“All the world’s a stage,” but it’s also a canvas, and Pittsburgh is a gallery of public art. We’re a city filled with murals detailing the rich histories of 90 neighborhoods, telling of our storied past and gleaming present.

Those itching to get out into a crisp autumn afternoon have plenty of options when it comes to viewing public art — Pittsburgh is home to more than 200 murals. Many, like “The Bride on Penn Ave . ,” are so famous, many Pittsburghers know the piece’s haunting scene by name. Others are lesser known, but no less beautiful.

But where to begin? Some of these murals are fun surprises when driving over or under a bridge; others are destinations in themselves. Map out a self-guided art tour with this handy list courtesy the Pittsburgh Murals and Public Art blog .

Haas Mural by Richard Haas

The Haas Mural , better known as “Mural of a Steel Mill Stage,” by renowned American muralist Richard Haas, is done in Trompe l’oeil style. It gives the illusion of a three-dimensional scene of a theater stage ready for actors to perform a play about the steel industry. The mural was commissioned by EverGreene Studios in 1993 — with funding from the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust — to commemorate the city’s steel roots. It includes a nod to the Byham Theater, formerly Fulton Theatre. The piece is just one block away from another mural, “ Love Carries ,” part of a 2022 Auberle PR campaign.

“Tribute to Veterans” by Marc Runco

There’s no denying Alfred EIsenstaedt’s VJ Day in Times Square is one of the most iconic war photographs. That image — a Navy soldier passionately embracing a young woman upon his arrival home — is one of many famous scenes depicted in “Tribute to Veterans” by Pittsburgh artist Marc Runco, who also brought to life the Jesus mural in Lawrenceville and the Highland Park mural at the park’s entrance. Grab a seasonal drink ( Yinz Coffee is nearby) and head to the former Bloomfield Veterans of Foreign Wars across from the old Bloomfield Bridge Tavern (beside Veteran’s Way alley) to view it. The mural is a little graffitied over, but many scenes still appear boldly depicting some of American history’s most impactful war images, including the raising of the flag at Iwo Jima.

“A Tribute to Immigrants” by Jeffrey Katrencik and multiple artists

Like the communities it celebrates, this mural is resilient. “A Tribute to Immigrants” pays homage to Pittsburgh’s diverse heritage (still reflected in names like “Polish Hill”) in colorful imagery. Immigrant populations pop against a teal background. Look closer, though, and you’ll notice the background isn’t just a backdrop — it features symbols like farmsteads and Mayflower-esque sailboats etched in orange. The blending of background into artwork feels symbolic of this melting pot city. The mural, completed by Jeffrey Katrencik as part of the MLK Community Mural Project , is located in a residential area at the corner of Broadway and Wenzell avenues. Plan to drive slowly beneath the Carnahan Bridge in order to take in the decades-old mural that serves as a reminder of Pittsburgh’s makeup.

Homestead Grays Bridge Mural

As you cross the Homestead Grays Bridge from Squirrel Hill into Homestead, a bold rectangle set against a greige building comes into view. The mural, faded but still eye-catching, represents the bridge, built in 1936 — one of the last remaining Wichert Truss-style bridges. The bridge (renovated in 1979 and renamed from the Homestead High-Level Bridge to the Homestead Grays Bridge in 2002) is the heart and soul of the mural, which highlights the town’s industrial roots. The name refers to the borough’s 12-time National Title-winning Negro League baseball team, whose Hall of Fame players include Josh Gibson. The Grays, founded by steelworkers, dominated Negro League baseball from 1900 to 1950. The team is also celebrated in several murals around Pittsburgh, including “ The Legends of Pittsburgh ” Downtown.

Mac Miller Mural by Gustavo Zermeno Jr. and Nick Flax

At least three public artworks celebrate the too-short life of musician Malcolm “Mac Miller” McCormick, but perhaps the most apropos is the one emblazoned on the side of I.D. Labs in Etna , where Miller recorded much of his music. The mural depicts Miller the way Pittsburgh knew him — a young boy from Point Breeze and an enthusiastic Yinzer waving his Terrible Towel — and the way the world perceived him: a revered lyricist and musician strumming his guitar. These scenes center on one of the most well-known images of Miller, a brown eye peeking from behind his tattooed hand. Messages and signatures by those who paid their respects to Miller are part of the mural, which is worth the trip to walkable Etna.

“ Strip District Squid” by Jeremy Rayner

It’s been nearly a decade since a giant squid appeared on the side of a building in Pittsburgh’s Strip District. Since then, the Pike Place Market of the east has been transformed and the loading docks from which vendors sold flowers is now The Terminal . Still, the solitary squid remains, a red monster swimming serenely between the old Strip and the new, its big eye taking everything in. Wholey’s commissioned the mural in 2015 from muralist Jeremy Raymer , who has created works of art on buildings throughout the greater Pittsburgh region and beyond. The mural is situated on a brick wall at 1711 Penn Ave. Depending on the time of day, there’s often ample parking nearby. Grab a meal or coffee at one of the Strip District’s many cafes and eateries, see the squid and stay a while.

“ A Gift to the Hill District” by James Hough

In 2019, James Hough was released after 27 years in prison. During his incarceration, Hough reformed and transformed into a prolific artist. Three years after his release, Hough gave back to the Pittsburgh community that raised him through public art. “A Gift to the Hill District” is a blocky, colorful mural commissioned for the 58th Carnegie International that celebrates Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson and the city’s Black history — including history being made today. Hough hosted community meetings to determine what themes Hill District residents wanted to explore and collaborated with BOOM Concepts to hold paint days, so the public could contribute to the piece. The mural stands out against a brick and white facade. It’s just 10 minutes from Downtown with parking on either side of Centre Avenue. For those passing through: Stop, get out and properly view this uplifting piece.