Anchorage is rich in history, art, and culture. See the abundance of local talent in the murals and sculptures that enhance Anchorage’s neighborhoods. Visit a museum and learn more about Alaska's Indigenous people or plan an evening touring downtown art events.

Downtown & South Addition

Discover the bustling Downtown Anchorage art scene. Full-scale murals modernize historic buildings and give visitors a glimpse of Alaska life. Take a tour of the Anchorage Museum, SEED Lab, or Oscar Anderson House Museum to learn more about the history of Anchorage and Alaska Native culture. View life-size sculptures like the Last Blue Whale, which symbolize the area’s past and present. For a lively weekend, check out First Friday artists’ events, or catch a theater production at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts. Learn more >

Government Hill

Take a walking tour of one of Anchorage’s oldest neighborhoods, Government Hill. The military base community is a gold mine of historic architecture, a blend of old and new. Its iconic red and white checkered water tower adds a splash of color to nearby parks and streets lined with World War II-era housing. View a colorful totem pole created by local schoolchildren at Brown’s Point Park; a photo-worthy overlook with stunning views of downtown and Cook Inlet. A stop at the community garden gives visitors a look at an unusual microclimate orchard of colorful apple, pear, peach, and cherry trees, as well as the Common Ground mural by Linda Infante Lyons, representing the resilience of the residents. Learn more >          

Mountain View, Russian Jacks & Airport Heights

For a memorable art walk, take a stroll down Mountain View Drive to see walls transformed by murals and streets decorated with sculptures. Area artists display their diverse talents and showcase the beauty of the city and the surroundings. The Welcome to Mountain View mural embodies the love of community and neighborhood. Learn more >

Northeast

A trip to the Alaska Native Heritage Center on Anchorage’s northeast side offers travelers an opportunity to learn more about the city’s Dena'ina Athabascan roots and other regional cultural groups. Another local attraction worth visiting is Chanshtnu Muldoon Park, an all-inclusive neighborhood park, and part of the Indigenous Place Names Project. Learn more >

Spenard & Turnagain

Experience an eclectic and new-age art scene in the recently transformed neighborhood of Spenard. Tribute murals such as John the Flower Guy turn old walls into beautiful canvases. Renovated community centers like The Nave are a cultural hub for local artists. Westchester Lagoon, provides the perfect mountain views and feathered wildlife for plein air painting and photography. Look for the Chanshtnu marker, an installment of the Indigenous Place Names Project. A stop at the Alaska Aviation Museum gives enthusiasts a look at historic aviation memorabilia, photographs, films, and artifacts. Learn more > 

Fairview

See the spirit of Alaska in Fairview, where neighbors share stories and keep the history of Anchorage alive through street art, trailside murals, and the occasional pop-up museum. Chester Creek Trail murals blend Anchorage’s urban and wild sides, symbolizing the importance of subsistence and sovereignty for Alaskans. Learn more >

See more of Alaska’s influence on local artists by taking a self-guided art walk while exploring Anchorage's neighborhoods.