TUCSON, AZ (June 4, 2025) – A vibrant public art initiative is unfolding in Downtown Tucson, commemorating the city's 250th anniversary and honoring over two millennia of cultural heritage.
The Rio Nuevo District, in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office, Visit Tucson, Downtown Tucson Partnership, and the Presidio Museum, is commissioning four new murals throughout downtown. Each mural reflects a unique artistic interpretation of Tucson’s long and rich story, from the early Hohokam peoples before the year 1000 to the dynamic city we are today.
“Tucson is a City known around the world for our rich arts, history and culture,” said Tucson Mayor Regina Romero. “Our creative economy is thriving, and our City’s breathtaking murals are an important part of how we celebrate our shared history. Guided by our ¡Somos Uno! Cultural Heritage Strategy for Tucson, the Mayor’s Office in partnership with the Presidio Museum, Downtown Tucson Partnership, the Rio Nuevo District and Visit Tucson is proud to be supporting local artists Ignacio Garcia, Camila Ibarra, Pen Macias, and Joe Pagac. Through their
murals, they are helping us celebrate Tucson’s 250th Birthday as we tell the history of Tucson and the people who have shaped our region for millennia,” said the Mayor.
These four outstanding local artists—two women and two men—have been selected to create these murals, which will be completed by June 30, some even sooner. In the meantime, the public is encouraged to visit the sites and witness the murals taking shape in real time:
- Ignacio Garcia – UNDERWAY -West-facing wall of Chela's Latin Cuisine - 256 E. Congress St.
- Joe Pagac – UNDERWAY - South-facing wall of La Placita Garage - 104 S. Stone Ave.
- Camila Ibarra – SOON - West-facing wall of Reilly Pizza and Drink - 101 E. Pennington St.
- Pen Macias – NOW COMPLETE - West-facing wall of Street Taco - 58 W. Congress St.
Each mural includes these shared elements, which will connect all four murals while giving each artist the freedom to express their creative vision.
- The official 250th birthday logo from Mayor Regina Romero’s Office.
- The linguistic history of the name Tucson, from Presidio Museum.
A Few Fun Details:
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Ignacio Garcia adds a playful, modern twist, with the final line showing how a teenager today might spell “Tucson.”
• Joe Pagac: Features a birthday candle right in the center—a signature Pagac touch.
• Camila Ibarra: Beautifully illustrates the Tohono O’odham woman weaving her basket, San Xavier Mission, the Presidio, Father Kino on horseback, and the arrival of the railroad.
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Pen Macias: See how Pen portrays modern Tucson with a car driving into the future, toward Joe Pagac’s nearby “Desert Colossus” mural. This spectacular mural was completed on May 20.
Walking tours, Tucson Trolley Tours, and a reception are planned for the unveiling on July 25.
Rio Nuevo invites everyone to stop by the mural sites and enjoy these incredible works of art as they come to life, now through June 30.