Throughout Oroville today, you can find murals that reflect the major forces at the foundation of the city: the Gold Rush and agriculture.
A boon to the state overall, the Gold Rush brought thousands of settlers to Oroville specifically since it was established as the home base of navigation of the Feather River to supply gold miners. After the gold industry dwindled, agriculture, and in particular olives and nut production, took its place. And both continue to influence the city today through a variety of public art displays.
Below is a partial list of outdoor public art throughout and near Downtown Oroville—try to find them all (and let us know if you find others not on our list)!
If you’re interested in learning more about public art in Oroville, visit the Oroville Arts Commission page.
Montgomery Murals
Montgomery, which extends from Highway 70 to the Feather River, is the main street in Downtown Oroville and presents several large-scale murals that pay tribute to the city’s past.
Miners Alley Murals
Miners Alley cuts through Downtown Oroville, running parallel to Montgomery from Pine St. to Downer St.
Bird Street Murals
One street south of Miners Alley, find more Gold Rush era-themed murals on Bird Street.
Other Downtown Murals
Outside of the main streets, you can find other murals tucked away throughout Downtown Oroville.
Beyond Downtown
Venture beyond the heart of Downtown Oroville to find other murals throughout the city.
Explore the public art in Chico, where you’ll find murals, sculptures & other art installations on parking garages, in alleys, on buildings, in parks & more!