Top Public Art in Marana, AZ

Murals, Sculptures and Where to Find them

The spirit of Marana shines through in our public art installations spread throughout the town. Add these stops to your Marana itinerary!

If hiking, biking, or birding isn’t your thing, why not take a creative detour with a tour of Marana’s public art? Scattered across parks, libraries, and unexpected corners, Marana's sculptures, murals, and installations tell stories of community pride, history, and imagination.

With plenty of photo-worthy stops, exploring Marana’s public art is a fun way to connect with the heart of the town. Whether you’re a local looking to see Marana from a fresh perspective or a visitor searching for a unique cultural experience, this self-guided art tour offers something for everyone. Many stops are family-friendly, with parks and open spaces perfect for kids to explore.

Bookmark this page, lace up your walking shoes, and let Marana’s public art inspire your journey!

PicturedSpirit of Marana

CreditJ.D. Fitzgerald

Hike It Mural

Deer on Tangerine

Downtown Marana

Tucson Premium Outlets

Crossroads at Silverbell District Park

On the way to Saguaro National Park

Northeast Marana/Dove Mountain

Hike It!

Start at the Wild Burro Trailhead near The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, where you’ll find the Discover Marana: Hiked It and I Really Liked It mural by local artist Joshua Woodhall. Painted on the side of the restroom building, this Impressionist-style mural celebrates the beauty of the Tortolita Mountains.

Don't forget to snap a selfie with the mural and tag @DiscoverMarana on social media!

From here, explore the trails or head to The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain for a well-deserved lunch at CORE Kitchen & Wine Bar or Ignite (reservations recommended).

Address: 14810 N Secret Springs Dr, Marana, AZ 85658

PicturedThe Impressionist-style mural by Joshua Woodhall celebrates the beauty of the Tortolita Mountains

Northeast Marana/Dove Mountain

Family Fun at Tangerine Sky Park

For a relaxing picnic stop, visit Tangerine Sky Park to see Deer on Tangerine by Trevor O'Tool. This painted steel installation features a family of deer among native desert plants. Along the way, look for educational signs about local wildlife and a rare crested saguaro. In spring, wildflowers often blanket the area.

Tip: Park in the lot and walk to the installation along Tangerine Road or meander along the trail through the park.

The park also offers a playground and two dog parks, making it ideal for families.

Address: 4411 W Tangerine Rd, Marana, AZ 85658

CreditJ.D. Fitzgerald

Downtown and Northwest Marana

Public Art with a Ranching Flair

Marana’s growing Downtown District features Spirit of Marana, another Trevor O'Tool installation, in the traffic circle at Sandario and Marana Main Street. This piece depicts a cowboy, a horse, and desert elements like a saguaro cactus and a cow, honoring the town’s ranching heritage.

Spirit of Marana/Roundabout — Spirit of Marana in Downtown Marana

Take a closer look at the installation by parking in the lot off Marana Main Street, where you can read its dedication plaque from the sidewalk. Nearby, grab a bite at Bisbee Breakfast Club (13864 N Sandario Rd, Marana, AZ 85653) or a coffee at Dunkin, Dutch Bros, or Starbucks. For quick eats, head to the other side of Sandario to Taqueria Plaza’s food truck or the secret ice cream shop inside R&R Pizza Express. You can also grab a beer at the dive bar, La Tumbleweed.

Stop in at the new Marana Aquatic and Recreation Center (13455 N Marana Main St, Marana, AZ 85653), nicknamed the MARC, to enjoy “Points in Time,” a spectacular representation of the Marana historical timeline through art. This art piece wraps around the building and continues inside the lobby. This is a spot you might want to wait for the sunset for, it lights up!

Extend your visit with a stop at Heritage River Park about 2.5 miles away, where you’ll find the Man on the Horse statue, created by Marana High School students in 1994 and restored by town staff in 2022. At the park you can take a walk and pose for pictures with the large water tower or windmill that make this spot so unique. If you visit in October, chances are you’ll see our blooming sunflower field. It’s part of our Marana Fall Festival–a signature event worth planning your trip around.

