OGDEN, Utah — The Ogden City Council has officially approved a $210,000 public art project — a large-scale mural that will celebrate Utah’s upcoming 2034 Winter Olympics and enhance the city’s downtown district.
The mural will be installed on the Kiesel Avenue parking structure, connecting the Junction District and Historic 25th Street, and is expected to become a new visual landmark for the city. According to city officials, the project is designed to “beautify downtown, promote community pride, and attract both residents and visitors.”
Funding and Support
The project will be funded through a mix of public and private contributions. Of the total estimated cost:
- $110,000 will come from Ogden’s Public Art Fund, covering the design, mural creation, and area lighting.
- $62,500 will be provided through Weber County RAMP funds.
- The MarketStar Foundation has pledged $15,000 in in-kind support for the mural site.
- Additional pledges include $10,000 each from Visit Ogden and Snowbasin, and another $2,500 from MarketStar Foundation, though these have not yet been finalized.
The mural is slated for installation in spring 2026, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony planned for late spring or early summer.
A Vision for Ogden’s Downtown
City officials and project sponsors envision the mural as more than just a piece of art. It’s intended to serve as a symbol of Olympic pride and a reflection of Utah’s scenic beauty and cultural heritage.
“This mural will not only beautify downtown Ogden but also amplify community pride, attracting both global visitors and tourists,” the proposal states. “It will celebrate the Olympic spirit, showcase Utah’s stunning natural landscapes, and reflect the rich cultural history of the county.”
Officials expect it to become a social media hotspot — a photogenic backdrop that draws visitors and locals alike for photos and “Instagram moments.”
Community Concerns and Safety
While enthusiasm for the mural is high, some community members raised safety concerns during the city council meeting. The Kiesel Avenue parking garage, where the mural will be located, currently lacks a sidewalk or pedestrian zone.
One public commenter noted, “There is no place to stand. It doesn’t seem like a safe location for this idea — not that it isn’t a good idea.”
City Arts Administrator Lorie Buckley acknowledged these concerns, noting that pedestrian access and safety will be reviewed as the project moves forward. “It would be something to heavily consider, because now it will be something people walk up to,” she said. “We do have a lot of pedestrians coming out of there, and it could be something the city looks into.”
Buckley also noted that the mural’s size and placement will make it best viewed from across the street, ensuring that it remains visible and photogenic while reducing safety risks.
Next Steps
The next phase of the project will be a call for muralist applications, which Buckley said will open within the next month. Artists from Utah and beyond will be invited to submit their concepts, with the goal of selecting a design that reflects both Olympic themes and Ogden’s community identity.
