mural

A mural is a work of art painted or applied directly onto a wall, ceiling, or other large permanent surface. Unlike easel paintings on canvas, murals are created as an integral part of the built environment and are usually designed for public viewing. The term derives from Latin murus and Italian muro, and the practice encompasses a variety of techniques and materials across cultures and eras.

Murals have ancient roots from Egyptian, Greek, and Mesoamerican wall paintings, and in Europe the fresco cycles of the Renaissance are among the best known; the technique involves painting on wet plaster so pigment becomes part of the wall. Secco fresco uses dry plaster. Contemporary murals frequently use acrylic or latex paints, with protective coatings to resist weather and graffiti.

Throughout the 20th century, movements such as Mexican muralism sought to democratize art by presenting large-scale works in public buildings that depicted social history and collective identity. Today murals appear in cities worldwide, on schools, transit structures, and neighborhood walls, serving commemorative, educational, or purely decorative purposes. They can be created by individual artists, collectives, or community groups and may be site-specific or temporary.

Because murals are fixed to a building, their creation and preservation involve permissions, surface preparation, and ongoing conservation. They face weathering, pollution, and vandalism, requiring cleaning, pigment stabilization, and sometimes repainting or restoration. Proper documentation and respectful engagement with communities are common ethical considerations.