Moscow Public Art

Public art is at the heart of Moscow’s creative culture, and with a collection including works by local and regional artists, its public spaces reflect the Inland Northwest’s tradition of artistic excellence.  

Artworks range from sculptures and murals to framed pieces in the City’s portable collection. Temporary artworks include vinyl-wrapped utility boxes, storm drain murals, and bus shelters as well as sculptures at the Intermodal Transit Center on the University of Idaho campus.

The City of Moscow’s acquisition of public art began in the 1980s, and is supported by a 1% for the Arts fund established by ordinance in 2004. A Public Art Master Plan guides the Moscow Arts Commission, Arts staff, and community members as they incorporate new works into the City’s landscape.

Moscow is rich with diversity of thought, inhabited by minds open to possibility and creative interpretation. As such, the public art program celebrates the artist as a professional and valued business partner while welcoming a broad range of media and art-making processes into its collection.

PERMANENT COLLECTION

Temporary Collection

VINYL-WRAPPED TRAFFIC SIGNAL BOXES

Artworks featured on vinyl-wrapped boxes have been a part of the City of Moscow’s temporary public art collection since 2012. This project provides public space for artists to share their two-dimensional work with the public, and beautifies street fixtures throughout the community. 

Each year, a selection panel chooses several artworks to be displayed at locations throughout Moscow for a period of up to 5 years. These works are enjoyed by Moscow’s visitors and residents alike, and have become a cherished element of the visual landscape. 

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STORM DRAIN MURALS

The City of Moscow’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) flows directly into local waterways, including Paradise Creek. The Storm Drain Mural program was created to raise public awareness for this direct connection between storm drains and local streams.  

Each year, a selection panel chooses artists to create murals on sign stands. This is an opportunity for artists to share two-dimensional artwork with the public while illustrating Moscow’s commitment to the environment.

INTERMODAL TRANSIT CENTER SCULPTURE GARDEN

The Intermodal Transit Center Sculpture Garden was created by the City of Moscow Arts Department in 2012, and it provides art viewing opportunities for the public as well as exhibition space for emerging regional artists. Each year, a selection panel chooses sculptures to be displayed at the Sculpture Garden for approximately twelve months. These works are viewed by travelers utilizing the many modes of transportation supported by the Intermodal Transit Center.

BUS SHELTERS

Bus shelters throughout Moscow have featured artists’ designs since 2008. At the intersection of aesthetic and utilitarian function, these public artworks create a sense of place for those traveling through the city.

Portable Art Collection

The Portable Collection is comprised of over 80 works, which are prominently displayed in City of Moscow buildings. It represents a broad spectrum of artistic media and styles and reflects the City of Moscow’s commitment to the arts.