The neighborhood canvas: why Aranjuez is an open-air gallery
If you walk through Aranjuez with your eyes wide open, you will realize that the walls speak. It is not a poetic metaphor: here the murals tell stories of resistance, memory, and identity. While the center of Medellín is filled with touristy graffiti and Comuna 13 has its route of escalators, Aranjuez preserves something rawer, more authentic: an art born from the neighborhood and for the neighborhood.
This sector, located in the northeastern area of the city, was for decades a mandatory passage point for those coming up from the center towards the hills. But since the early 2000s, something changed. Artist collectives, many of them raised on these same streets, began painting the walls of houses, pedestrian bridges, and even storefronts. What started as a way to reclaim public space became an open-air gallery that today attracts photographers, travelers, and the curious.
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The cool thing about Aranjuez is that there is no single style. Social muralism, classic graffiti, political stencil, and abstract intervention coexist here. Every corner can surprise you with a giant face, a message in huge letters, or an explosion of colors that seems to come from a dream. And the best part: most of the works are signed by artists who still live in the neighborhood, who sit down for a coffee at the corner store and explain what each stroke means.
In May 2026, Aranjuez remains a key destination for those who want to understand the urban art of Medellín beyond the tourist circuits. If you come prepared to walk, sweat, and chat, you will take away an experience that no closed gallery can give you.
3 must-see murals: location, artist and meaning
There are hundreds of murals in Aranjuez, but there are three you cannot miss if you want to capture the essence of the neighborhood. Here I detail them with the exact address, the artist's name when known, and the background of the work.
1. “The mountain’s embrace” – Calle 87 with Carrera 40B
This mural, painted by the collective La Red de Artistas de Aranjuez, is a giant about 15 meters wide. It shows two human figures embracing while their bodies merge with the mountains of eastern Medellín. Yellow and orange dominate the composition, and if you stand right in front, it seems the sun rises from between the characters' arms.
Meaning: It is a tribute to the strength of the community. The artists painted it in 2022 after a workshop process with the neighbors, where people asked for the union between those born here and those displaced by violence to be represented. The mural is a reminder that Aranjuez is a welcoming neighborhood, where the mountain does not separate, but embraces.
Fun fact: The mural's colors change depending on the time of day. At noon, the yellow becomes almost golden. At sunset, the orange blends with the sky. Local photographers recommend going between 4 and 5 in the afternoon.
2. “The girl of the birds” – Carrera 39 with Calle 85
This work, signed by muralist Lina “La Loba” (one of the few women leading urban art projects in the area), is a portrait of a girl with her hair full of colorful birds. The technique is hyperrealistic, with fine details in the eyes and feathers. The girl looks upward, as if seeing something we cannot perceive.
Meaning: According to the artist, the girl represents the hope of new generations. The birds symbolize the stories that fly from mouth to mouth, the memories that are not lost. The mural was painted in 2023 as part of a beautification project for a nearby school's facade. The students helped choose the colors of the birds.
Fun fact: At the base of the mural, there is a small plaque with a QR code. If you scan it, it takes you to a video where the school children explain what it means to them to have that mural on their block.
3. “Living memory” – Calle 84 with Carrera 38
This is perhaps the most political mural in the neighborhood. It covers the entire facade of an old house, painted by artist Carlos “Mono” Giraldo, a reference in social muralism in Medellín. The work shows a fragmented face in several planes, with eyes that seem to look from different eras. In the background, silhouettes of people walking among rubble and flowers can be seen.
Meaning: Giraldo painted it in 2021 to commemorate the victims of the armed conflict in the northeastern area. Aranjuez was a neighborhood hit by the violence of the 80s and 90s, and this mural is an exercise in collective memory. The flowers sprouting from the rubble symbolize the resilience of a neighborhood that does not give up.
Fun fact: The mural has a hidden detail: if you stand three meters away and squint, the face seems to move. It is an optical effect that Giraldo achieved by painting layers of complementary colors.
Interview with a local muralist: Juan Pablo “JP” Restrepo
To better understand the artistic movement of Aranjuez, we spoke with Juan Pablo Restrepo, known in the graffiti world as “JP”. He is 31 years old, born in the neighborhood, and has been painting walls since he was 15. His most recent work, an 8-meter mural on Carrera 39 with Calle 86, shows a mountain tiger with butterfly wings.
JP: “I started with a spray can stolen from my dad's hardware store. At 15, I painted on the school walls, I got kicked out every week. But one day a teacher told me: 'If you're going to paint, paint something worthwhile.' That stuck with me. I started drawing faces of people from the neighborhood, the grandparents, those who are no longer here. Now I paint because it's my way of saying: this is Aranjuez, this is us.”
Malokal: What is the process for making a mural here?
