A new mural, over half a mile long and proclaimed the “longest LGBTQ+ mural in history,” is currently being installed in Washington, D.C., on 15th Street Northwest, between O and V streets.

This location is significant, as it is set to be the starting point for the WorldPride Parade on June 7.

According to the Washingtonian, the project is spearheaded by the studio of artist Lisa Marie Thalhammer, who is known for creating D.C.’s LOVE mural and has painted many of the city’s rainbow walls.

Titled “Rainbow Road,” this mural will be painted in the bike lane buffer of 15th Street and showcases a vibrant flow of colors: brown, black, blue, white, pink, purple, indigo, green, yellow, orange, and red.

At each end, three white stars will represent D.C.’s flag. In addition to Thalhammer’s work, designs from seven local LGBTQ-identifying artists—

Maps Glover, Mundy Spears, Zeynep Uruc, Keyonna Jones, Nia Keturah Calhoun, Beezy, and Micah Meyers—will also be incorporated into the mural, either in the buffer zone or the adjacent no-parking spaces.

The completion of the mural is anticipated by the end of the day today, following the efforts of over 120 volunteers who began working on the project last Friday.

Although it is referred to as the longest mural, it does have sections where the design breaks at street crossings to adhere to DDOT regulations.

Importantly, there will be no paint in areas designated for pedestrian, bicycle, or vehicle movement.

Sponsored by the Capital Pride Alliance, this mural is painted with epoxy paint, ensuring its longevity beyond the parade and into WorldPride 2025.

Thalhammer emphasizes that the mural is intended to infuse joy, creativity, and color into the city’s daily life. The neighborhood has responded positively to the project.

Additionally, she notes that painting a mural next to a bike lane may enhance safety; increased visibility in the bike lane can lead to a decrease in accidents, contributing to safer streets for all users.

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