Commissioned by YRID and created by Red Swan, the large-scale artwork celebrates neighborhood identity and community pride.
In December 2024, the York Road Improvement District unveiled a bold new mural at Belvedere Square, transforming one of the corridor’s most prominent facades into a vibrant celebration of Baltimore. The work, titled “Belvedere is Baltimore,” was created by Red Swan, a Baltimore-based artist team known for their striking, narrative-driven public art.
Stretching across the southern wall of the Belvedere Square building, the mural layers vivid imagery that captures the history, culture, and energy of the Belvedere community. Bright florals and wildlife native to Maryland – including a monarch butterfly and Baltimore oriole – emerge across the design, woven together with subtle references to the city skyline and the long history of Belvedere Square as a community gathering place.
The mural was commissioned by YRID as part of our growing portfolio of public art projects along York Road. By introducing color, creativity, and storytelling into the built environment, we aim to shift perceptions of the corridor and foster a stronger sense of community identity.
The project also highlights the importance of collaboration between property owners, local artists, and neighborhood institutions. With its highly visible location, “Belvedere is Baltimore” is already drawing attention and generating pride among residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
We invite the community to visit Belvedere Square, take in the new mural, and reflect on what makes York Road and Baltimore special.
