Rummler, Mopping for Starfish

Our city prides itself on our wide collection of public art from local artists and artists around the world. The WPA murals at Norwalk City Hall comprise one of the largest and most important collections of restored Depression-era art in the country. We encourage the public to explore the diverse collection of art throughout our city. From magnificent metal sculptures by Carol Eisner to the extraordinary art of Duvian Montoya, there is something here for everyone.

Public Art Inventory (PDF)

Norwalk Mobile Audio Guide

WPA Murals and Tours

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt established the Works Project Administration (WPA) as part of the New Deal in 1935 at the height of the Great Depression. The aim of the WPA was to preserve the skills of 3.5 million workers by providing them with work relief instead of public assistance. From 1935 to 1941, WPA artists created more than 50 works of art for Norwalk’s public schools, libraries, and post offices. While much of the 2,500 pieces of WPA art nationally has been lost or destroyed, the murals and panels created for City Hall– the former Norwalk High School – as well as for other public buildings, comprise one of the largest and most important collections of restored Depression-era art in the country.

In partnership with the Norwalk Arts Commission, the Norwalk Historical Society invites the public to discover the 31 restored WPA murals at Norwalk City Hall with additional murals at other locations. For more information on self-guided tours, public group guided tours, and student programs at City Hall (and the Norwalk Historical Society), please visit https://norwalkhistoricalsociety.org/visit/norwalk-wpa-mural-tours/

For more information on WPA murals, please visit the link directly above and also check out these community videos:

Briggs High School students introduce viewers to the collection of restored WPA Murals at Norwalk City Hall

Norwalk WPA Murals Faces and Families Video

Public Murals and Traffic Graphic Programs