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Muddy Waters Mural: A Chicago Blues Tribute

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A vibrant nine-story mural in Chicago's Loop honoring Muddy Waters, the 'Father of Modern Chicago Blues,' and his lasting musical legacy.

A vibrant, nine-story mural of blues legend Muddy Waters stands tall on State Street in Chicago's Loop. Created by Brazilian artist Eduardo Kobra, the colorful artwork pays homage to the 'Father of Modern Chicago Blues' and his profound impact on music history.

A brief summary to Muddy Waters Mural

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
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  • Sunday 12 am-12 am
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Muddy Waters Mural.

  • Visit during the annual Chicago Blues Festival in June for a city-wide celebration of blues music.
  • Take photos from across the street to fully capture the mural's impressive scale and vibrant colors.
  • Explore nearby attractions in the Loop, such as Millennium Park and the Art Institute of Chicago.

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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the intersection of State and Randolph, the Muddy Waters Mural is located on the west side of State Street, between Randolph and Washington. Simply walk south along State Street for a block; the mural will be on your right.

  • Public Transport

    The mural is easily accessible via the Chicago 'L'. Several lines (Blue, Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple, Red) have stops within a few blocks of the mural. Exit at the closest station (e.g., Washington/Wabash, Washington) and walk a short distance to 17 N State St. CTA bus routes also serve the area. A single ride on the 'L' or bus is $2.25-$2.50. A 1-day CTA pass is $5.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available throughout Chicago. Simply provide the destination address (17 N State St, Chicago, IL 60602) to the driver. The mural is located in a high-traffic area, so expect potential delays during peak hours. A short taxi or ride-share trip within the Loop area typically costs $8-$15.

Discover more about Muddy Waters Mural

The Muddy Waters Mural, located at 17 N State St in the heart of Chicago's bustling Loop, is a stunning tribute to one of the most influential figures in blues music. Painted by internationally acclaimed Brazilian street artist Eduardo Kobra, the nine-story mural depicts Muddy Waters, a Mississippi sharecropper's son who rose to become the 'Father of Modern Chicago Blues'.Completed in 2016 as part of the Wabash Arts Corridor's Big Walls Project, the mural has quickly become a beloved landmark in the city. Kobra's signature kaleidoscopic style, characterized by bright colors and bold lines, brings Waters' image to life on a grand scale. The mural not only honors Waters' musical legacy but also celebrates Chicago's rich blues heritage.McKinley Morganfield, known as Muddy Waters, moved to Chicago in the 1940s and revolutionized the blues sound by pioneering the use of electric instruments. His music influenced countless artists across genres, including rock and roll. The mural serves as a reminder of Waters' impact on music history and his deep connection to the city of Chicago.Visitors can view the mural for free at any time. The best vantage points are from across the street, allowing you to take in the full scale and vibrant colors of the artwork. The surrounding area offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and other attractions, making it a great destination for a day of exploring the city.

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