Take a self guided tour of what has become the world’s largest open-air gallery, located just a short drive from Niagara Falls, within the city of Welland. In 1886, artists from Canada were commissioned to paint murals on the sides of buildings throughout the city which depict the historical themes of the region and life on the canal. Some of these beautiful paintings stretch an amazing 25m (80ft) long and 3 stories high, and hang proud and permanent as a reminder of Welland’s monumental past. Although you may need to drive to see these magnificent works of art, most are strung throughout the downtown core.
Listed below are the names and locations of the Welland Murals:
1. 'Towpaths' by Ross Beard, a sailing ship being pulled through the canal of the 1800's. 1030 Niagara Street North
2. 'Welland Dairies' by Mike Svob, 3 panels showing a dairy milk business in the early 1900's. 871 Niagara St. North
3. 'History of the Niagara Peninsula', portrays the cultural and economic development of the Peninsula. 800 Niagara St. North on the Sears building at the Seaway Mall.
4. 'History of the Welland Canal', the construction and development of the Niagara Peninsula. 800 Niagara St. North, in front of the Seaway Mall.
5. 'Welland Trolly' by David More, Trolley bringing visitors to the Welland County Fair 1910. 1930 1 Niagara Street.
6. 'Lift Bridges' by Greg Garand, Canal prior to the construction of the by-pass when ships passed though the heart of the town. 31 West Main St. (Facing Niagara Street7. 'Welland's World War 1 Efforts' by Risto Turunen. 51 Division St., by Columbus Hall.
8. "New World' by Bas Degroot. a brick mosaic mural depicts the immigrant experience to the 'new world'. 77 Division St.
9. 'Three Historical Scenes' by John Hood, 3 panels of historical detail. 115 Division Street.
10. 'Wagons' by Andrew Miles, stained glass portrait of turn of the century wagons and buggies. 250 Division Street.
11. 'Education' by Risto Terenen, based on old photographs of teachers, principals, students and schools. 285 East Main Street.
12. 'Triathlon' by Paul Elliot, runner, swimmer and cyclist competing in the Welland Triathlon. 285 East Main St.
13. 'Upbound at Midnight' by Ross Beard, night scene of ship travelling south on the canal to Port Colborne. 228 East Main St.
14. 'Welland Fair' by Hohn Hood, scenes from the 1940, 1958, 1975 Welland Fair.
15. 'The Cordage Community' by Marsha Charlebois, plymouth Cordage Co. employees of 1906 at work and play. 212 East Main Street.
16. 'Tell Me About the Olden Days' by Dan Sawatsky, free standing wall portraying arrival of immigrants around 1910. Across from 212 East Main Street.
17. 'Little Helper' by Dan Sawatsky, farm family of father, son and grandson. 225 East Main St.
18. 'The Pond-New Year's Day' by Ross Beard, upturned earth suggesting the construction of the canal by-pass built in 1970. 188 East Main Street
19. 'The Welland Club' by John Hood, Lawn bowling activities of 1920 at the club. At the corner of Hellums Avenue and East Main Street20. 'Where Water Meets Rail' by Lorraine Coakley-Black, various means of transportation. 147 East Main Street.
21. 'Tugboats' by Stefan Bell, 1920 tugboat "Hector" pulling barges and ships through the canal.
77 East Main Street.
22. 'Steam Engine' by Ron Baird, train used in the constrution on the old canals. Side of Bell Building on Cross Street.
23. 'Working with Women' by Ted Zieglar, women in the work force in Welland's factories. 27 East Main Street.
24. 'Downtown Welland' by Philip Wolf, commercial life in early Welland. 14 King Street.
25. 'Main Street' by Mike Svob, commercial scene of early city. 22 King Street.
26. 'Canal Construction' by Bas Degroot, construction of the Welland by-pass. 140 King Street
27. 'Canal Digging' by Brian Romagnoli, times of 1824 in much detail. 175 King Street.
28. 'Paint by Number Mural' completed by about 1,000 people, the city's ethnic mixture. 300 Lincoln Street East
29. 'O Canada' by the Niagara Wood Carvers Association, basswood relief mural carving of flora, fauna and heraldry from Europe and Asia, the homelands of many of the city's populace. 300 Lincoln Street East (Inside the Lincoln Center).
Visit www.travelniagara.org for detailed information.
