For fans of the iconic animated series “The Simpsons,” the question “where is Springfield?” has long been a playful mystery. While the show’s creator, Matt Groening, deliberately kept the location ambiguous, a visit to Springfield and Eugene in Oregon offers a strong hint, especially for those seeking out vibrant public art. These two cities, with their charming downtown areas, reveal a delightful collection of murals paying homage to America’s favorite animated family.
The Official Simpsons Mural: A Landmark by Matt Groening
Your Simpsons mural adventure should begin with the official Simpsons mural located on the west wall of the Emerald Art Center in downtown Springfield, Oregon. This isn’t just any piece of street art; it’s a certified tribute, endorsed by FOX television and personally christened by Matt Groening himself. Adding to the fanfare, Yeardley Smith, the voice of Lisa Simpson, graced the unveiling ceremony. Step inside the Emerald Art Center and you can even capture a fun photo with the Simpsons family on their famous living room couch – an interactive experience that brings you right into the show’s world.
Unofficial Simpsons Street Art: Eugene and Springfield’s Hidden Gems
Beyond the official mural, a more underground and playful Simpsons art scene has blossomed throughout Springfield and neighboring Eugene. These unofficial murals, often tucked away on side streets and unexpected corners, add a layer of surprise and discovery for fans exploring the area.
A significant contributor to this artistic phenomenon is local muralist Bayne Gardner. Working collaboratively with both cities and local businesses, Gardner’s diverse and engaging murals are scattered across the Eugene-Springfield metropolitan area. His involvement in projects like the EUG 20×21 mural project, aimed at enriching public art leading up to the World Athletics Championships Oregon22, highlights his dedication to community art. You can find his artwork in various locations, from PeaceHealth’s Riverbend hospital to local businesses and even within Hayward Field. Gardner’s playful artistic spirit shines through his Simpsons tributes, and he enjoys keeping the exact locations somewhat secret, encouraging art enthusiasts to seek them out and discover these hidden gems for themselves.
Springfield Murals: A Downtown Scavenger Hunt for Simpsons Fans
Downtown Springfield is particularly rich in Simpsons-themed murals, boasting over 26 tributes scattered around the town. Among Bayne Gardner’s early Simpsons works is a mural of Blinky, the iconic three-eyed fish. From a psychedelic rendition of Krusty the Clown to a Sasquatch version of Homer, the characters and scenes depicted in these Springfield murals are designed to bring a smile to your face and offer a fun scavenger hunt experience.
Eugene’s Simpsons Surprises: Pink Donuts and Alien Maggie
Across the river in downtown Eugene, the Simpsons mural adventure continues. Here, you can discover murals featuring pink sprinkle donuts and even an alien Maggie, among at least six other Simpsons-themed artworks adorning building facades and tucked into alleys. Exploring downtown Eugene becomes a delightful treasure hunt for Simpsons aficionados.
Embark on Your Simpsons Mural Adventure in Oregon
To fully immerse yourself in this artistic exploration, consider using a bikeshare bicycle to navigate between Springfield and Eugene. Create your own Simpsons mural scavenger hunt, and afterwards, verify your discoveries with the “cheat sheet” map of mural locations available at the Emerald Art Center in downtown Springfield. This map, detailing many “The Simpsons” mural locations (PDF), is a helpful starting point, but remember, the art scene is ever-evolving, so keep your eyes peeled for even more surprises! Exploring Springfield and Eugene in search of these murals offers a unique and engaging way to connect with the world of “The Simpsons” and discover the vibrant art scene of Oregon.