JP: “First, I talk to the neighbors. I don't just arrive and paint. I ask them what they want to see, what they like, what hurts them. Sometimes people tell me: 'Paint a virgin,' and I explain that I can paint something that represents protection without being religious. The tiger with wings I painted a month ago, for example, I dreamed it one night. It is the strength of the mountain combined with freedom. The neighbors loved it because it reminded them of the tigers that used to be seen in the hills.”
Malokal: How has the neighborhood changed with so many murals?
JP: “Before, people saw a painted wall and thought it was vandalism. Now the grandparents bring chairs out to the street to watch me work. The kids ask me to teach them to paint. Art has made people take better care of the neighborhood, feel proud. And it has also brought tourists, of course, but the kind who ask questions, who sit down to listen.”
Malokal: What mural would you recommend to someone visiting Aranjuez for the first time?
JP: “The one of 'The girl of the birds', by Lina. That woman is a genius. And then they should have a soda at Doña Nelly's store, on the corner. She knows all the stories behind each mural.”
How art has changed the perception of the neighborhood
It is no exaggeration to say that the murals transformed Aranjuez. But not only aesthetically. Here are three concrete changes noticeable in daily life.
- Safety and ownership: Before, certain streets were avoided by neighbors. Today, the murals function as meeting points. People sit on the corners to watch the painting process, children play near the works. Urban art has reduced the perception of insecurity because there are more eyes on the street.
- Respectful tourism: Unlike Comuna 13, where tours are massive and sometimes invasive, in Aranjuez tourism is more relaxed. Visitors arrive on foot, in small groups, and many stay for lunch at the neighborhood restaurants. The murals have generated income for corner stores and bakeries that previously only sold to neighbors.
- Youth identity: Young people from Aranjuez no longer want to leave the neighborhood. Several have told me that before they dreamed of moving to the center or El Poblado. Now, with the murals, they feel their neighborhood is a cool place, with something to show. Some have even started painting themselves, forming new collectives.
A fact few know: in 2024, the Medellín Mayor's Office included Aranjuez in the city's official urban art route, but the local artists asked that no massive tours be made. They wanted to maintain the essence of the neighborhood. So far, they have succeeded.
Interactive map of the mural route
So you don't miss a single one, here is a recommended route you can do on foot in about 3 hours (with stops for photos and a coffee).
- Starting point: Aranjuez Metro Station (exit towards Carrera 39). From there, walk north along Carrera 39.
- First stop (10 minutes): Calle 84 with Carrera 38 – “Living memory” by Carlos Giraldo.
- Second stop (15 minutes walking): Carrera 39 with Calle 85 – “The girl of the birds” by Lina “La Loba”.
- Third stop (10 minutes): Calle 87 with Carrera 40B – “The mountain’s embrace” by La Red de Artistas.
- Optional stop (20 extra minutes): Go up Carrera 40 to Calle 90. There is a 30-meter collaborative mural painted by 12 artists in 2025, called “The garden of memories”. It is a rainbow of flowers and faces that change depending on the angle.
- End: Walk back down Carrera 39 to the station. Along the way, you will find at least 10 more murals, many unsigned, but equally impactful.
Tip: Bring water, sunscreen, and an offline map on your phone. The neighborhood has ups and downs, and the sun in Medellín hits hard even in May.
Where to eat near the route
After all that walking, you will need fuel. Here are three local options that never fail.
- Panadería La 85: On Calle 85 with Carrera 39, half a block from the “The girl of the birds” mural. They sell pandebonos, buñuelos, and coffee for about $3,000 COP. Ideal for a quick breakfast or snack.
- Restaurante Doña Nelly: On Carrera 40 with Calle 87, right next to the “The mountain’s embrace” mural. Doña Nelly cooks bandeja paisa, sancocho, and natural juices. A full lunch costs between $15,000 and $20,000 COP. Open Monday to Saturday, 11am to 5pm.
- La Esquina del Sabor: On Calle 84 with Carrera 38, near “Living memory”. It is a stall selling arepas stuffed with cheese, meat, or chicken. Each arepa costs about $7,000 COP. Perfect for a quick bite while continuing the route.
Prices are a reference from May 2026. It is recommended to check hours before visiting, especially on Sundays.
How to get there and transportation
Getting to Aranjuez is easy from any point in Medellín. Here are the options:
- Metro: Take Line A (the one going north) and get off at Aranjuez station. The trip from Parque Berrío station (downtown) takes about 15 minutes. The fare is $2,880 COP (2026).
- Bus: From downtown, you can take buses that say “Aranjuez” or “Villa Hermosa”. Ask the driver to let you know at Calle 85. The fare is around $2,800 COP.
- Taxi or app: From El Poblado, a taxi costs between $15,000 and $25,000 COP depending on traffic. Use apps like Didi or Uber to avoid negotiating fares.
- On foot: If you are downtown, you can walk north along Carrera 39. It takes about 30 minutes, but you will see murals before even reaching the neighborhood.
