Unlike typical murals that span a single wall, macro-murals stretch across multiple buildings, forming a unified and expansive image. These large-scale artworks demonstrate the transformative power of color—beautifying properties and uplifting the spirits of entire communities.
In 2015, Pachuca, Mexico, earned a spot in the Guinness World Record for the “Most walls covered by a mural.” The macro-mural in the Palmitas neighborhood spans 209 building walls, creating a vibrant 20,000-square-meter canvas of swirling colors. Completed over 14 months from 2014 to 2015, the project involved local residents and consumed over 20,000 liters of paint. When viewed from a distance, the neighborhood resembles a massive, swirling rainbow, with stripes stretching across multiple homes.
This initiative, part of a government effort to unite and rejuvenate the community, began a series of macro-murals across Latin America. Here are some of the most striking examples.
Cerro San Cristóbal (Lima, Peru)
Cerro San Cristóbal in Lima is home to Peru’s largest mural, covering more than 300,000 square meters. This artistic intervention was designed to stimulate economic activity and tourism in the area, benefiting over 10,000 people.
La Mariposa (Bogotá, Colombia)
In Bogota’s La Mariposa (the butterfly), 2,846 houses were painted, impacting a community of more than 15,000 residents. The project covered 260,000 square meters and used 22,000 gallons of paint, which was more than just a beautification effort. Residents participated in workshops to choose the design and color scheme of the butterfly that gives the name to the neighborhood, and each household painted its own house, contributing to the larger mural. This collaborative process strengthened community bonds, improved street safety, and fostered a sense of unity.
Chualluma (La Paz, Bolivia)
The Chualluma Macromural in La Paz, Bolivia, covers 18,000 square meters at an altitude of 3,800 meters, making it the first of its kind in the country. In 2018, the neighborhood was selected for the government-funded program “My Neighborhood, My Home,” aimed at revitalizing struggling areas of La Paz and enhancing infrastructure. The residents, primarily migrant workers and indigenous people who speak Aymara—one of Bolivia’s 36 official languages—used the mural to tell their community’s story while highlighting the unique landscape and culture of La Paz.
Constelaciones (Medellín, Colombia)
Medellín’s largest mural intervention, Constelaciones, spans 650 facades and over 10,000 square meters, making it the most extensive project in the city’s history. It seeks to increase tourism, so residents are working on organizing the community, regulations, formalization, and other conditions to offer visitors a good experience under responsible tourism standards.
Rooftops of Usiacurí (Atlántico, Colombia)
In Usiacurí, a small town of 10,000 inhabitants, one of Colombia’s largest rooftop murals features native birds such as the Caribbean guacharaca, scarlet tanager, bronzed cowbird, and spectacled owl. The mural covers 100 houses and extends over 19,000 square meters.
Yaucromatic (Yauco, Puerto Rico)
This project began in 2017 with 16 murals spread across Yauco’s public spaces. The project is guided by the principle that “Art is not only for museums; it is for the people.” This initiative drew tourists to the area, leading to the creation of new businesses, the revitalization of existing ones, and an economic boost for the municipality. Abandoned public and private spaces were also rescued as part of the project.
Each of these macro-murals is a testament to the profound impact that art can have on communities, turning entire neighborhoods into vibrant, living canvases that celebrate culture, unity, and resilience.
