Explore the Murals in Manhattan, KS: A Journey Through The Little Apple®

Explore the amazing murals throughout Manhattan, KS!

There’s something magical happening on the walls of Manhattan, KS. From bold brushstrokes to inspiring messages, the Murals of Manhattan are transforming the town into a living, breathing art gallery. Thanks to the efforts of local artists, businesses, and nonprofit organization Incite MHK, our community is becoming more vibrant—and more photo-worthy—every day!

These stunning murals don’t just brighten the streets; they tell the story of Manhattan’s heart, history, and spirit. Whether you're exploring downtown, Aggieville, or venturing a little farther out, there’s a mural waiting to surprise and inspire you.

🎨 Murals Near The Chef Café: Where the Color Explosion Begins

One of the best mural-hopping starting points? Just outside The Chef Café in downtown Manhattan.

• "Beginning from an End": A breathtaking goldfish swimming over a sunflower, painted by Joseph Renda Jr., is located in the alley next to The Chef.
• "SUP!": A vibrant piece by KC muralist JT Daniels, full of playful personality.
• "The Kitty Castle": Designed by LA-based artist Sick Fisher, this whimsical piece could easily double as Willie the Wildcat’s dream playhouse.
• "RBG Mural": A tribute to the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg, painted by Taylor Carr in partnership with the Manhattan Alliance for Peace and Justice and Incite MHK.
• "Harry Wareham: Past, Present, and Future": This mural pays homage to the Wareham family and the evolution of the Manhattan community.

Each mural is a visual celebration of creativity, made possible by generous donations from the Ward and Brenda Morgan Community Fund and the passionate work of Incite MHK.

🧡 Mural Alley’s Homage to the Past

Another must-see near The Chef Café? A mural that honors Henry Wareham and Fort Riley’s Big Red One. Painted by a local artist and owner of Flight Crew Coffee, this nostalgic piece celebrates the roller rink dream Henry once had and the community spirit that lives on.

🍋 Bright & Bold on Poyntz Avenue

• “Make Lemonade”: Look up above The Winged Lion and 502 Media building across from AJ’s Pizzeria to spot this bright yellow reminder to stay positive.
• “Anotações”: Painted by Brazilian artists Bicicleta Sem Freio, this massive, colorful piece near AJ’s Pizzeria was the launch project for Incite MHK and funded by the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation.
• “Night Fires in Post Rock Country”: Located on 111 N 4th Street, this dramatic mural captures the fiery beauty of Kansas’ annual prairie burns.
• "Spike": For this one, you will need to make a stop at Manhattan Brewing Company, and while you are there, enjoy one of their craft brews, seltzers, or a mocktail and enjoy!

Right off Poyntz, you will find even more amazing murals!

• Be Able; Rise Above: This mural is located on the South side of the BE ABLE building at 431 S 5th St.
• Faternal Order of the Eagles: One of my favorites in town, their mural is located on the South side of their building at 312 S 4th Street.
• "Day After Day": Will make you ponder what comes first, the chicken or the egg. Located at 512 Poyntz in the alley.

🐉 Manhattan Brewing Co. Adds Whimsy Inside Manhattan Brewing Co., artist Sick Fisher created a playful sleeping dragon mural and added a vibrant design to their back delivery doors. Grab a pint, soak in the artwork, and enjoy one of Manhattan’s favorite hangouts!

📍 Iconic Manhattan Scenes on the Chamber of Commerce

Painted by local talents Taylor Carr and Jess Kerr, the west side of the Chamber of Commerce building is a mural masterpiece. It features Manhattan icons like Little Apple Bikes, BSFS, Johnny Kaw, The Big Red One, and more—capturing the soul of the city in every square inch.

🌻 Sunflowers & Welcomes at the Manhattan Arts Center

• "The Art of Extinction": Located at 1520 Poyntz Ave and painted by the youth of True Colors Flint Hills Inc., in collaboration with Justin Howard, aka Nordic Thunder!
• "Seasons": Is located on the creative art studio of the Manhattan Arts Center at 1500 Poyntz Ave.
• "Sunflowers": Located at 1520 Poyntz Ave. on the Creative Arts Center, the mural was painted by the Arts Center Youth Honors Academy

On the west side of the Manhattan Arts Center building, a welcoming mural filled with bold colors and Kansas sunflowers greets all who pass. Talk about a beautiful first impression!

🎨 New & Noteworthy further down on Poyntz

Don’t miss:

• "Fight of Catharsis: Denise Duong's mural": at Addair Law—full of intricate detail and best viewed up close.
• The "Rise and Shine" mural by Collin Williamson, tucked near the Riley County Courthouse. Whimsical, cheerful, and oh-so-true for dog owners!

🖼️ Aggieville’s Mural Magic

Aggieville isn’t just for nightlife and donuts—it’s got some killer murals too:

• “I love you little apple”: A bright green wall between Jimmy John's and O'Malley's Alley, perfect for selfies and full of local pride.
• "Axe to Gring Wings": Sunflowers, Willie the Wildcat, Varsity Donuts, and more create a visual celebration of Manhattan on the Social House wall.
• "Taco Lucha's Luchador Wall": Painted by Phyllis Pease, this bold mural features wrestlers and a championship belt—a nod to the restaurant’s fun flair.
• "Orange Sky Yoga Mural": Painted by Taylor Carr, this cheery mural simply says it all: “Smile! You’re in Manhattan!”
• "Kate Lewis Mural; Figurati": Located just outside Aggieville, this colorful and detailed piece near the former Little Apple Art Supply is mesmerizing.
• "M.O.D. Mural" is located near Chipotle on Manhattan Avenue, on the East side of the apartment building.
• "This is Wildcat Country": Right on Moro street, all things K-State, including a photo opp with Willie the Wildcat.
• "Butler Family Community Foundation": This mural can be found on their building at 513 N 12th in Aggieville.
• "Ophelia": Located in Brother's Coffee just outside of Aggieville to the West.
• "She Takes Her Time": At 615 N 11th, this mural is one that you don't want to miss a single detail of.

Schools are even getting in on the mural fun

• "Lee Elementary": Located at 701 Lee Street, off Anderson Ave., this mural is a showstopper!

Come to see the animals and make sure to see the mural at the Sunset Zoo

• "Sunset Zoo": Mural depicts the beginnings of the zoo and notable people.

🏃‍♂️ Running Trails at Manhattan Running CO.

• Manhattan Running Company: Runners head down a Yellow Brick Road toward a glowing apple in this mural by Hannah Merle.

Enjoy classic cars and murals

"Midwest Dream Car Collection": Located at 3007 Anderson Ave., check out the amazing murals and massive car collection!

🚜 A Sweet New Welcome at A & H Farms

Manhattan’s beloved A & H Farms now has its own mural, giving visitors a warm, colorful welcome to MHK.

📸 Mural Hunting? Tag Us!

When you’re out exploring the murals of Manhattan, be sure to tag @purpleiriseverywhere and @InciteMHK in your pics—we want to see your favorites! And if you spot a new mural we didn’t mention, drop us a message. We’re always on the lookout for the next masterpiece!