A Guide to Public Art in South Bend, Indiana

Whether you're a local looking for more public art or a first-time visitor on the hunt for some Instagram-worthy backdrops, these are some of the best pieces of and places for public art.

Every summer Mural Mania hits the streats of South Bend, and we luckily get to reap the benefits! While not all of these murals have come from that competition, here's a list to get you started. Explrore the vibrant art scene gracing the sides of buildings downtown.

It's impossible to have a discussion about public art without mentioning perhaps the most well-known mural in town. More commonly known as Touchdown Jesus, the "Word of Life" is one of the iconic landmarks at the University of Notre Dame.

The Raclin Murphy Museum of Art which opened in the fall of 2023, is a national attraction for art lovers, located on the south edge of Notre Dame's campus. It features collections previously housed in the Snite Museum of Art and a rotating series of exhibitions and experiences. The museum is free and open to the public.

Also located on the south side of Notre Dame's campus, just to the east of the Raclin Murphy Museum of Art, the Charles B. Hayes Family Sculpture Park is a lovely place for a walk where you can browse several large sculptures.

South Bend's first and busiest park isn't just for ice skating in the winter and walking along the St. Joseph River. "Joy in Every Season," a beautiful mural, graces the walls around the playground at Howard Park. There are a few other pieces to see as you explore the park too.

Perhaps one of the most prominent pieces of art in South Bend, the lights start their dance across the St. Joseph River every night at dusk. It's quite a display as the water rushes past the "Keepers of the Fire" sculpture in the river. The river lights are best viewed from the Jefferson or Colfax bridges.

Note that due to construction at Seitz Park, the interactive light forest is currently not on display.

Located in side Century Center, the South Bend Museum of Art has been an anchor for the local arts scene since the 1940s.It features one permanent gallery and four that change during the year.

Mishawaka's flagship park has several pieces of art. Perhaps the most notable is a sculpture called "Circle of Life" on the river walk.