Picture Perfect: Giant Murals Set the Scene Along Mesa, Arizona's Main Street

On Downtown Mesa’s many side streets, visitors can explore a modern twist of Mesa’s history with over a dozen unique murals painted by up-and-coming local artists of all disciplines.

Aerosol artists were commissioned to paint murals paying homage to Mesa's famous neon signs on the south side of Main Street, depicting a by-gone era. Long-time Mesa residents might recognize a few of the vintage motel and restaurant signs. One of the most popular spots to snap a pic is the Melting Pot building painted in the trompe l'oeil style on the north side of Main Street just west of Robson. The brick building appears to be melting in the Arizona sun.

Perhaps the most iconic Mesa mural is the vibrant, colorful Downtown Mesa sign painted by Phoenix artist, Lauren Lee. Lee was named one of Phoenix's Top 100 Creatives by the Phoenix New Times and has designed a number of other art installations in downtown Mesa, including another rainbow-colored mural at the Mesa Urban Garden.

For a larger than life experience, head to Mesa Contemporary Arts outdoor garden to capture the 35-foot tall mural by famed Los Angeles artist El Mac, showcasing his signature rippled line, photorealistic portrait-style of painting. The most dedicated sidewalk surfers can hunt for old school murals that have stood the test of time with most of them still visible in alleyways on Main Street.

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