culture

Culver City Unveils Bold New Murals, Relaxes Street Art Rules

From the 'Love Wall' to Jen Stark's latest work, the city's public art program continues to evolve with fresh pieces and a welcoming approach to muralists.

By Culver City Culture Desk · Published July 18, 2026

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Culver City's streets are an ever-changing gallery. With more than 100 individual artworks scattered across the city, the Art in Public Places Program, established by ordinance in 1988, isn't just about beautifying sidewalks. It's designed to enhance urban quality and drive economic impact, according to the city's cultural affairs office.

New additions and where to find them

Two recent murals have locals pulling out their phones. All Roads Lead to Culver City, by the artist known as @brooklyndwildflowers, features a jackrabbit surrounded by native plants, a nod to the local landscape. The piece joins the city's permanent collection alongside Jen Stark's Technicolor Drip, a bright, cascading mural that winks at Culver City's early film history.

For those looking to check out established landmarks, Curtis Kulig's 'Love Wall' remains a favorite at Smashbox Studios (8538 Hayden Ave.). And, yes, there's a donut-themed mural by Bumblebee Loves You on the side of the Dunkin Donuts on Washington Boulevard, a cheeky bit of public art that has become a local photo backdrop.

A regulatory approach that encourages artists

Unlike some neighboring cities that burden muralists with layers of permits, Culver City keeps it simple. The city requires only a sketch review for non-promotional, non-signage murals before artists can start painting. That light-touch regulation has helped foster a scene where international and local artists feel welcome to contribute.

That openness has deep roots. The Branded Arts Complex, demolished in 2013, once hosted more than 30 large-scale mural projects by artists such as Dabs Myla, Herakut, and Gaia. Those early works helped shape the city's identity as a place where public art is taken seriously, and where the walls are worth watching.

Why locals are talking

The conversation around street art here isn't just about aesthetics. It's about how the city balances growth with creative expression. As new murals appear on old walls, and as the APPP ticks past its 37th year, residents and visitors alike are seeing a collection that reflects both Culver City's past and its present.

The city's public art office updates its walking tour maps periodically, and many of the works are clustered within a few blocks of downtown. A self-guided stroll can turn up a half-dozen or more pieces, each with its own story. The best approach: just walk.