Exploring the Freedom Parkway Underpass Murals in Atlanta

The Freedom Parkway underpass murals are one of Atlanta’s most distinctive outdoor art experiences—a stretch of massive, ever-changing artwork tucked beneath busy roadways, right where Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and the BeltLine meet. If you’re looking for something uniquely “Atlanta” to see, photograph, or show off to visitors, this spot belongs on your list.

Where the Freedom Parkway Murals Are in Atlanta

The murals most people refer to as the Freedom Parkway underpass murals sit in and around the underpasses where:

• Freedom Parkway (John Lewis Freedom Parkway) passes near
• The Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, and
• The edge of the Old Fourth Ward / Inman Park neighborhoods.

A commonly used access point for visitors is near:

You’ll see murals on:

• The walls and columns of the underpasses
• Retaining walls along nearby paths
• Surfaces visible from the Eastside Trail and connecting sidewalks

Because the art extends across connected areas, it’s easy to treat it as a walking loop rather than a single “stand and look” attraction.

What Makes These Murals Special in Atlanta

Atlanta has street art all over the city, but the Freedom Parkway underpass area stands out for several reasons:

1. It’s a living, evolving gallery

The murals here:

• Are repainted, updated, and added to over time
• Reflect themes tied to civil rights, social justice, local culture, and community identity
• Include work from both well-known Atlanta muralists and emerging artists

You might see:

• Large portrait pieces
• Bold graphic lettering
• Abstract color fields
• Political and cultural commentary

Because the artwork changes, locals often come back regularly to see what’s new beneath the bridge.

2. It’s where transportation, trails, and art collide

The underpass sits at a crossroads of:

• Car traffic (Freedom Parkway overhead)
• Pedestrian and bike traffic (BeltLine Eastside Trail and nearby sidewalks)
• Neighboring parks and green spaces

This mix makes the murals feel like a natural part of Atlanta’s daily rhythm—commuters, joggers, cyclists, and families all move through the space.

3. It feels very “Atlanta”

The visual style and themes tie into:

• Atlanta’s civil rights history
• The city’s music and hip-hop culture
• Neighborhood pride in Old Fourth Ward and Inman Park
• The broader BeltLine art scene

If you’re showing visitors why Atlanta is known for street art, public art, and creative reuse of infrastructure, this is an easy, accessible example.

How to Get There: Driving, MARTA, and the BeltLine

Getting there by car

You’ll generally aim for Old Fourth Ward / Inman Park near the BeltLine Eastside Trail.

Useful navigation targets:

• “Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail – Historic Fourth Ward”
• Auburn Ave NE & Randolph St NE area

Parking options nearby often include:

• Street parking on Auburn Ave NE, Ralph McGill Blvd, or neighborhood side streets (watch signs and time limits)
• Paid lots or decks near Ponce City Market or Edgewood / Inman Park if you’re pairing the murals with other stops

From your car, you’ll typically:

1. Walk to the BeltLine Eastside Trail
2. Follow the trail and side paths under the roadways
3. Explore the underpass walls and surrounding surfaces

Getting there by MARTA

You can combine MARTA + walking:

• Take the Blue or Green line to Inman Park/Reynoldstown Station
• Walk or bike northwest toward the BeltLine Eastside Trail and Auburn Ave / Freedom Parkway area

Or:

• Take the Red or Gold line to North Avenue Station
• Transfer to a bus or use a scooter/ride share to reach the BeltLine Eastside Trail near Ponce City Market
• Walk the trail south toward the Freedom Parkway underpasses

Walking or biking via the BeltLine

If you’re already on the BeltLine Eastside Trail:

• From Ponce City Market, head south on the trail; the murals appear under and near Freedom Parkway as you approach Old Fourth Ward / Inman Park.
• From Krog Street Market area, head northwest on the trail; again, you’ll come up on the underpass murals as you get closer to Freedom Parkway.

This is one of the most popular ways for locals to experience the murals—folded into a longer walk, jog, or bike ride.

What You’ll See: Styles, Themes, and Vibe

Artistic styles and subjects

Typical features of the Freedom Parkway underpass murals include:

• Large-scale portraits of historical or cultural figures
• Typographic murals with inspirational phrases or social messages
• Abstract and geometric designs with bright color palettes
• Nature-inspired scenes that tie into the green surroundings
• Occasional collaborative walls where multiple artists share the same surface

The feel is urban but inviting—it’s not an isolated or hidden alley, but a busy, open path with a steady flow of people.

