Burgeoning Art Scene in York County

York County has a burgeoning art scene that makes it a fantastic destination for lovers of street art. Beautiful works can be found all over the county.

In downtown York City, historic murals started popping up in the mid 1990s in an effort to celebrate York’s rich history and to bolster tourism. This collaborative initiative resulted in the creation of more than two dozen large murals within several blocks of Continental Square. The murals depict a variety of scenes illustrating early York history (the Articles of Confederation were adopted here), manufacturing and agricultural roots, prominent Yorkers, milestones, and more. Several mini murals feature the art of Lewis Miller depicting life in York during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Fortunately, the York County History Center has digitally preserved these works of art along with a map noting locations.

The Royal Square District of York City is a small but mighty arts and culture destination with art galleries, shops, restaurants, and the Royal Square Mural Park. Royal Square District is named for the streets that surround the area: Duke, King, Queen, and Princess.

Unveiled in August 2023 during York Arts Week, Mural Park currently features 30 vibrant, larger-than-life murals all within a one-block radius. Many have been enhanced with augmented reality (viewable through the free VisionSolutions AR app). Conveniently located adjacent to the award-winning Collusion Tap Works, Mural Park offers a perfect after-meal stroll along the freshly-paved walking path to burn a few calories and delight your eyes. The colors in the murals are absolutely stunning and provide many gorgeous backdrops for Instagram-worthy photos.

Surrounding Mural Park, you’ll find the merchants of Royal Square District, with several unique art galleries and working artist studios, eclectic shops and services, and a few more restaurants, including Asian-fusion, a lively pub, and Mediterranean and New York-style Latin cuisines coming in summer 2024. During warmer months (April through September), visit on a Sunday afternoon to stroll the first block of East King Street for “Sidewalk Sundays” which features artists and crafters creating live works in front of the shops. On the First Friday of every month, you will find the shops and galleries open late from 5-9 p.m., often with special guests, discounts, giveaways, tasty nibbles, and sometimes even an animal friend or two. With everything this little district has to offer, it's not to be missed on a visit to York. The best days to visit the shops and galleries are Saturdays and Sundays 12 noon-4 p.m. and the First Fridays 5-9 p.m.

The YoCo Arts and Culture digital passport is a free mobile ticket to dozens of York County arts and culture attractions. Be sure to check in on your phone each time you visit a participating location. When you check in to five locations, you’ll be entered into a drawing for a getaway experience here in York County. 

Throughout the downtown area, you’ll also find a variety of playful sculptures, most of which were fashioned from old manufacturing parts in a nod to York’s industrial history. Larger than life flowers, animals, benches, planters, and more are fun to spot as you wander the area.