Ohio’s roads are full of surprises, and some of the best ones are painted right onto the walls. From post office lobbies to zoo bridges and theater facades, these historic murals offer a colorful glimpse into the state’s past. They celebrate everything from agriculture and industry to music and community pride, each one telling a story you won’t find in a textbook.
Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or just someone who appreciates a good roadside photo op, these murals are worth pulling over for.
1. Coldwater’s 175th Anniversary Mural
Standing proudly on the east side of Coldwater High School, this expansive mural commemorates the town’s 175th anniversary with vivid scenes from its founding in 1838 to the present day. Created by local artist Dan Keyes in 2013, the mural draws from historical photographs and community input to portray Coldwater’s evolution.
Residents often stop to admire the familiar faces and landmarks woven into the artwork, making it both a public tribute and a living memory wall for the people of Mercer County.
2. Coldwater’s Post Office Mural
Tucked inside the Coldwater Post Office lobby, the “Coldwater Activities” mural is more than just wall art; it’s a time capsule with a stamp of small-town pride.
Painted in 1942 by Dutch artist Joep Nicolas as part of the New Deal’s Treasury Section of Fine Arts, this oil-on-canvas masterpiece captures the heartbeat of Coldwater life: farming, industry, and community spirit all in one sweeping scene.
3. “Life is Sharing The Same Park Bench” – Cleveland, OH
This mural isn’t just art; it’s a message. Painted by John Francis Morrell and commissioned by Mayor Carl Stokes, it shows two figures sharing a bench, symbolizing unity and social harmony. Located at 1507 E 9th St, it’s also the logo for the Association for the Advancement of Social Work with Groups.
The simplicity of the scene makes it powerful, a quiet reminder that connection matters. It’s like a hug in mural form, right in downtown Cleveland.
4. “Stage Left” – Akron, OH
On the wall of the Civic Theater facing Lock 3 Park, this abstract mural bursts with color and youthful energy. Created in 2009 by local teens under the guidance of art teacher Steve Csejtey, it’s a product of the Lock 3 Summer Arts Experience.
The figures are bold, expressive, and slightly mysterious, like characters waiting in the wings. It’s a celebration of creativity and community mentorship. If murals had a soundtrack, this one would be jazz.
5. Cleveland Post Office Mural
The Cleveland Post Office Mural is more than just decoration on a wall; it’s a slice of history captured in paint. Created during the New Deal era, when the federal government commissioned artists to lift spirits and celebrate American life, this mural turns a routine trip to the post office into a chance to step back in time.
Its bold colors and storytelling style spotlight themes of industry, community, and progress, reminding visitors that everyday places can hold extraordinary art.
6. Cincinnatus By Richard Haas
The mural Cincinnatus by Richard Haas is one of Cincinnati’s most striking tributes to its namesake. Towering over the cityscape, it depicts the Roman statesman Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus, the figure who inspired the city’s very name, stepping away from his plow to serve the people.
Haas, a master of architectural illusion, painted it in grand trompe-l’œil style, so it feels like the classical hero himself is watching over downtown. Locals love pointing it out to visitors because it perfectly blends history, art, and civic pride
7. Winold Reiss Industrial Murals, Cincinnati
The Winold Reiss Industrial Murals in Cincinnati are like a love letter to the city’s working-class roots. Originally created for the Union Terminal in 1933, these massive mosaic-style murals celebrate the men and women who powered Cincinnati’s industries, from printing and brewing to meatpacking and railroads.
Each panel bursts with bold colors and geometric designs that make everyday labor look downright heroic. Today, many of the murals live on at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, greeting travelers with a stunning reminder of the city’s industrial past.
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