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Muddy Waters Mural: A Chicago Blues Tribute

A vibrant nine-story mural in Chicago's Loop honoring Muddy Waters, the King of Chicago Blues, and his lasting impact on music history.

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A vibrant, nine-story mural of blues legend Muddy Waters graces the Stevens Building in Chicago's Loop. Painted by Brazilian artist Eduardo Kobra, it commemorates Waters' significant contribution to Chicago blues and his influence on rock and roll.

A brief summary to Muddy Waters Mural

  • 17 N State St, Chicago, Chicago Loop, Illinois, 60602, US
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Visit during the annual Chicago Blues Festival in Millennium Park to experience the music that Muddy Waters helped pioneer.
  • Explore other public art installations in the Wabash Arts Corridor after viewing the mural.
  • Take photos from across the street to capture the full scale and vibrant colors of the nine-story mural.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Muddy Waters Mural is easily accessible via Chicago's 'L' train system. Several lines (Blue, Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple, and Red) stop near the intersection of State and Washington. Exit at the Washington/Wabash or State/Lake station and walk a short distance to 17 N State St. A single ride fare is $2.50.

  • Walking

    Located in the heart of the Chicago Loop, the Muddy Waters Mural is easily reachable by foot from many downtown hotels, attractions, and transport hubs. From Millennium Park, walk west along Washington Street for about 10 minutes. From the Art Institute of Chicago, walk north on State Street for about 15 minutes. The mural is on the east side of State Street, between Washington and Madison.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services can drop you off directly in front of the Muddy Waters Mural at 17 N State St. A short trip within the Loop area typically costs $8-$15, depending on distance and traffic.

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Discover more about Muddy Waters Mural

Located at 17 N State Street in the heart of Chicago's bustling Loop, the Muddy Waters Mural is a colorful tribute to the 'King of Chicago Blues'. Created in 2016 by Brazilian street artist Eduardo Kobra, the mural spans nine stories on the side of the Stevens Building. Kobra is known for his large-scale murals featuring kaleidoscopic colors and bold lines. The mural honors McKinley Morganfield, known as Muddy Waters, who moved from Mississippi to Chicago in the 1940s. He transformed Delta blues into the Chicago sound, pioneering electrified blues and influencing generations of blues, jazz, and rock-n-roll artists. The Rolling Stones even named themselves after one of Waters' songs. Waters gained acclaim playing in Chicago clubs and through his hits at Chess Records. The mural is part of the Wabash Arts Corridor project, which aims to showcase street art. Dedicated in June 2017, the mural has become a landmark in the Loop, celebrating Chicago's rich musical heritage.

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