The Importance of Public Art in Downtown Miami’s Development
Two large-scale murals by Makelismos are reshaping the Flagler District—blending global art with local identity.
May 15, 2025 · 2 Minute Read 
Downtown Miami is in the midst of a transformation—and nowhere is that more visible than in the Flagler District. As the historic corridor welcomes new energy, residents and visitors alike are looking up.
Thanks to Mana Public Arts and renowned Spanish artist René Mäkelä (Makelismos), two massive murals now adorn the skyline and reflect the district’s creative rebirth.
Catch Mona Lisa’s smile from just about any rooftop along Flagler Street.
On the west wall of Mana Common HQ, Makelismos’ Mona Lisa—the largest mural of its kind in the world—smiles over Flagler Street, bridging Renaissance art with modern city life.
Just around the corner, his reinterpretation of Girl with a Pearl Earring adds bold color to the south-facing wall, energizing the neighborhood with a contemporary twist on a classic.
These works don’t just beautify—they shape the identity of a district in motion. As new businesses open, foot traffic returns, and the streets buzz with possibility, public art becomes part of the landscape—turning the city’s walls into windows of expression.
Find out what’s unfolding across Downtown with Mana Common’s latest initiatives at manacommon.com.
