativity. If you’re into cool, modern murals, this one’s a real treat you don’t want to miss!
| Pro Tip: Take a closer look at the details of Francoeur’s mural; her use of color and pattern creates a mesmerizing effect up close. |
8. Boris Biberdžić Mural
Media credit: studioborris
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MDvJ9MYkU4Y71J5NA
Boris Biberdžić, or as he likes to call himself, Borrris, is the king of creative chaos! His mural is like a wild rollercoaster ride for your eyes, mixing surreal and abstract elements into one eye-popping masterpiece.
This vibrant piece is a total showstopper, adding a splash of color and a dash of dazzle to the street. If you’re into contemporary street art or just love a good visual adventure, this is definitely a mural you won’t want to miss!
| Pro Tip: Check out Borrris’s other works online to get a sense of his style before you visit. It’s always fun to see how his different pieces connect! |
9. ‘Fountain’ and ‘Get Drunk, Fall Down’ Lampposts
Media credit: thetravelbonds
Website: https://buildns.ca/places/fountain-and-get-drunk-fall-down/
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MDvJ9MYkU4Y71J5NA
These quirky lampposts by artists Chris Hanson and Hendrika Sonnenberg add a whimsical touch to the Halifax Waterfront.
One, called ‘Get Drunk, Fall Down,’ looks like it’s had a rough night and is slumped across the pier. Meanwhile, ‘Fountain’ has a lamppost shooting water into the harbor like it’s trying out for a water show!
These fun and funky lampposts have become local legends, adding to the vibrant, lively vibe of the Halifax Waterfront. They’re the cool artsy kids of the streetlamp world!
| Pro Tip: Don’t miss the chance to mimic the lampposts for a fun photo op. |
10. Brian Porter Mural
Media credit: porter_the_artist
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MDvJ9MYkU4Y71J5NA
Brian Porter’s work mixes realistic details with wild abstract ideas, and this mural is a great example of his creative style. It’s like the city’s street art scene had a big, colorful party, and this mural is the life of the bash!
| Pro Tip: Visit during the Halifax Mural Festival for a chance to see another mural’s creation and interact with the artist. It’s an exciting way to experience art in progress! |
11. bosny Mural
Media credit: bosny.jpg
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MDvJ9MYkU4Y71J5NA
bosny’s mural is like a splash of color that makes the neighborhood pop! With his super vibrant and imaginative style, bosny creates a visual party of colors and patterns.
This mural turns the street into a lively art show, showing off bosny’s creative flair and giving Halifax’s street art scene an extra dose of pizzazz.
| Pro Tip: Explore the mural from different angles to fully appreciate its intricate details and bold colors. Each perspective reveals something new! |
12. The Wave
Media credit: discoverhalifax
Website: https://buildns.ca/places/wave/
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/HEuNZngPBsgbj1sQ9
The Wave, an iconic blue sculpture by artist Donna Hiebert, is the rock star of the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk.
This twisty, curvy piece is such a hit that both kids and adults can’t resist it. Kids love to scramble over its wavy form, while adults strike their best poses for a photo op.
Shaped like a giant ocean wave, it’s a playful nod to Halifax’s maritime vibes. As one of the most snapped spots in the city, The Wave definitely makes your waterfront visit a bit more splashy and fun!
| Pro Tip: Snap your best photos at sunset for that golden hour glow. |
13. Reno Mural
Media credit: re3noh
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MDvJ9MYkU4Y71J5NA
Reno’s mural is like a splash of color in a black-and-white world, featuring bold lines and vibrant hues that practically pop off the wall. His art blends graphic design with street art, making it a visual treat that’s hard to miss.
This mural doesn’t just jazz up the street; it’s a snapshot of Reno’s unique style and a shout-out to the festival’s mix of artistic awesomeness. You could say it’s like Reno threw a paint party and invited everyone!
| Pro Tip: Bring your camera and experiment with different settings to capture the mural’s vivid colors and dynamic composition. It’s a great way to appreciate the artistry up close! |
14. Bearly’s Bar & Grill Mural
Media credit: lateralligator
Website: http://www.bearlys.ca/
Address: 1269 Barrington St
Phone: +1 902-423-2526
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 11 AM–1 AM
- Sunday: 2 PM–1 AM
The mural at Bearly’s Bar & Grill on Barrington Street is a lively and colorful depiction of Halifax’s music scene. This bluesy artwork totally jams with the bar’s vibe, showing off the city’s live music scene and local talent.
With its bright colors and lively design, the mural practically shouts ‘Look at me!’ It’s a rockstar piece of art that celebrates Halifax’s awesome musical history and adds a pop of creativity to the busy street. So, next time you’re passing by, give it a high-five!
| Pro Tip: Stop by for some live blues music and enjoy the mural as part of your night out. |
15. Corey Pane Mural
Media credit: coreypaneart
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MDvJ9MYkU4Y71J5NA
Corey Pane’s work is like a punch of color and detail that hits you right in the eyes, and this mural is no exception. It’s got a bold, graphic style that makes it pop and brings a splash of excitement to the street.
It’s like the mural’s on a mission to make Halifax’s street art scene even more vibrant and lively!
| Pro Tip: Visit in the late afternoon to see the mural bathed in the golden light of the setting sun, which adds a warm glow to the artwork. |
16. DJ Andresen Mural
Media credit: davidjandresen
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MDvJ9MYkU4Y71J5NA
DJ Andresen’s mural is like a burst of color and energy on the street. Created for the 2023 Halifax Mural Festival, this artwork is as bold as a neon sign and as lively as a dance party.
It really shows off Andresen’s knack for making art that’s not just seen but felt!
| Pro Tip: Visit the mural in the early evening to catch the artwork under the city lights, which can add a different dimension to the piece. |
