Discover Mississippi as you’ve never seen before with Tupelo murals on the “Off The Wall” Mural Trail. As one of the area’s most vibrant cities, this quaint Southern town is packed with history and charm that only those who pause for a moment can experience. Here visitors will find some beautiful murals while learning about Tupelo’s fascinating past. The mural trail reveals interesting stories and vividly depicts Tupelo’s history. I discovered something new about this beautiful area with each stop along the mural tour.
The “Off The Wall” mural list (with addresses) is available at the Tupelo Convention & Visitors Bureau on Main Street.
Introducing the Tupelo Mural Trail – An Overview
“Off The Wall” is a unique trail spanning eighteen locations. Most are in the downtown area near the shopping district. A few are at locations outside downtown but within a mile or so. These murals showcase themes ranging from city history to Elvis Presley’s music to today’s vibrant culture. As you scavenger hunt for each mural, you’ll learn about Tupelo’s rich heritage and the incredible artistic talent of the local community. “Off The Wall” is a fun activity that inspired and impressed me.
Where to Find the Murals in Tupelo
Exploring Tupelo in search of the “Off The Wall” murals was so much fun. If you’re wondering where to find the murals in Tupelo, start with Main Street, where you’ll find colorful displays adorning the walls of several buildings.
The stunning mural at Gum Tree Bookstore is worth a visit, as are the others on the Reed’s Department Store building.
Don’t forget to check out the brick walls of Romie’s Grocery and Talbot House Bakery & Cafe for more spectacular street art. With a little curiosity and a keen eye, the murals of Tupelo are a fun way to spend a day.
Reed’s Department Store has been in business since 1905, and the store covers most of a city block. Walk around the entire building and peek in the alleyways for some intriguing murals.
Book Stack Mural at Gum Tree Bookstore
This mural, located at the Gum Tree Bookstore, is huge! It’s light and bright and is a multi-dimensional piece of art. Look closely at the books to see representations from such native Mississippi authors as John Grisham, Greg Iles, and Eudora Welty. The artwork gives subtle nods to the characters in represented literature.
Tupelo’s Pretty Unity & Love Murals
This pair of murals are in an alleyway on South Spring Street, next to MLM Clothiers. The vivid colors are sure to brighten your day. Blue skies and floating hearts and flowers are the highlights of this pair of murals.
Circus Murals
The circus comes to town! These are two from the exciting collection of circus-themed murals. I first thought these murals reference the circus background of Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis’ manager. We noticed the circus tent first, then the jugglers. This mural collection is in a long alley between buildings. Look for the CREATE building as the starting point.
Elvis Murals in Tupelo
There are several murals related to Elvis Presley, born in Tupelo. Visit Elvis’s Birthplace, Museum, and Chapel to learn all about Elvis’ childhood years in Tupelo. The 1950s Elvis is a closeup of his face. It’s located at the Main Street entry to Reed’s Department Store.
The 1970s Elvis in the white jumpsuit and blue cape is in an alleyway beside Reed’s. The Jailhouse Rock Elvis mural is also on Main Street, next to Kermit’s Outlaw Kitchen.
Historical Landmark Mural at Romie’s Grocery
Romie’s Grocery is a restaurant that offers evening entertainment on the patio. The patio wall has a collage of historical landmarks and images of events and people who have influenced and been influenced by Tupelo.
Tips for Taking Photos on a Mural Trail
I enjoy street art wherever I roam, whether it’s sculptures in Chattanooga or carousel horses in Meridian, Mississippi. As I travel and practice, I’ve learned some tips for taking mural photos.
Lighting
First, pay attention to lighting. The murals are usually painted on buildings, and the sunlight can create shadows that detract from the image. So, try to go on a cloudy day when the natural lighting is bright but not too harsh. If there are streetlights, use those artificial lights to highlight the mural or create a moody scene.
If you’re shooting in the evening or at night, bring a flashlight and focus it on the mural. This will help light up some of the darker areas and add depth.
Composition
It’s also important to consider the overall composition of your photographs. Search for angles that can emphasize the colors and textures of each mural. Get close-up shots of details and use features like windows and alleyways in your compositions for more dynamic photos. Experiment with different perspectives to make your pictures stand out from the crowd.
Backgrounds
Think about the backgrounds for your photos and look around for elements that can add depth, represent the size, or enhance your shot. Colorful doors, plants, street signs, and other details will elevate the photo and capture the mural’s essence even more beautifully.
Experiment with Angles
Sometimes, the street view may not do the mural justice, and taking a picture from above or below may showcase the mural in a new light. Taking photos from different perspectives can also reveal details that may be hard to spot when viewing them directly.
Patience
Murals are intricate masterpieces that require a pause and a close-up. Take time to figure out the meaning behind each mural, as you would for artwork in a museum. Then let your camera capture a compelling photography story to document your adventures.
Finding My Inspiration on the Tupelo Mural Trail
As I found each “Off The Wall’ mural in Tupelo, I was inspired by the vibrant colors and intricate designs painted on the city’s walls. Each mural captured a special moment in time. It was a great experience to document my journey through the lens of my camera.
Amazingly, something as simple as a mural can ignite my imagination and stir my emotions. As a travel writer on assignment, I was looking to capture Tupelo’s essence and understand the layers of history. The Tupelo mural trail gave me insight into what the city has endured and overcome.
The vibrant murals of Tupelo, Mississippi, mimic the cultural vibrancy that lives and breathes through art. They represent the creative spirit of this Southern city. Each mural offers something special and memorable, from museum-quality portraits to simple pieces with color explosions.
For those looking for a place of inspiration or an outlet to unplug and relax, the Tupelo mural trail is a lot of fun. Each mural tells a story, but visitors will discover a personal meaning that resonates with them. And at the end of it all, visitors have an incredible experience documented forever through photographs and memories that will last a lifetime.
If You Go
Tupelo, Mississippi – Tupelo Visitor’s Center
The Elvis Presley Birthplace, Museum, and Chapel
Hotel Tupelo (downtown) – A boutique hotel just a block from Fair Park in downtown Tupelo.
Hilton Garden Inn (downtown) – A comfortable hotel adjacent to the Cadence Bank Arena and Conference Center.
PlayStayEat.com – Experience Tupelo Mississippi Famous Landmarks and Hidden Gems – An article with Tupelo Overview and more information on how to Play, Stay, and Eat when you visit. (psst…I wrote the article).