Atmosphere by time of day

• Morning: Quieter, with joggers and dog walkers; softer light for photos
• Midday: Brighter, more foot and bike traffic; good visibility of all details
• Late afternoon / early evening: Golden light under the bridges can create dramatic photos; still reasonably active

Nighttime visits are possible where paths are lit, but if you’re unfamiliar with the area, most locals prefer daylight hours for the best experience and visibility.

Planning Your Visit: Time, Weather, and Pairing With Nearby Stops

How much time to budget

Most people spend:

• 20–40 minutes walking through, stopping for photos, and reading or studying different pieces
• Longer if they’re pairing the murals with a BeltLine walk, a park visit, or a nearby meal

You can easily make it:

• A quick visual stop while passing through the neighborhood
• Part of a half-day outing that includes nearby attractions

Best weather and seasons

The murals are fully outdoors, so your experience depends on the weather:

• Sunny, dry days: Ideal for color and contrast
• Overcast days: Softer, even light that can actually be great for photography
• After heavy rain: Paths can be damp; check for puddles or slick spots under the underpasses

Atlanta’s mild winters make this a year-round attraction, but summer afternoons can be hot and humid. Many locals aim for:

• Morning or late afternoon during warmer months
• Midday during cooler seasons

Great pairings nearby

Because of its location, the Freedom Parkway underpass area fits easily into a broader “Things to Do in Atlanta” day. Popular pairings include:

• Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail – continue your walk to see more murals, sculptures, and skyline views
• Historic Fourth Ward Park – green space, playground, lake, and city views
• Ponce City Market – food hall, rooftop activities, and shopping
• Krog Street Market & Krog Street Tunnel – another major hub of street art and murals
• Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park – nearby historic sites in Old Fourth Ward

Practical Tips for Visiting the Freedom Parkway Underpass Murals

Safety, etiquette, and being a good neighbor

While the murals are in a heavily trafficked public area, it’s still smart to treat the space with care.

Basic tips:

• ✅ Go during daylight hours for the best visibility and comfort
• ✅ Stay on marked paths and sidewalks to avoid traffic and erosion areas
• ✅ Respect the art – do not tag, scratch, or add your own markings
• ✅ Watch for cyclists and scooters on the BeltLine; stay to one side if you’re taking photos
• ✅ Pack out your trash and keep the area clean
• ✅ Be aware of your surroundings and personal belongings, as you would in any city setting

Families, solo visitors, and tourists regularly pass through this area; the main concerns are traffic awareness and general city commonsense, rather than anything unusual.

Accessibility considerations

• The surrounding area includes paved paths, ramps, and gentle grades, especially along the BeltLine Eastside Trail.
• Some specific mural surfaces may be easiest to see from sloped paths or uneven ground.
• If you are using a wheelchair, stroller, or other mobility device, sticking to the main BeltLine trail and the most obvious access points will generally provide good views of many of the murals, even if not every wall is reachable up close.

Photography and Social Sharing

The Freedom Parkway underpass murals are highly photogenic and frequently appear in:

• Social media posts
• Engagement or family photoshoots
• Travel blogs focused on Atlanta

If you’re taking photos:

• 📷 Mind the trail flow – step out of the main line of bike and foot traffic
• 📷 Check the light direction under the underpasses; move a few steps to reduce harsh shadows
• 📷 Avoid standing in the roadway or any active driveways or ramps to get a shot

Professional photographers often pair this area with other Atlanta backdrops like Old Fourth Ward Park or the Jackson Street Bridge skyline view (just a short distance away along Freedom Parkway).

How the Murals Fit Into Atlanta’s Public Art Scene

The Freedom Parkway underpass murals are part of a larger pattern in Atlanta:

• Use of underpasses, retaining walls, and bridge supports as canvases
• Integration with multi-use trails like the BeltLine
• Support from local arts organizations, property owners, and neighborhood groups

If you’re interested in more public and street art beyond the underpass:

• Explore the Atlanta BeltLine art installations along multiple trail segments
• Walk through the Krog Street Tunnel, a constantly-changing graffiti landmark
• Check out murals in neighborhoods like Cabbagetown, Little Five Points, West End, and Downtown

Many Atlantans treat this underpass zone as one “stop” in a broader street art tour of the city.

Quick Reference: Freedom Parkway Underpass Murals at a Glance

If you live in Atlanta, the Freedom Parkway underpass murals are an easy way to reconnect with the city’s creative side on a regular walk or bike ride. If you’re visiting, they offer a quick, authentic glimpse of Atlanta’s street art culture just a short hop from several of the city’s most popular “things to do.”