Man on a Horse statue at Heritage River Park — Man on a Horse, Heritage River Park

As you head out for the day, check out the stunning mural inside the new Fry’s Food Store at Tangerine and Lon Adams Road (11350 W Tangerine Rd, Marana, AZ 85653), created by Tucson artist Jessica Gonzales. This vibrant piece celebrates the beauty and culture of the Sonoran Desert taking inspiration from Arizona’s iconic sunsets. The mural's themes of food, tradition, and connection to nature reflect the desert’s enduring spirit. This project is part of the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) placemaking initiative, bringing art into everyday spaces while supporting local artists and community engagement.

Frys Mural — Jessica Gonzales with her mural at Fry's in Gladden Farms

If you forgot anything for your trip, Fry’s is sure to have it. Additional food options are available in the plaza as well, with more coming soon!

Southern Marana

Shop and Seek

At the Tucson Premium Outlets at Marana Center (6401 Marana Center Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85742), you’ll find five art installations scattered throughout the property. You can shop while you find these beautiful art pieces.

Art at the mall — Scan the QR code to find the art!

Macho B. by Lyle London (Canyon Court near Old Navy)
Untitled by Steven G. Derks (Mountain Court near the Market Hall)
Saguaro by Desert Steel (Valley Court near The Cosmetics Company Store)
Flight by Jennifer Gilbert Asher and Mario Lopez (Valley Court near Saks OFF 5th)
Break Fast by Patricia Fredrick (Desert Court, near the red umbrellas)

Bonus stop in Northern Marana

At the Marana Visitor Information Center at Lon Adams and Barnett Road, you'll find Panorama by sculptor Susan Furini & Marana School District Students. This 1992 work depicts key elements of the Sonoran Desert including three horses, a lizard and a sunburst and includes benches. Furini's work can also be found in Mesa, Arizona.

Be sure to stop in at the Visitor Center for more trip planning information, maps, guides, and a free cup of coffee from Al Gusto Coffee Company.

CreditDeirdre Rosenberg

Tucson Premium Outlet Art

Southern Marana

Cycling or Walking Adventure

In Southern Marana, you can start your tour at the Crossroads at Silverbell District Park near Cortaro and Silverbell Road (7548 N Silverbell Rd). There’s plenty of parking, bathrooms and a dog park if you’re traveling with your furry friend.

The park itself is worth spending a few hours to learn more about the history and heritage of the Marana community. The site is an important archaeological and cultural spot and was once home to Indigenous people and later became a ranch in the 1800s. Look for signs to guide you to the interpretive panels to learn more about the remains of the house and other structures that are preserved on site. The Town of Marana also has a free splash pad in the park (open seasonally).

Also in the area you'll spot Wondrous, by artist Joe O'Connell. It’s a glistening stainless steel sculpture composed of a cloud of words located at the entrance of the Wheeler Taft Abbett Library (7800 N Schisler Dr). Spend some time soaking in all of the words before heading into the library to cool off on a hot day.

In the park and along Silverbell Road you’ll find 18-Foot-Tall obelisks by artist To-Ree-Nee Wolf. The panels are meant to honor the history and spirit of the area while serving as visually striking landmarks.

From here, ride or walk The Loop to see The Big Year by Trevor O'Tool and local students, located 1.5 miles away near the Amazon Distribution Center on Ina Road near Silverbell Road (7300 N Silverbell Rd). Just remember you’ll have to get back to the parking lot for a 3 mile round trip. You can also drive to this location and park at the nearby gas station to walk across the roadway.

To finish this tour of Southern Marana, head to Cortaro and Interstate 10 to see the Marana monument sign and snap a photo. Park at the parking lot of our newest hotel, My Place, for an easy walk to the sign.

CreditJ.D. Fitzgerald

Aviation History Meets Art at Marana Regional Airport

Before you head into the iconic saguaro-studded landscapes of Saguaro National Park West, make a quick detour to the Marana Regional Airport (11700 W. Avra Valley Road) to see Wings Over Marana. This striking sculpture commemorates the North American AT-6 Texan aircraft and honors Marana’s critical role in pilot training during World War II. It’s a meaningful piece of aviation and local history—perfect for history buffs, plane lovers, or anyone wanting to stretch their legs and take in something inspiring before a day in the park.