Recommendation: If you come in a group, get off at Aranjuez station and walk together. It is safer and more fun.
Local tips
- Respect the artists' work: Do not touch the murals, do not scratch them or put stickers on them. Each work has a meaning for the community.
- Talk to the neighbors: If you see someone sitting at their doorstep, greet them and ask about the mural on their block. The people of Aranjuez are friendly and like to tell stories.
- Bring cash: Many stores and food stalls do not accept cards. The nearest ATMs are at the Metro station or on Carrera 39 with Calle 86.
- Visit during the week: On weekends there are more people, but also more community activities. If you want peace and quiet for photos, Tuesday or Wednesday are ideal.
- Don't limit yourself to the route: Deviate into the side streets. The smaller murals, those that seem hidden, are often the most personal.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to walk through Aranjuez to see the murals?
Yes, it is safe during the day, especially on the main streets of the recommended route. As in any neighborhood in Medellín, avoid walking alone at night or through dark alleys. It is best to go in a group and keep your belongings close. The neighbors take care of the murals and watch out for visitors.
Do the murals change over time or stay the same?
Some murals remain for years, but others are renewed. Local artists sometimes paint over old works to create new ones, especially during events like the Aranjuez Urban Art Festival, held every year in September. If you visit in May 2026, most of the murals we mentioned are intact, but there are always surprises.
Can I take photos or record videos of the murals without permission?
Yes, you can take photos and record without any problem. In fact, the artists appreciate you sharing their work. We only ask that you do not use direct flash if there are people nearby, and that if you upload the photos to social media, you tag the artist if you know their name or use the hashtag #AranjuezMural. This helps make local talent visible.
Create your own photo route and tag the artist
Now that you know where to go and what to look for, it's your turn. Grab your camera or phone, put on comfortable shoes, and go for a walk. Every mural has a story, and every story deserves to be told. When you upload your photos to Instagram or TikTok, tag the artist if you know them (many have active accounts like @jp_restrepo_mural or @linalaloba_art). Use the hashtag #AranjuezMural so your photo appears in our virtual gallery at malokal.com. Who knows, maybe your image will inspire another traveler to discover this neighborhood that speaks through its walls.
Historical or contextual introduction
Aranjuez, a neighborhood that has undergone significant transformations in Medellín, is not only known for its commercial activity, but also for the art that adorns its streets. Since the 1990s, the city has experienced a cultural rebirth, and Aranjuez has been an epicenter of this effervescence, where murals have become the perfect medium to express the identity and struggles of its community.
The tradition of urban art in this neighborhood is deeply rooted in its history. As communities sought ways to reclaim their space and tell their own stories, murals emerged as a powerful voice. Each work is a testament to the daily life, dreams, and aspirations of those who inhabit this sector.
What is interesting about Aranjuez is how street art has integrated into the daily lives of its inhabitants. Local artists, many of them self-taught, use their skills to beautify the environment and address social issues that impact the community. This has led to an increase in cultural tourism, where visitors come not only to see the murals, but to understand the context behind each one.
To fully appreciate the richness of street art in Aranjuez, it is recommended to explore it on foot. Here are some recommendations:
Parque Aranjuez
This park is the heart of the neighborhood and an excellent starting point for exploring the murals. Here you can find several works that represent community life and local pride.
Insider Tip: Visit the park on the weekend, when there are usually cultural activities and outdoor exhibitions.
Calle 55 with Carrera 80
At this intersection, impressive murals unfold that address themes of identity and resistance. Each mural has a story to tell, reflecting the social reality of the area.
Insider Tip: Bring your camera; the afternoon light highlights the vibrant colors of the works, ideal for capturing memorable photos.
What to do
Tour of the Aranjuez murals
Explore the neighborhood on foot and discover the murals that tell the story of its people. Each work has its own message, from tributes to local figures to comments on social reality. Don't forget to bring your camera, as every corner is an opportunity for a great photo.
Insider Tip: While walking, pay attention to the details of the works. Some murals have QR codes that take you to stories or videos that delve into the artist's message. Be sure to scan them to better understand the context.
Visit the Aranjuez Cultural Center
This space not only houses contemporary art exhibitions, but also organizes workshops and community activities related to street art. It is an excellent starting point for understanding the local culture.
Insider Tip: Check the center's schedule before your visit. They often have talks with artists who have worked on the neighborhood's murals, allowing you to learn first-hand about their inspirations and techniques.
Gastronomic Experience at the Aranjuez Market
After your art tour, enjoy delicious local food at the Aranjuez Market. Here you will find everything from arepas and empanadas to more elaborate dishes like ajiaco. It is an ideal place to relax and recharge your energy.
Insider Tip: Ask the vendors about the daily specials. Many of them offer family recipes that are not on the menu, so don't hesitate to explore beyond the usual.