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Aug 20

Public Transit Meets Public Art: Murals & More from Belen to Santa Fe

Posted on August 20, 2025 at 8:47 AM by Riann Martinez

Public transportation isn’t just about getting from one place to another—it’s woven into the cultural and creative fabric of our communities. Along the New Mexico Rail Runner Express corridor, you’ll find vibrant murals, intricate mosaics, and even a whimsical ‘truck on a stick’ that highlight the spirit of travel, movement, and connection. 

Many of these works are just a short walk from Rail Runner stations, while others can be spotted right from the window as you ride. Together, they tell a colorful story of how art and transit come together to celebrate the landscapes and people of central New Mexico. 

Here’s a look at some of the colorful pieces you’ll find along the corridor:

Belen

Picture of a public art piece on a building featuring various types of transportation

"El Camino Real" by Dorthea Von Eckhardt
Location: Belen Arts League, Becker Avenue & 5th Street, Belen


Picture of a mural on the side of a building that looks like a post card for Belen New Mexico

“Greetings From Belen” by Kevin Harding and assisting artists
Location: Becker Avenue & 2nd Street, Belen


Picture of a mural on a wall featuring a train and a cartoon roadrunner

Title Unknown; Artist Unknown
Location: Becker Avenue & 2nd Street, Belen


Albuquerque

Picture of a colorful mural painting on the side of a building

“Viva Barelas” by Francisco Lefebre
Location: Barelas Community Center, Atlantic Avenue & Barelas Rd. SW, Albuquerque


Picture of a colorful mosaic on the side of a building featuring the Rail Runner train

Title Unknown; Artist Unknown
Location: Barelas Senior Center, 7th Street & Stover Avenue SW, Albuquerque


Picture of a public art piece on a building featuring various types of transportationPicture of a public art piece on a building featuring various types of transportation















"El Camino Real, Road of Life" by PAZ
Location: 4th Street & Haines Ave. NW, Albuquerque


Picture of a mural on the side of a building featuring a lowrider car

“Crossroads” by Nani Chacon
Location: Arrive Hotel, Central Avenue & 8th Street NW, Albuquerque


Picture of a mural of a railroad conductor on the side of a building

“Conductor” by Chris Stain
Location: Copper Ave. & 2nd Street NW, Albuquerque


Picture of a public art piece on a building featuring various types of transportation

“The Fall of the Ten Suns” by Jessica Angel
Location: Silver Street Market, Silver Avenue & 2nd Street SW, Albuquerque


Santa Fe

Picture of a public art piece featuring a truck on a pedestal

“1941 Dodge ½ Ton Pick-Up Truck"; Artist Unknown
Location: Market Street & Montezuma Avenue, Santa Fe


Picture of a mural on the side of a building painted like the Santa Fe Super Chief train

“Santa Fe Super Chief” by Sebastian Vela
Location: Don Diego Avenue & Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe


Picture of a mural on the side of a train in Santa Fe

“The Sky Railway” by Joerael Numina
Location: The Santa Fe Depot, Santa Fe


Picture of a mural of the Rail Runner train on the side of a wall

Title Unknown; Artist Unknown
Location: Santa Fe Rail Trail, just north of the entrance at Alta Vista Drive & Monterey Drive, Santa Fe


Click here to view the murals and public art pieces on Flickr.

Click here to view all Ride Rio Metro Blog posts.

Photos and story by Riann Martinez, Marketing Specialist Rio Metro Regional Transit District

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