Downtown Downey has a growing collection of murals, civic artwork and historic references that can turn an ordinary walk into a self-guided cultural tour. The newest major addition is the “Welcome to Downtown Downey” mural, completed in 2026 on the downtown parking structure near New Street and Second Street. Its postcard-inspired design brings together architecture, aerospace history, agriculture and city symbols in one large public artwork.
This route begins with the new mural, continues to the well-known Downey Doodle-icious artwork and adds the Downey Depot mural as a nearby historic stop. Visitors with more time can extend the outing toward the Civic Center or combine the walk with the farmers market, restaurants and seasonal events.
This is an independent self-guided itinerary rather than an official city tour. Public access, construction, parking rules and business operations can change, so check conditions when you arrive. For more ideas nearby, visit our things to do in Downey guide and our Downtown Downey farmers and night market guide.
Walk the Main Downtown Downey Public Art Route
Stop 1: Welcome to Downtown Downey Mural
Start at the “Welcome to Downtown Downey” mural on the side of the parking structure along New Street at Second Street. The City of Downey held its ribbon-cutting ceremony on February 24, 2026, formally introducing a new visual landmark in the downtown district.
The mural was designed and painted by Downey native Rafael Reyes, a self-taught muralist and co-founder of Mastermind Murals. Downey-based nonprofit Stay Arts produced and managed the project in collaboration with the city. The completed artwork measures approximately 40 by 40 feet and covers about 1,400 square feet, making it substantially larger than the older Downey Doodle-icious mural nearby.
How to Read the Postcard-Inspired Design
The mural is designed like a classic California travel postcard, with individual pieces of Downey history placed inside the large letters spelling the city’s name. The letter D includes the Kaufmann Building and Vultee Aircraft Rotunda, reflecting the city’s aviation story. The O features the Rives Mansion, while the W incorporates the Downey city flag.
The N contains Apollo and Saturn rocket imagery that points to Downey’s aerospace legacy. The E includes Casa de Parley Johnson, and the Y references the Downey Grammar School arch. Orange-tree branches recognize the agricultural landscape that existed before the city became heavily developed, while a faint street map forms part of the background.
Do not treat the wall as only a colorful photo backdrop. Spend time looking at each letter and identifying how the images connect different periods of Downey’s development. The artwork works almost like a compressed history lesson: agriculture, early education, landmark homes, aviation, civic identity and the space program all appear in one composition.
The project was supported through Downey’s Art in Public Places Fund, which is financed by development-related contributions and restricted for public-art purposes. The city’s broader Art in Public Places Program is intended to make original artwork accessible throughout Downey. Visitors can review the city’s official Art in Public Places page for program information and its current map of listed installations.
Best Time for Photos and Respectful Viewing
Morning or late-afternoon light will usually be more comfortable than the middle of a hot summer day. Light direction and shadows vary by season, so walk around the viewing area before choosing a camera angle. A wide photograph helps show the complete postcard design, while closer images reveal the details inside the individual letters.
Stay on public walkways and follow parking-structure rules. Do not step into active vehicle lanes, block entrances or climb landscaping to improve a photograph. If other visitors are waiting, take a reasonable number of pictures and allow them a clear view.
Stops 2 and 3: Downey Doodle-icious and the Downey Depot Mural
From the new mural, continue toward Downey Avenue between Firestone Boulevard and Second Street to find Downey Doodle-icious. Artist Don Lamkin created the original design as a fundraiser for the Downey Museum of Art, and the larger public version was painted on the side of the Porto’s Bakery parking structure in 2014.
Downey Doodle-icious became a recognizable downtown photo location because it presents local references through bright colors, bold outlines and a playful illustrated style. The newer postcard mural feels more architectural and historical, while Downey Doodle-icious feels energetic and conversational. Seeing them during the same walk shows how two artists can describe the same city using very different visual languages.
What the Older Mural Adds to the Tour
Look for the way familiar Downey places, institutions and cultural references are arranged into a dense visual collage. The mural rewards close viewing because small elements can be missed when someone only stops for a quick selfie. Families can turn the stop into a simple observation game by asking children to identify transportation, buildings, food, sports or space-related details.
Be considerate of the active businesses and pedestrians around the mural. Do not block parking access or treat private seating areas as photography equipment zones. Purchasing food or another item is not required to view outdoor artwork from a public area, but supporting nearby local businesses helps make the walking tour more valuable to the district.
The Downey Depot mural at 8150 Nance Street can serve as the next art and history stop. The mural was installed in 2001 and created by artist Terry Schoonhoven. Before walking there, use a current map application to check the safest pedestrian route, traffic crossings and any temporary construction. Visitors uncomfortable with the street layout can make the Depot an optional short drive instead.
Extend the Tour With Civic Art and a Full Downtown Day
Civic Center Artwork, Markets and Practical Planning
Visitors who want to continue beyond the main downtown murals can head toward the Downey Civic Center at 11111 Brookshire Avenue. Public artwork documented at or near the Civic Center includes a bust of Governor John Gately Downey, created by Irish sculptor Mark Rode, along with the Veterans Memorial and Fallen Officer Memorial.
These pieces have a different purpose from the downtown murals. Instead of advertising the energy of a district, they commemorate a historical figure, military service and public servants who died in the line of duty. Approach memorials quietly, do not climb on them and avoid using solemn spaces for disruptive social-media poses.
The city’s public-art map also lists “Descending Sphere,” an abstract sculpture by Jon Seeman at 7622 Firestone Boulevard, and “Reveal,” a Poseidon-inspired sculpture by Jameel Haiat near 9637 Lakewood Boulevard. These are not practical additions to a compact downtown walking loop, but they can become separate driving stops for visitors building a broader Downey public-art itinerary.
Combine the Art Walk With Food, Markets and Events
A Saturday morning is one of the easiest times to combine art and local shopping. Visit the Downey Farmers Market near Second Street and La Reina Avenue, then walk toward the new postcard mural and Downey Doodle-icious. Finish with breakfast, lunch or coffee from a downtown business. Review our complete market guide before planning around the weekly schedule.
On the second and fourth Thursdays, the Downtown Downey Night Market can turn the route into an evening outing. View the murals before sunset while details remain easy to see, then continue to food trucks, vendor booths and entertainment. Event footprints and road closures may affect walking routes, so follow temporary signs.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, carry water and use sun protection. Check crossing signals, remain alert near driveways and avoid staring at a phone while moving through traffic areas. Families should keep children close around parking structures and busy intersections.
Public art should be treated as creative work, not a free background stripped of context. Do not edit out an artist’s signature when sharing documentary images, claim the artwork as your own or use mural imagery commercially without understanding applicable permissions. When posting, identify the artist and location whenever reliable information is available.
The new “Welcome to Downtown Downey” mural gives the city a strong visual starting point for a local art route. Paired with Downey Doodle-icious, the Depot mural and Civic Center memorials, it reveals several versions of Downey: historic, playful, civic-minded and connected to aerospace innovation.
Continue exploring through our Downey history and culture coverage, local food guides, event listings and local business stories.
Last updated July 23, 2026. Artwork access, nearby businesses, pedestrian routes, parking conditions and city permit rules may change. Check current conditions before beginning the walk.
