Everyone loves the gourmet restaurants, great shopping, and one-of-a-kind experiences at Mosaic, Merrifield's hip and trendy urban village. But did you know that there are some seriously Instagrammable murals hiding between stairwells, walls, parking garages and alleyways throughout the complex? Break out your camera and embark on a colorful tour of these amazing works of art on your next trip or family getaway to Fairfax.
Parking Garage Mural Collection
Merrifield Town Center Drive
Start your tour off at the intersection of Merrifield Town Center Drive and District Avenue, in the parking garage behind Barnes & Noble (the entrance is across from District Dumplings). One of Mosaic's best-kept colorful secrets is the treasure trove of murals that hides within that garage. With bright and bold geometrical patterns of all shapes and sizes, your eyes won't know where to begin! After snapping your photos, walk back out the garage, around the corner of the Barnes & Noble and down District Avenue.
Be United
District Ave
Continue by taking a right on District Avenue and follow along the sidewalk. And don't worry, we won't blame you if you need to stop for a bite to eat at all the amazing restaurants that you'll pass by! From the South African flavors of Nando's Peri Peri, to the delicious drunken noodles at Sisters Thai, you won't go wrong. Or, pick up a sweet, rolled ice cream treat at 520 Ice Cream and Tea. Eat your heart out, you'll walk it off anyway!
After you've enjoyed something tasty, continue along the sidewalk path, crossing Merrifield Town Center Street until you've passed West Elm. You can't miss the bright blue, larger-than-life mural on the other side.
What's better than art that speaks to you? This mural isn't only a pretty picture, but also carries a message of encouragement and unity, which couldn't be more timely. Showcasing mantras such as "Be authentic," and "Build bridges instead of walls," you could spend quite a bit of time reading and be inspired by this work of art. Snap some photos and keep on walking in the same direction, towards the Angelika Film Center & Cafe.
Muse Paintbar Balloons
2920 District Ave, off Strawberry Lane
Soon after passing Mom & Pop Cafe, hang a left on Strawberry Lane, past Lululemon. Continue down the road until you reach Muse Paintbar, a beginner-friendly paint studio where you can learn to create your own artwork while enjoying beverages and tapas. On the opposite side of the glass windows, you'll find a local favorite. Brian Wentworth's untitled mural was created in 2016, representing his life's philosophy that "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone." The freehand painted balloons allude to one's ability to transport to another realm as a representation of beginning a new venture. To get the best photo, stand in front and make a fist in front of the balloon strings as if you're holding them. Lean to one side, raise your leg, and give the illusion of flying away!
Turn about-face and cross the street to find our next colorful work of art.
Art at New Heights
Strawberry Lane
Beside True Food Kitchen, you'll see a towering pink giraffe mural by world-famous artist Kelsey Montague. Kelsey's murals are known far and wide! From Australia to South Africa, to right here in Fairfax County, she's created over 250 whimsical works of public art. One of the most unique things about this mural is its use of the stairwell space. The upper half of the giraffe is painted on the back wall, and the lower half is painted across the sidewalk-adjacent wall while the stairs run through the middle. Plus, the details within the spots are beyond impressive!
Walk around the side of the staircase next to the giraffe's head to discover your next surprise.
The Rainbow Stairs
Strawberry Lane
Photo courtesy @onthelamwithann
Sometimes all you have to do is change your perspective! Around the side of the half-wall making up the bottom of the giraffe, you'll be surprised to find this set of Rainbow Stairs. The staff at Muse Paintbar painted this bright addition to Mosaic in 2021, as one of the newest installations celebrating love.
Walk down the hill to the left approaching the main thoroughfare of Eskridge Road, towards Caboose Commons, until you reach the Mosaic Market Garage.
Hot Tip: You can score 50% off a beer flight at Caboose Commons with the free Fairfax County Locally Poured Pass - no download required!
Flower Power
Strawberry Lane
Stop and smell the lilies! This flowery mural, located on the side of the Mosaic Market Garage, is the perfect photo op for the season.
Head back towards True Food Kitchen and enter the Target Parking Garage.
Create, Motivate & Inspire
2905 District Ave
At the entrance of the Target Parking Garage, Erin Condren's shop features a wrap-around mural that spans three out of four sides of the store's walls. Inspired by the store's bold and colorful planners and stationery, the mural is true to its message to create, motivate, and inspire!
Walk back out of the Target Garage, down District Avenue toward Anthropologie.
PRIDE Crosswalk
2905 District Ave
The rainbow action isn't over yet! Strut in style across the PRIDE Crosswalk, another rainbow installation by the team at Muse Paintbar that celebrates love. Feeling parched by this time? End your mural tour with a refreshing drink and hearty meal at the Parc de Ville rooftop lounge on the corner of District Ave and Glass Alley. The gorgeous rooftop escape is a BONUS photo op, thanks to their colorful flower murals! (see below)
If you loved the Mosaic Murals tour, check out the Most Instagrammable Spots in FXVA or the 7 Must-See Public Artworks in Reston to keep the photo-op fun going for your next girl’s weekend getaway or couples getaway! Don't forget to tag us in your photos using #FXVA and @VisitFairfax so we can see your adventures! Where are your favorite spots to take photos?