There is something about seeing a massive animal in the middle of a city street that stops you in your tracks. Whether they are painted onto brick walls or built from recycled materials, these “beasts” remind us of the wild world that exists beyond our concrete corners.
We’ve collected 10 of our favorite examples where artists have brought the power, grace, and sometimes the humor of the animal kingdom to our neighborhoods. It’s not just about the art; it’s about that sudden, awe-inspiring feeling of running into a giant guardian on your way to work.
More: Cute Animals (25 Photos)
1. The Golden Tiger by Cameron “CAMER1sf” Moberg in Modesto, California
Cameron Moberg turns a plain storefront into a vibrant jungle scene. The intense gaze of the tiger paired with the bright, warm florals creates a piece of art that feels alive, bringing a burst of energy to the California streets.
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2. Hidden Serpent by 4tser in Hyères, France
4tser uses a wall tucked away in the greenery to create a startlingly effective mural of a snake. The way the colors of the scales mimic the surrounding foliage makes it look as though this massive serpent is actually slithering through the brush, waiting for the perfect moment to move.
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3. The Gentle Giant at Wara Art Festival, Japan
Continuing the tradition of the Wara Art Festival, this massive bear sculpture is built entirely from leftover rice straw. It’s a beautiful tribute to the harvest and a reminder of the incredible things that can be built using traditional, natural materials.
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4. The Shadow Hunter by Dave Baranes in Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, France
Dave Baranes is a master of creating a sense of depth. Here, a black jaguar appears to be literally breaking through the concrete wall, emerging from a burning forest. It’s a powerful piece that uses the architecture of the building to tell a story of nature reclaiming its space. More!: 7 Photos Of Endangered Beauty: How Dave Baranes Graffiti Captures Animals on the Brink of Extinction
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5. “E ‘Torre” by Giulio Masieri in Pordenone, Italy
Giulio Masieri created this massive guardian during the lockdown as a way to bring a bit of life back to the streets when everyone was stuck inside. He specifically chose to paint “man’s best friend” because he wanted a design that everyone could relate to and find comfort in. It’s a beautiful example of how art can turn a quiet residential corner into a landmark of shared joy. More about it here!: “E ‘Torre” by Giulio Masieri in Pordenone, Italy
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6. If I Fits, I Sits by Nego in Torrellas, Zaragoza, Spain
Nego captures the universal humor of cats by turning a multi-story building into a giant cardboard box. Seeing a massive ginger cat “peeking” out from the ripped cardboard is a brilliant way to use the scale of a building to deliver a relatable, lighthearted moment to the neighborhood. More cats!: Cats On Walls (9 Photos)
7. African Giant by Roos Art Paintings in Majanji, Uganda
This 3D mural at the Coconut Beach Resort makes it look as though an elephant is charging right through the wall. The level of detail on the tusks and the trunk creates a sense of movement that completely transforms the building into a landmark. More photos and about the mural here!: Elephant mural by Rosalie de Graaf at Coconut Beach Resort in Majanji, Uganda
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8. The Recycled Bear by Bordalo II in Turin, Italy
Bordalo II continues his mission to turn trash into “Beasts” with this piece at the Teatro Colosseo. Built from discarded plastic, car parts, and urban waste, this bear is a stunning example of how we can rethink what we throw away and turn it into something meaningful.
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9. The Waste Lynx by Bordalo II in Lisbon, Portugal
This massive Lynx in Lisbon is one of Bordalo II’s most iconic works. By using bright, unpainted pieces of plastic waste on one side and realistic textures on the other, he highlights the impact our consumption has on the very animals we admire. More photos!: Statue Of Biggest Cat In The World? – By BORDALO II in Lisboa, Portugal (6 photos)
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10. “Looking Tyred” by Villu Jaanisoo in Jyväskylä, Finland
Sculptor Villu Jaanisoo is known for his massive works made from non-traditional materials, and this “tire elephant” is a perfect example. By weaving and stacking thousands of old tires, he has managed to recreate the rugged, wrinkled texture of an elephant’s skin with incredible realism. It’s a powerful piece that turns industrial waste into a noble and enduring figure, standing as a silent guardian in the Finnish landscape.
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