Manrique’s MacroMural, Medellín’s Largest Artwork

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Manrique’s MacroMural, Medellín’s Largest Artwork

Manrique’s MacroMural, Medellín’s Largest Artwork

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Not long ago, Manrique was one of Medellín’s most overlooked districts, plagued by a reputation that rivaled war-torn regions. Determined to change this image, the locals took matters into their own hands, converting their plain and deteriorating homes into a massive outdoor museum aptly called the MacroMural. With hundreds of murals that whimsically interact with their urban surroundings, this ambitious art project has breathed new life into the neighborhood. As a result, what was once a crime-stricken area has now become a striking tourist destination, with its popularity growing by the day.

By: Omri Westmark

Date: 00:15 13.09.24

Last Update: 20:59 13.09.24

Street Art Urban Medellín Colombia Latin America & Antarctica

Perched atop the hillsides surrounding the Aburrá Valley, Manrique, also known as Comuna 3, is one of the 16 Communes of Medellín, and forms part of its northeast zone. Its origins trace back to the 1940s, when the city’s rapid industrialization triggered an unprecedented wave of migration. As people flocked to Medellín, informal neighborhoods mushroomed far beyond the city’s historic center, giving rise to a patchwork of settlements over the verdant slopes.

Among them was a mountainous expanse on the eastern fringes of the city, where a group of rural migrants fleeing violence erected a series of makeshift houses across the area’s steep terrain. Over time, this spontaneous urban sprawl evolved into a full-fledged district named Manrique, now home to over 150,000 residents. Yet, for both deserved and undeserved reasons, the district became synonymous with poverty and drug violence, something that long discouraged outsiders from exploring its bustling streets.

However, in recent years, the community has embarked on a new journey, aiming to radically change its unflattering image. These efforts culminated in 2022, when hundreds of haphazardly constructed buildings across Balcones del Jardín, Brisas del Jardín, and San José de la Cima were brightly painted, turning the entire area into an open-air gallery.

photography by: Omri Westmark

photography by: Omri Westmark

photography by: Omri Westmark

photography by: Omri Westmark

photography by: Omri Westmark

photography by: Omri Westmark

photography by: Omri Westmark

photography by: Omri Westmark

photography by: Omri Westmark

photography by: Omri Westmark

photography by: Omri Westmark

Collectively known as the MacroMural, this art project encompasses more than 500 homes and 14,819 square meters, making it by far the city’s largest work of art. While some walls are painted in solid, vibrant shades, others are adorned with detailed murals that depict the everyday life and broader history of the area. Illustrious characters, endemic plants and animals, traditions, and symbols of family life are all seamlessly woven into the colorful façades of Comuna 3.

Interestingly, in many cases, the murals take their colors and shapes from the hillsides and streets, creating a dialogue with the environment. For instance, one can admire a painted figure carrying groceries along a steep descent that mirrors the nearby hilly street, or a playful, three-dimensional illusion that makes an otherwise unassuming building, a monument to awe at.

The brainchild of Fredy Alzate, a key figure in Medellín’s art scene, the MacroMural was created by locals with no prior experience in painting along with renowned artists such as Jagua, Jauría, Biográfos, Lemm and Buda, and Dubián Monsalve, to name just a few.

If you wish to witness the neighborhood-wide artwork at its fullest glory, then visit the local park along Carrera 36. Built around the area’s former water reservoir, this public square offers a breathtaking vista of the colorfully-painted homes, as if they were part of a large-scale Tetris game. Visitors who wish to explore this multi-colored mosaic can either come independently or book a guided tour for more insights. While the uphill journey to Comuna 3 is neither easy, nor short, it is well worth the effort.