Public Art and Inspiring Murals Highlighted in New Interactive Experience

Raleigh, N.C. (April 4, 2024) — Raleigh’s vibrant arts scene and rich cultural tapestry are on display inside and outside its museums, galleries, parks, neighborhoods and streets across the county. Visit Raleigh has made it easier than ever to explore the abundant array of one-of-a-kind works of art and murals for yourself with the new Outdoor Mural Trail.

Start your adventure with the newly launched trail, accessible through a digital passport at visitRaleigh.com/muraltrail. The Outdoor Mural Trail provides visitors and locals a better way to engage with and appreciate the talents of Raleigh area muralists and the arts community while capturing sought-after selfies. There’s a design for everyone, from the classic “I Believe in Raleigh” mural at Sola Coffee in North Raleigh to the tech-forward “Abstracted Motion” augmented reality mural by Taylor White in downtown Raleigh. Are you more of a history buff? Learn as you go with a trip back to the last 150 years in the “Cary, Then and Now” mural by Val Fox in downtown Cary.

“Creativity is a large part of the cultural heartbeat of our destination. With an eclectic mix of towns and people across our area, murals bind towns together and spur imagination and innovation across the county,” said Dennis Edwards, President and CEO of Visit Raleigh.

Participants of the trail can visit and "check into" up to 35 murals to earn entries (15 mural check-ins earn one entry) into a drawing for a local hospitality partner gift certificate; two winners out of all entries will be randomly selected by Visit Raleigh each quarter.

The picturesque Five-Star, Five-Diamond Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary is the first sweepstakes partner, offering two $250 gift cards given to the quarterly prize winners drawn starting July 1. The gift certificate can be used toward any of the property’s world-class amenities. Dine at Herons (The Umstead’s signature restaurant and one of only 64 Forbes Five-Star restaurants in the world), enjoy drinks, small plates and entrées in The Bar & Lounge or relax with a treatment at the Spa.

While there, explore The Umstead’s private art collection featuring work from local and national artists, including glass artist Dale Chihuly. In addition to a permanent collection, art in the gallery rotates seasonally, allowing new artists’ work to be showcased. Both seasonal and permanent works complement the hotel’s contemporary design, showcasing the beauty of minimalism. Sweepstakes winners are welcome to take a self-guided tour of this unique collection with the guidance of an art brochure available at the concierge desk.

"The Umstead draws inspiration from its natural surroundings, notably Umstead State Park,” said Marcelle Kick, Design Coordinator at The Umstead. “Embracing the theme of 'art in nature,' our aim is to seamlessly integrate artwork with the hotel's contemporary design and foster a serene guest experience. With a preference for minimalist and sometimes monochromatic pieces imbued with an ethereal quality, our selection reflects the quiet palette of earth tones and the property's tranquil ambiance."

Embark today on this trail of artistic discovery to see what styles or themes ignite your inner Picasso, and maybe win an Umstead Hotel and Spa gift card in the process! If art isn’t your jam, sip your way through the newly digitized Raleigh Beer Trail.

About the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau (Visit Raleigh):
As the official destination marketing organization for Wake County, the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau (Visit Raleigh), is responsible for promoting Wake County as an attractive travel destination and enhancing its public image as a dynamic place to live and work. Through the impact of travel, the organization strengthens the economic position of and provides opportunity for people throughout Wake County. Raleigh, N.C./Wake County welcomes nearly 18 million visitors annually whose spending tops $3 billion. The visitor economy supports over 24,500 local jobs in Wake County and generates $287 million in state and local tax revenues, saving each Wake County household $601 in taxes annually. visitRaleigh.com

Media Contact:
Visit Raleigh
Jessica Holt
Director of Public Relations
919.645.2654
jholt@visitRaleigh.com

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Header photo by Gabriel Eng-Goetz