Willie For President mural - John Lewis mural
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Willie For President mural

4.8
·57 reviews·Austin, United States

Iconic 'Willie for President' mural on South Congress, a vibrant tribute to Willie Nelson and a must-visit photo spot in Austin.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds for photos

CrowdLow
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Willie For President mural - John Lewis mural

Willie For President mural

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds for photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iconic 'Willie for President' mural on South Congress, a vibrant tribute to Willie Nelson and a must-visit photo spot in Austin.

4.8
(57 reviews)

"This is a must see, must stop for photo op in Austin!"

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Perfect Photo Op

This mural is a prime spot for an Instagrammable photo. Get there early to avoid crowds!

🚗 Parking Challenges

Parking near the mural can be tough. Consider walking or using a ride-share service.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Willie For President Mural

Willie For President Mural

Side of STAG Provisions, South Congress

Iconic, colorful mural of Willie Nelson proposing him for president. A true Austin landmark.

South Congress Stroll

South Congress Stroll

South Congress Avenue

Explore the vibrant South Congress area, home to unique shops and other famous murals.

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Planning Your Visit

Austin's Iconic Willie Mural

This vibrant mural celebrating Willie Nelson is a must-see photo op in Austin. Located on South Congress, it's easily accessible but parking can be tricky. Consider walking or using a ride-share.

Capture the Vibe

The 'Willie for President' mural is a popular spot for photos. While it's a tribute, its pristine condition is noted by visitors. Combine your visit with nearby food trucks or Home Slice pizza.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds for photos
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light for pics
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Coming out dope! GOD Bless!! 🙏🏿 #art #artist
@oldmannwilly
1.1M likes • 8.5M views

📸 Perfect Photo Op

This mural is a prime spot for an Instagrammable photo. Get there early to avoid crowds! TikTokInstagram

🚗 Parking Challenges

Parking near the mural can be tough. Consider walking or using a ride-share service. Reddit

It’s been a year since I’ve painted this mural, it’s safe to say this video changed everything. GOD Bless ♥️🙏🏿 #mural #art
@oldmannwilly
43.3K likes • 341K views
Take a stroll on South Congress and keep your eyes open for this iconic Willie For President mural located on the side of @stagprovisions by artists Jacqui Oakley, Erick Montes & Joe Spec. This instagrammable mural is a tribute to one of country music’s most famous musicians & Austin icon, Willie Nelson. Snap your picture with Willie and don’t forget to tag us! #TrueAustin
visitaustintx
160 likes • 10.4K views

🎨 Art Collaboration

A collaborative effort by artists Jacqui Oakley, Joe Swec, and Erick Montes. Reddit

📍 Combine with Food

Great food trucks and Home Slice pizza are nearby. Make it a culinary stop! Reddit

Get ready to travel all over Downtown, East and South Austin stopping for selfies at over 30 murals. Our guides will take you to the popular murals as well as the hidden gems including the ‘I love you so much’, ‘Greetings from Austin’ postcard, ‘Willie for President mural and many more. This is a private tour and can be customized to your group.
metrocyclepedicabs
17 likes • 552 views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Perfect Photo Op

This mural is a prime spot for an Instagrammable photo. Get there early to avoid crowds! TikTokInstagram

🚗 Parking Challenges

Parking near the mural can be tough. Consider walking or using a ride-share service. Reddit

🎨 Art Collaboration

A collaborative effort by artists Jacqui Oakley, Joe Swec, and Erick Montes. Reddit

📍 Combine with Food

Great food trucks and Home Slice pizza are nearby. Make it a culinary stop! Reddit

🚲 Mural Tour Option

Consider a bike tour to see this and other Austin murals. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.8
(57 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the 'Willie For President' mural as a must-see Austin landmark, appreciating its vibrant artistry and iconic status. Many note its excellent condition and its appeal as a prime photo opportunity. While parking can be a challenge, the mural's location on South Congress offers a great starting point for exploring the area's shops and eateries.

"I really wonder how these murals are still in pristine condition. Even Banksy's get attacked and ruined. This one is more a tribute than pure art, great mural though!"

M G

"Very nice mural!"

DAISUKE OKAMOTO (OKAINA IMAGE)

"This painting is cool to visit. If its not on your bucket list are even you a willie fan ? Not a ton of parking, walk or take a driver. What else is there to do in Austin?"

