# Mystic Mural in Somerville: 30 Years of Youth Art Page: https://magnoandco.com/blog-mystic-mural-somerville-30-years > Somerville's Mystic Mural on Mystic Avenue turned 30 in 2026. Who paints it, where to see it, how the program works and what the 2026 ceremony included. Somerville & ADUs ## The Mystic Mural in Somerville turns 30: who paints it and where to see it Somerville's Mystic Mural on Mystic Avenue turned 30 in 2026. Who paints it, where to see it, how the program works and what the 2026 ceremony included. **Mateus Magno** Licensed Construction Supervisor · November 2, 2026 · 3 min read Illustration by Magno & Co, inspired by the river theme. Not a photo of the mural. Quick answer The Mystic Mural is a long-running youth art project on Mystic Avenue in Somerville, started in 1996 by Somerville Arts and Culture. Each summer, students work with muralist David Fichter, environmental educators, naturalists and local historians to paint new panels about the Mystic River Watershed. The City set a ribbon-cutting for the 2026 panel on October 27 at Temple Street and Mystic Avenue. Most people in Somerville have driven past the Mystic Mural without knowing how it gets made. It marks 30 years in 2026, and the City [announced a ribbon-cutting](https://www.somervillema.gov/news/somerville-celebrate-30-years-mystic-ave-mural) for its newest panel on October 27. The City calls it one of the largest and longest-standing murals in the Boston area. Here is what the mural is, who paints it and where to see it. ## What is the Mystic Mural? It is a revolving display of artwork made by young people, and it keeps growing and changing. The program began in **1996** under Cecily Miller, a former director of Somerville Arts and Culture. Its goal is to give students from all backgrounds a place to create, learn and contribute to their city. A [Friends of the Fells newsletter](https://www.friendsofthefells.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Fells-Fall2014.pdf) gives the backstory: the mural was meant to reconnect Somerville with the Mystic River after I-93 cut the city off from it in the 1960s. [Harvard Magazine](https://www.harvardmagazine.com/print/31428?page=all) has described it as painted on a concrete retaining wall in the shadow of the highway. ## How the students make it - **Who teaches:** professional muralist David Fichter, along with environmental educators, naturalists and local historians. - **When:** every summer. - **What they study:** the Mystic River Watershed. What they learn becomes the themes of the new panels. MAGNO & CO Planning a project in Somerville? Licensed builder & owner's rep · free walkthrough · written budget in about 48 hours. [Book a free consultation](https://calendar.google.com/calendar/appointments/schedules/AcZssZ3YJnElSsR4HsHaWVd6BsIBm7JOsDl2n-1EMy9trS9rj8PCyepopoQtl6O7um0eJcFcp5XXYk-Z)[978-397-5700](tel:+19783975700) ## Where to see the Mystic Mural in Somerville The City placed this year's ceremony at the **corner of Temple Street and Mystic Avenue**, with a reception after it at the Mystic Activity Center, 530 Mystic Ave. Mayor Jake Wilson and David Fichter were scheduled to speak. The City's GovTV team records public events like this one and posts them on [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/SomervilleCityTV), so check there if you missed it. ## Why a builder cares about a mural I spend my days on old Somerville houses, and I like seeing a blank highway wall turned into something people claim as their own. Public art and good upkeep make a block feel looked after. That matters to the people living next to it. It also shows how much of Somerville's identity comes from the Mystic River, which is getting more attention lately. The planned [Mystic River pedestrian bridge](https://magnoandco.com/blog-mystic-river-pedestrian-bridge-somerville-everett) is another example. For more on how this city has changed, see [20 years of Somerville home prices](https://magnoandco.com/blog-somerville-home-prices-20-years) and [what 7,174 Somerville permits say about 2026](https://magnoandco.com/blog-somerville-renovation-permits-2026). ## Live nearby and planning work at home? I'm Mateus, a licensed builder based in Davis Square. If you own a home in East Somerville, Ten Hills or anywhere else in the city, [book a free walkthrough](https://magnoandco.com/contact). You'll get a written line-item budget, usually within 48 hours. ## Frequently asked questions Where is the Mystic Mural in Somerville? Along Mystic Avenue. The City held its 2026 ribbon-cutting at the corner of Temple Street and Mystic Avenue, with a reception at the Mystic Activity Center, 530 Mystic Ave. Who paints the Mystic Mural? Students paint it each summer, working with professional muralist David Fichter, environmental educators, naturalists and local historians. When did the Mystic Mural start? The program started in 1996 under Cecily Miller, former director of Somerville Arts and Culture, so 2026 marks 30 years. What is the Mystic Mural about? Its panels draw on what students learn about the Mystic River Watershed, including its environment and local history. **Planning work near Somerville?** See [the towns I work in, with local permit notes](https://magnoandco.com/areas), and [how I price work](https://magnoandco.com/pricing). **Good to know:** this article is general information, not legal or engineering advice. Rules change and every property is different — confirm the details for your home with your city's building department, or [ask me](https://magnoandco.com/contact). See our [Terms & Disclaimers](https://magnoandco.com/terms). **About the author** Mateus Magno founded Magno & Co in 2020. He is a licensed Massachusetts Construction Supervisor (CS-123658), registered Home Improvement Contractor (HIC #220484) and certified Lead-Safe Renovator Supervisor who has renovated and managed over $5 million in projects across Greater Boston. [More about Mateus →](https://magnoandco.com/about) Keep reading ## More from the blog [Somerville & ADUs ### Massachusetts home prices by town, September 2026: is the market really correcting in Somerville and Cambridge? Massachusetts home prices map for September 2026: median sale price by town, Somerville and Cambridge numbers, 7% mortgage rates and what it all means. 4 min read · Read article →](https://magnoandco.com/blog-massachusetts-home-prices-september-2026-map) [Somerville & ADUs ### The Green Line Extension and Somerville homes: what changed and what it means for owners The Green Line Extension in Somerville: stations, opening dates, MBTA Communities zoning, ADU parking rules near transit, and what it means for your home. 4 min read · Read article →](https://magnoandco.com/blog-green-line-extension-somerville-homes) [Somerville & ADUs ### Massachusetts ADU law 2025 explained: what's allowed and what it means in Somerville Massachusetts ADU law 2025 in plain English: by-right ADUs up to 900 sq ft, no owner-occupancy rule, parking limits, and what it means in Somerville. 4 min read · Read article →](https://magnoandco.com/blog-massachusetts-adu-law-explained) ## Have a question about your project? Plans, a sketch or just an idea — talk to me. You'll get honest advice and a clear written budget and schedule. [Book a free consultation](https://calendar.google.com/calendar/appointments/schedules/AcZssZ3YJnElSsR4HsHaWVd6BsIBm7JOsDl2n-1EMy9trS9rj8PCyepopoQtl6O7um0eJcFcp5XXYk-Z) [Call 978-397-5700](tel:+19783975700) ## Worked with Magno & Co? A 1-minute Google review helps Somerville neighbors find a builder they can trust, and it means a lot to a small local business. [Leave a Google review](https://g.page/r/CW23iOz7D9gnEAE/review) [Read our reviews on Google →](https://maps.google.com/?cid=2871062337128281965) --- Magno & Co · licensed owner's representative and builder · 55 Davis Square, Fl 3, Somerville, MA 02145 · 978-397-5700 · info.magnoandco@gmail.com · MA CSL CS-123658 · MA HIC #220484 · https://magnoandco.com/