Chicago's Walkable Two-Mile Art Zone Offers Nonstop Color And Fun For Free

Chicago is a city renowned for its architectural marvels, art museums, and world-class dining, from the Michelin-starred Alinea to Chicago's barbecue king. When it comes to the best free things to do in Chicago, however, a walk through the Pilsen neighborhood is a must for street art fans. The walkable art zone, centered on 16th Street and spilling into the surrounding area, is a dynamic, 2-mile stretch of nonstop color and fun for free.

These public artworks represent a convergence of community spirit, artistic expression, and urban revitalization. The transformation started organically in the late '60s with muralists using public art to oppose the Vietnam War and inspire local Mexican-American residents, who now make up the group's largest community in the Midwest. Many of these muralists went on to global acclaim, and the creation of street art grew into an organized effort called the Art In Public Places initiative in 2012.

The initiative provided structure, support, and encouragement for artists, allowing the project to flourish with the introduction of more than 50 new murals since its inception. This does not include the independent murals that have gone up on the walls of private businesses throughout the neighborhood. For example, the mural on El Popocatepetl Tortilleria (image below) celebrates Mexican nationalism and references an active volcano near Mexico City that's steeped in Aztec mythology. The mural, by the husband-and-wife duo Manuel Macias and Brenda Lopez, can be found in Pilsen on 21st Street, a few blocks from the main art walk.

The 2-mile art walk is an open-air gallery featuring Chicago street artists whose names resonate within the urban art scene. You'll encounter the works of Chicago native Hebru Brantley, known for his aviator-goggle-wearing Flyboy character and his local 2019 pop-up installation that stretched 6,000 square feet. Latina artist Sam Kirk celebrates women and queer communities in her murals, raising awareness for homeless youth with a 2012 mural in the early days of the initiative. Other local contributors include Chris Silva and Amuse, while international artists who joined the 16th Street collection include Baltimore-based Gaia and Belgian artist Roa, among others.

The 2-mile art zone sits on a former railroad embankment on 16th Street from Halsted Street heading west to Western Avenue. Those who still have energy after the art walk might consider wandering around the adjacent streets for more colorful creations. For example, Mexican-born Hector Durante transformed his entire two-story home (1900 W. Cullerton Street) into a tribute to the Mexican immigration experience, including an outdoor mural that depicts a Mexican immigrant as the namesake character from "Gulliver's Travels."

For those visiting the Chicago area, Pilsen sits 20 miles southeast of Chicago O'Hare International Airport and less than 4.5 miles southwest of downtown. While in town, consider a visit to boating hub Winthrop Harbor, Chicagoland's other lakefront destination, or a trendy suburb like Schaumburg for global flavors and serene woodlands. Of course, be sure to bring a camera for any itinerary that includes the Pilsen art walk.