Monroe and Jackson Wards/City center

You begin this walk's journey with hands and doves, go to a quiet alley for a painting in pink, and head back east to an intriguing mix of cultures, a dancing Uncle Sam, and a mask hiding evil. Then it's north to a musical heron, two muses of jazz, and multiple celebrations of Jackson Ward and African-Americans from history. It's one eye-catching mural after another on this 3.6 mile, 2-hour journey through the heart of historic Richmond neighborhoods brimming with new life.

Situated between VCU's campus and downtown Richmond, Monroe Ward is among the city's oldest neighborhoods, with the historic Jefferson and trendy Quirk hotels its most prominent landmarks. Downtown Richmond is the central business district, its centerpiece the Virginia State Capitol Building designed by Thomas Jefferson. Once known as the "Black Wall Street of America" for its thriving African-American business community, today's Jackson Ward  is home to art galleries, restaurants, coffee shops, and other revitalizing businesses.  

The Monroe and Jackson wards/City Center Mural Walk departs from the southeastern corner of W Grace St and N Adams St, in view of the GAIA mural of hands and doves. The nearest public parking lots are Adams & Grace Public Parking at 20 W Grace St, Grace & Foushee Public Parking at 115 N Foushee St, and 11 W Grace St Parking at that address. In addition to on-street parking nearby, there are three Downtown YMCA lots for YMCA members: at W Grace and N Foushee St., and on both sides of N Foushee St where it meets Franklin across from the Y's entrance.