San Francisco Mission Murals

I have been visiting San Francisco regularly over the last three decades but this past winter was the first time I've visited the Mission district.  I couldn't figure out how I could have missed this colourful section of town, vibrant with artists and musicians.

For this trip, the main attraction for me was the Mission murals, many of them initiated by the Chicano Art Mural Movement in the 1970's and inspired by Mexican paintings by Diego Rivera.  They could be seen on houses, on alley walls and in community spaces - Balmy Alley between 24th and 25th Streets, Clarion Alley between 17th and 18th, Mission and Valencia Streets, and the Women's Building on 18th Street.

It was a nice walk through the picturesque alleys and also through the district.  We had a delicious lunch at Tartine Bakery, just around the corner on Guerrero Street and I've heard there were lots of good eats in that area too.  This is a place I'll come back to.  Check out the photos below and click here for the map and a catalogue of the murals.