Elad 22

What People Like

Iconic Austin art
Vibrant colors
Great photo op

What People Dislike

Limited parking

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The mural is located on the side of STAG Provisions on South Congress Avenue. While parking can be challenging, many visitors opt to walk from nearby areas or use ride-sharing services. Some Austin mural tours also include this stop. Instagram+1

Parking directly at the mural can be limited and competitive. It's often recommended to find street parking a few blocks away or utilize parking garages in the South Congress area. Reddit

Absolutely! South Congress is a very walkable street, and many visitors enjoy exploring the area on foot, making the mural easily accessible as part of a broader exploration. Reddit

Yes, Austin's public bus system serves the South Congress area. Check Capital Metro for routes and schedules that can get you close to the mural. Instagram

The mural is painted on a building wall at street level, making it generally accessible. The surrounding sidewalks are also typically well-maintained. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Willie For President mural is a public art installation and is free to view and photograph. TikTok

The mural is an outdoor art piece and can be viewed at any time, day or night. However, for the best photos, daylight hours are recommended. TikTok

There is no admission fee. This is a free public art attraction in Austin. TikTok

Yes, taking photos is highly encouraged! It's one of the most popular photo opportunities in Austin. Instagram+1

Visitors have noted its pristine condition, suggesting it's well-maintained and respected as a significant piece of Austin's art scene. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Late afternoon often provides beautiful golden hour lighting for photos. Weekday mornings can also be less crowded for unobstructed shots. TikTok

Experiment with different angles! Standing directly in front offers a classic shot, but try from the side or with a wider lens to capture more of the surrounding streetscape. TikTok

Any modern smartphone or digital camera will capture the vibrant colors well. Consider a phone with good low-light capabilities if you plan to visit near dusk. TikTok

Absolutely! The mural is a very popular spot for selfies and group photos. Instagram+1

Yes, South Congress Avenue and the surrounding areas are known for numerous other vibrant murals, including the 'I Love You So Much' wall and 'Greetings from Austin.' Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The mural is located in an area with many excellent food trucks and popular eateries. Home Slice Pizza is a highly recommended spot nearby. Reddit

Yes, the South Congress area offers a variety of dining options that cater to families, from casual pizza joints to diverse food truck offerings. Reddit

Definitely. The abundance of food trucks and casual dining spots makes it easy to grab a quick and delicious meal. Reddit

South Congress Avenue has several bars and pubs where you can enjoy a drink after your mural visit. Reddit

You can find a range of prices, from affordable food truck meals to mid-range restaurant dining. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The 'Willie For President' mural is a fun and colorful stop for families. It's a great opportunity for kids to see a piece of Austin's unique culture and snap memorable photos. The surrounding South Congress area offers plenty of casual dining options, including kid-friendly spots like Home Slice Pizza, making it easy to plan a family outing. Reddit

Consider making it part of a larger exploration of South Congress, which has other visually engaging elements that can keep children entertained. The accessibility of the mural at street level also makes it easy for families with strollers or young children to visit. Instagram

📸 Photographers & Influencers

This mural is a photographer's dream and a social media hotspot. The vibrant colors and iconic subject matter make for stunning shots. Pro-tip: Aim for weekday mornings or late afternoons for the best light and fewer crowds to get that perfect, unobstructed photo. TikTokInstagram

Beyond the 'Willie for President' mural, South Congress Avenue is a treasure trove of Instagrammable spots. Plan to spend time exploring the street for other murals and unique backdrops to fill your feed. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

The 'Willie For President' mural is a completely free attraction, making it ideal for budget-conscious travelers. You can easily spend an hour or two in the area without spending a dime, just enjoying the art and the atmosphere. TikTok

To keep costs down, take advantage of the numerous food trucks and casual eateries in the vicinity for affordable and delicious meals. Combining your visit with walking or using public transport further minimizes expenses. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Artistry Behind the Mural

The 'Willie For President' mural is a testament to collaborative art. The portrait of Willie Nelson was created by Jacqui Oakley, inspired by his 1980s marathon-running era. Her illustration was then scanned and sent to Austin.

In Austin, designer Erick Montes added the 'fabulously bold type and red stripes,' completing the visual concept. Finally, the combined image was projected onto the wall for Joe Swec and his team to meticulously paint. This multi-stage process highlights the synergy between different artistic disciplines to create a cohesive and impactful piece. Reddit

This mural is more than just a painting; it's a cultural statement and a tribute to a beloved Austin icon. Its enduring popularity and pristine condition speak to its significance in the city's vibrant street art scene. Reddit

Experiencing South Congress Avenue

The 'Willie For President' mural is situated on the iconic South Congress Avenue, a bustling street renowned for its eclectic mix of boutiques, vintage shops, live music venues, and, of course, more street art. Visiting the mural offers a perfect starting point for exploring this vibrant district.

Visitors often combine their mural visit with a stroll down South Congress, popping into unique stores like STAG Provisions (the building the mural is on) or browsing other local businesses. The area is also a hub for Austin's famous food scene, with numerous food trucks and restaurants offering diverse culinary experiences. Reddit

For those looking to see multiple murals, South Congress and its surrounding neighborhoods are prime locations. Many visitors find that dedicating a few hours to simply wander and discover the colorful art scattered throughout the area is a rewarding experience. InstagramReddit

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