Public Art for All in Downtown Muskegon
Art is human expression meant to move people – to inspire us, to incite curiosity, to provoke new thinking and ideas – and you can find it almost anywhere. Muskegon's museums, galleries, theatres and concert halls showcase our vibrant visual and performing arts scene. But you don't need to enter a building to access great works of art in Muskegon, thanks to nearly 60 public art pieces scattered throughout our historic downtown.
Most of Muskegon's public art installations are within the six-block Heritage District, just 15 minutes from The Pidge Inn. These statues, monuments, sculptures, stained glass and murals serve as a collective community expression and add to the uniqueness of our city. Follow this self-guided art walk to see these remarkable pieces that have become part of the landscape of our lively downtown. Use this detailed GIS map to learn more about all of the public art and each piece's location.
The number of public art installations in Muskegon continues to grow. The Muskegon City Public Art Initiative is overseeing the commission of 10 monumental works of public art that tell the stories of Muskegon and its people. To date, six of the 10 works have been unveiled, including two just this summer. A 65-foot by 12-foot painted mural titled, "What Defines Muskegon," graces the exterior wall of Trinity Health Arena. And over by the VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center is "One Drop," a 27-foot installation built from cut pieces of tinted prismatic steel assembled on a structure that is lit dusk to dawn with LED lighting. The other MCPAI-commissioned pieces include: "Moxie" and the "Mastodons on the Loose" at the Lakeshore Museum Center; "A City Built on Timber" at Heritage Landing; "Celebrating Muskegon" at Pere Marquette Park; and the four murals on two Seaway Drive rail bridges comprising the "Muskegon Rails" project.
After a day exploring downtown Muskegon and viewing its public art along the waterfront, in parks and on buildings, come back to your getaway at The Pidge Inn to rest your weary legs. Enjoy waterfront views of Muskegon Lake from your private patio and watch one of nature's greatest works of art as the brushstrokes of a colorful sunset paint the horizon.
