As the Summer Capital of the Philippines, Baguio City attracts attention not only for its cool weather but also for its art. The ever-beautiful Baguio furthermore serves as a canvas for culture, history, and the arts. In fact, the city is recognized as a UNESCO Creative City.  

Quoting the famous Francis Magalona, his lyrics “Every color, every hue, is represented by me and you,” is definitely something that Cordilleran artists resonate with. This is because the murals and statues nestled all over the city strongly reflect both Filipino and Cordilleran heritage. 

Each wall and rotunda tells a story— stories that keep the city’s culture alive. So, planning to visit Baguio? Here are accessible spots within highways and the central business district where you can witness Baguio City’s art.

Breathing Walls: Baguio’s Murals

Murals are no stranger to Baguio City’s canvas. Indeed, these murals will find you as you enter, explore, and eventually leave the city.

Wall of Heroes Mural

Entering the city from Marcos Highway, the murals along the Baguio General Hospital Area will greet you with their vibrant colors. Known as the “Wall of Heroes Mural” this specific mural wall highlights not only modern-day heroes but also the beginnings and culture of the city. The City Government inaugurated this mural in December 2021 to honor the heroes of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Quezon Hill BARANGAYanihan Mural

On the other hand, murals from Quezon Hill greet you along the street as you enter the city from Nagulian Road. From this side of Baguio, this mural illustrates the bayanihan spirit of the Cordillerans, emphasizing their strong community bonds that have lasted for years. This mural in Quezon Hill is a part of the BARANGAYanihan Murals.

Inaugurated back in July 2024, the BARANGAYanihan Murals is a series of murals depicting the Filipino value of bayanihan. Moreover, you can find the other murals in the barangays of North Central Aurora Hill, Military Cut-off, Balsigan, Middle Rock Quarry, and T. Alonzo.

The Living Street

Situated at Lower Session Road, Perfecto-Carantes Street is not just any ordinary street anymore. Dubbed as the first ‘Living Street’ in the city, the attraction is relatively new, having just opened last July 2024. Further looking at the murals, those on the right side noticeably present a theme of everyday Filipino life, with images of market vendors and sari-sari stores.

Meanwhile, those on the left side portray the cultural life of the Cordillera Administrative Region. Furthermore, these images exhibit katutubong laro, panliligaw, dancing, and how they make music. Amidst the busy Session Road, Perfecto-Carantes Street serves as a quick rest zone where people can sit back and admire the art of the city.

Special Mention: Overpass Art

Even the civilian overpasses have artistic details on them. Stuck in traffic? Not a problem, just take a look at the verdant greens of the Cordillera via these overpass paintings.

Circles of Stories: Baguio’s Roundabouts

Driving in Baguio City can be a stressful experience because of heavy traffic, but, if you take the time to notice, you’ll find that even the frequently passed roundabouts of the city have art embedded in them too.

Baguio General Hospital Roundabout

Inaugurated back in October 2023, the roundabout garden shows a statue of parent and child holding hands. Interestingly, the statue reflects the human care witnessed within the Baguio General Hospital area, creating a connection to the roundabout where it stands.

Session Road Roundabout

This roundabout is particularly exciting because of how it evolves through the seasons. This design of the roundabout tree is the current design that was installed during the 2025 Panagbenga Festival. What’s interesting about this roundabout tree is that it becomes a Christmas tree during the holiday season, and it even had a pine cone design back in 2023! Furthermore, the roundabout’s location, which is Upper Session Road, is a perfect spot because it’s in the center of famous tourist attractions like the Baguio Cathedral, SM City Baguio, and Session Road.

Bonifacio Roundabout

Located within Bonifacio Street, the Bonifacio Roundabout characterizes a woman pouring a traditional banga (clay water jug). Moreover, this specific figure reflects the Igorot custom of gathering water, which might serve as a constant reminder to honor Cordilleran customs and practices amidst the efforts of modernization and development.

Screaming History: Baguio’s Statues

As you explore Baguio, the gigantic statues scattered across the city scream its history at you.

Lion’s Head

A massive sculpture of a Lion’s head greets tourists entering the city from Kennon Road. Furthermore, it was the city’s Lions Club members that conceptualized the figure.  A question that would probably pop into your head would be, “Why a Lion? Why not anything else?”. Here’s a fun fact: before the carving of this statue, the limestone that the sculpture is made out of already resembled a lion’s head figure even back then.

Cordillera Freedom Monument

This statue, which is called the Cordillera Freedom Monument, can be found in the Igorot Garden. Moreover, this monument honors the Cordillera’s ethnic groups that fought against colonialism and invasion. Furthermore, this figure serves as a reminder that we wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for our ancestors.

Baguio’s art does more than just decorate and design. Equally important is that they declare and defend the identity and heritage gifted to their people. Wherever you might find yourself in the city, one thing is sure: Baguio’s streets are alive.

Thus, as you visit, remember that true appreciation is accompanied by respect. Let the beautiful sights and art that you see remind you that this place isn’t just a tourist spot. It’s a place where people live and breathe. Hence, walk with care in every step, keep the place clean, and leave with only souvenirs, photos, and memories.