There are some iconic Wilmington photo locations (the view from The Oceanic or even the Battleship North Carolina) but what about Wilmington murals and outdoor sculptures? Some hidden art gems await you and your camera. While there are dozens of art works around the area, thankfully some locals have created art maps like this one to help us explore them even more. 

Here are just 5 of our favorite Wilmington murals and sculptures to check out!

Wyland’s Wilmington Whaling Wall

World famous ocean muralist Wyland has painted 100 “whaling wall” murals all across the globe. These larger-than-life wall murals began in the 1980s in Laguna Beach, California and then he slowly created more and more. Find Wilmington’s own slice of Whaling Wall fame at the side of the Best Western Plus Coastline Inn (503 Nutt Street) to view “Coastal Dolphins.” For more information about his murals (and a list of all 100) check out this list. 

Paul Hill sculptures

Follow Market Street until it dead ends at the Riverfront. There you will find “Southern Hospitality,” a 15-foot Venus flytrap sculpture created of metal and glass. This photo app has beautiful river views and some famous film history in the background (One Tree Hill lovers will know this spot.) Hill created another sculpture just several blocks away — “Straining to Be” located in Bijou Park at 209 N. Front Street. 

Something cheesy

Check out the giant cheese grater mural at popular Benny’s Big Time Pizzeria (206 Greenfield St.) This Wilmington mural painted by local Sarah Rushing Doss pays homage to the one thing that can unite us all: cheese. And outside the restaurant find her gorgeous mural of pizza, tomatoes, drinks and a cheeky prawn. If you love her style, find another one of her works on the side of nearby Rx Restaurant (421 Castle St.)

Millennials will love

Were you a big Nickelodeon fan? Back in 1999 the TV network painted this Nickelodeon splatter on the brick wall in Muters Alley for the show The Snooker Reporter and it is still partially visible today. Check it out at 

Check out Strange Carolinas for the GPS coordinates and more info. 

Vibrant fun

A huge homage to the Castle Street Arts and Antiques district can be found on the side of Graham’s Barber Shop (510 Castle St.) This Wilmington mural features little shout outs to Michael Jordan, the historic firehouse, the local trolley line and more with vibrant colors. 

For more exploring around Wilmington, check out Arth in Action. Let me help you relocate to Wilmington — it’s my specialty!