See Downtown Newark’s Mile-Long Mural

If you’re looking for something unique to do in Newark, our team at Value Van & Car Rental thinks you might like the Gateways to Newark project: “Portraits.” Located in the heart of Downtown Newark, nestled on Route 21 somewhere between the Prudential Center and the Ironbound District, this 1.39-mile long mural celebrates all that is the life and culture of our great city of Newark, NJ.

About “Portraits”

A few years ago, the Newark Downtown District (NDD) began to dream about ways they could “enhance the quality of life for those who live, labor, and leisure in Newark.” They named the project Gateways to Newark, and “Portraits” was birthed out of that greater vision. After carefully selecting artists who worked long hours in the middle of the night, you can now explore 15 distinct murals along Route 21, stretching almost 25 football fields in length, making it the second largest mural in the nation. Each section is distinct, reflecting not only the artists’ styles but also the diversity of Newark’s culture and history. “Portraits” is just the first of many art installations that the NDD wants to complete.

Getting There

As a locally owned and operated Newark business, Value Van & Car Rental wants to encourage our visitors and locals to celebrate what our city is all about—and the “Portraits” mural is part of that. You can see “Portraits” on the stretch of Route 21 (McCarter Highway), painted on the side of the Amtrak retention wall. The art installation begins right after the Edison Parking Lot overpass and stretches to the o- ramp at Routes 1 and 9.

If you need a rental car to get you there, you can count on our crew at Value Van. We have Newark’s best rental rates on cars, SUVs, minivans, passenger vans, and more. You can also check out our current rental specials for additional savings and promotions. To find out more or to make a reservation, contact us at (973) 792-0343, or book online.

photo credit: Newark Downtown District press kit