Best Murals to See and Photograph in Puerto Rico

“La joya” by Bik Ismo 

Known for his use of shining metallics, Bik Ismo’s latest works have attracted the attention of art lovers around the world. Recognized as one of the top 25 muralists in the world, Joshua Santos Rivera (his real name) frequently makes things that glitter the focus of his paintings. If you go salsa dancing at El Boricua in Río Piedras, you’ll see one of his collaborations with Spanish artists Belin called “La joya,” which features a cubist-inspired portrait of a woman holding a chrome-plated skull. If you like that, check out another chromed-out piece by Bik Ismo outside the Museo de Arte de Ponce on the south side of the island.

“Unusual Girls” by Bianca Montoya

The streets of Puerto Rico are not the only place where you’ll find urban art. You can go shopping at Plaza Carolina to find a spot where local artist Bianca Montoya left her mark. With neon colors and cloth materials, Montoya aims to represent the diversity of women on the island. So, shop ‘till you drop but don’t miss the atrium for a selfie before you leave. 

“Banderas” by Héctor PR

With his project “78 municipios, una bandera” (78 towns, one flag), this young artist is taking Puerto Rico’s flag to higher levels. With more than half of the towns adopting Héctor’s initiative, you can find buildings – just like the one in Miami – with the Puerto Rican flag painted across the facade. From Luquillo to San Juan, Orocovis, Ciales, and Maunabo, where you can easily spot the Puerto Rican red, white, and blue flag!

“Sembrado de esperanzas” by Bob Snow

You can spot currents of everyday life mixed with a dash of cynicism in the work of Roberto Hernández, better known as Bob Snow. Conveyed with sharp detail and bright, eye-catching colors, Snow’s murals are both attention-grabbing and provocative. One of his most recent works on the island, located in Yauco, is “Sembrado de esperanzas” (Seeded in hope), a mural that was part of the Yaucromatic festival. This piece features an innocent-looking boy taping a tree back together as a call for greater environmental awareness. 

“La Niké de Atenas” by David Zayas

David Zayas is an artista del patio that has made a name for himself beyond the island. You’ll find one of his most recent works in the parking lot of the medical office Gastro Atenas in the town of Manatí. His painting “La Niké de Atenas” is a reference to the town’s slogan “The Athens of Puerto Rico” and appearances of Greek mythology woven into the town’s daily life. The mural reinterprets the image of goddess Niké, whose temple in Athens’ famed Acropolis epitomizes triumph in the face of adversity. 

“Cocobana” by Lucindo Fidalgo

For Lucindo Fidalgo graffiti is much more than vandalism. It is a form of expression that creates art in unused spaces. Fidalgo combines spray paint, pop culture references, and “boring” walls to create an end product that is utterly fantastic. You can find some of his most famous works at restaurants like Monalisa in Río Piedras or Cocobana at Calle Loíza. The latter showcases an explosion of color splashed across the restaurant’s walls that reinforce the tropical vibes of the place.