You’ve seen them. Even if you haven't been to Tennessee yet, your Instagram feed has almost certainly served up a photo of someone standing between those massive, intricate white wings. It’s the Nashville WhatLiftsYou wings mural photos that basically turned a brick wall in the Gulch into a global pilgrimage site.
But honestly, it’s kinda wild how a piece of street art became more famous than some of the honky-tonks on Broadway.
What’s the Deal With These Wings?
The mural was created by artist Kelsey Montague. She didn’t just paint a pretty picture; she started a whole movement. The piece stands about 20 feet tall and was drawn almost entirely with paint pens—60 of them, to be exact. It’s not just random swirls, either. If you look closely at the "feathers," you’ll see tiny guitars and musical notes tucked into the design, which is a nice nod to Music City.
The whole point of the #WhatLiftsYou campaign is to get people to think about what inspires them. It’s interactive art. You don't just look at it; you become part of it.
People wait in line for an hour. Sometimes longer. On a Saturday afternoon in the Gulch, the queue can snake down the sidewalk past Taziki’s and toward Biscuit Love. It’s a scene. You’ll see bachelorette parties in matching cowboy hats, families with toddlers, and influencers trying to get that one perfect shot without a shadow hitting their face.
The Secret "Mini" Mural Most People Miss
Most people focus on the giant wings. They’re the showstopper. But if you look off to the side, there’s a much smaller set of wings.
These are meant for kids or pets. It’s pretty adorable to see a Golden Retriever sitting perfectly still for its own Nashville WhatLiftsYou wings mural photos. Kelsey Montague and her sister Courtney added these because they realized the main wings were way too big for the "little ones" of the world.
Location and Logistics
You’ll find the mural at 302 11th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203.
It’s in the Gulch, which is one of the trendiest (and priciest) neighborhoods in town. Parking here is a bit of a nightmare. There are paid lots directly across the street, but they aren't cheap. If you’re staying nearby, just walk. It’s easier than circling the block for 20 minutes.
How to Get the Best Shot
Getting a good photo isn't just about showing up. The lighting in that specific spot can be tricky.
- Go Early: Like, 8:00 AM early. The sun hits the wall differently in the morning, and more importantly, there won't be 40 people watching you pose.
- The Shadow Problem: Around midday, the sun is directly overhead, which can cast harsh shadows from the top of the building or nearby trees. Overcast days are actually your friend here—the light is way more flattering and even.
- Perspective Matters: Have your photographer crouch down a bit. It makes the wings look even more massive and gives you that "taking flight" vibe.
- Avoid Weekends: If you can help it, go on a Tuesday. The vibe is much more relaxed.
Why Do People Love (and Hate) This Mural?
There’s a bit of a divide in Nashville about the wings. For tourists, it’s a "must-do" bucket list item. For some locals, it’s the symbol of "New Nashville"—a city that’s becoming more about Instagram aesthetics than the grit of the music scene.
In 2019, the mural got a temporary makeover when Taylor Swift commissioned Kelsey to paint a different, colorful butterfly version nearby to promote her "Lover" era. That one was temporary, but it solidified the Gulch as the mural capital of the South.
The original black-and-white wings remained, and they’ve stayed relevant because the message is simple. Everyone wants to feel like they’re being lifted up. Plus, the contrast of the white ink against the dark wall just looks good on a phone screen. No filter required, usually.
Beyond the Wings
While you’re already in the Gulch for your Nashville WhatLiftsYou wings mural photos, there are other spots worth checking out. The "Nshvlli" mural is just around the corner on the side of Stock & Barrel. It’s a bit more "local" feeling.
Also, don't just take the photo and leave. The Gulch has some of the best food in the city. If the line for the wings is too long, go grab a coffee at Milk & Honey or a biscuit at the aforementioned Biscuit Love and come back in thirty minutes. Sometimes the line clears out in waves.
Making the Most of the Experience
It’s easy to get frustrated when you’re standing in the humidity waiting for a 10-second photo op. But there’s a weird kind of community in the line. You’ll see strangers offering to take photos for groups so that no one is left out. It’s one of those "only in Nashville" moments where the touristy stuff actually feels kinda wholesome.
If you’re planning a trip in 2026, keep in mind that the area is always changing. New buildings go up, and sometimes access to murals gets narrowed down by construction. As of now, the wings are still there, still white, and still drawing a crowd every single morning.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
- Check the Weather: Don't go during a downpour; there is zero cover while you're waiting in line.
- Bring a Friend: Selfies are hard with 20-foot wings. You need someone to stand back about 15 feet to get the whole scale of the art.
- Respect the Line: Don't be that person who takes 50 different poses while 20 people wait. Get your 3 or 4 shots and let the next person in.
- Explore the Detail: Take a second to actually look at the pen work. It’s genuinely impressive up close to see how much detail Montague crammed into the feathers.
- Tag the Artist: If you post it, use #WhatLiftsYou. Kelsey actually looks at those and occasionally reposts people.