City Hall Galleries
Norwalk City Hall proudly showcases a nationally recognized collection of New Deal art, including one of the largest and most significant restorations of Depression-era WPA murals in the country. These murals are a vital part of Norwalk’s artistic and historical heritage.
In addition to the WPA collection, City Hall features three unique gallery spaces:
- The People’s Gallery, located on the first floor, offers an accessible space to highlight diverse artistic styles and voices.
- The Mayor’s Gallery, situated on the second floor, presents curated exhibits celebrating art and culture.
- The Ralph Sloan Student Gallery, found on the third floor, honors the creativity and talent of Norwalk’s student artists.
We warmly invite the public to visit City Hall to explore these galleries and experience the art that reflects the creativity, legacy, and cultural spirit of our community.
If you are an artist or curator looking to display in the Mayor’s or People’s Gallery please email norwalkarts@norwalkct.gov.
WPA Murals and Tours
President Franklin Delano Roosevelt established the Works Project Administration (WPA) as part of the New Deal in 1935 at the height of the Great Depression. The aim of the WPA was to preserve the skills of 3.5 million workers by providing them with work relief instead of public assistance. From 1935 to 1941, WPA artists created more than 50 works of art for Norwalk’s public schools, libraries, and post offices. While much of the 2,500 pieces of WPA art nationally has been lost or destroyed, the murals and panels created for City Hall– the former Norwalk High School – as well as for other public buildings, comprise one of the largest and most important collections of restored Depression-era art in the country.
In partnership with the Norwalk Arts Commission, the Norwalk Historical Society invites the public to discover the 31 restored WPA murals at Norwalk City Hall with additional murals at other locations. For more information on self-guided tours, public group guided tours, and student programs at City Hall (and the Norwalk Historical Society), please visit their website.
Mayor’s Gallery
The Mayor’s Gallery, located just outside the Mayor’s office at Norwalk City Hall on the 2nd floor, is a vibrant space that highlights rotating exhibits focused on themes designed to celebrate the rich diversity of our community. These thoughtfully curated displays introduce visitors to the many cultural organizations that call Norwalk home and spark meaningful engagement with important issues impacting our city.
By showcasing a wide range of artistic expressions and cultural narratives, the Mayor’s Gallery serves as a platform for connection, education, and inspiration, reinforcing the vital role of the arts in community life.
We welcome members of the public to contribute ideas for future exhibits. If you have a creative concept and the passion to help bring it to life, please reach out to us at norwalkarts@norwalkct.gov. Together, we can continue to make the Mayor’s Gallery a reflection of Norwalk’s dynamic and inclusive spirit.
People’s Gallery
The People’s Gallery, located on the first floor of City Hall, is a vibrant space dedicated to showcasing the creative voices of those who live and work in Norwalk. This gallery serves as a platform for artistic expression across all mediums, celebrating the sights, sounds, and stories that make our city truly unique.
Who are the artists, musicians, writers, performers, photographers, and dancers who shape Norwalk’s cultural fabric? What aspects of our creative economy reflect the city’s energy and character? The People’s Gallery invites exploration of these questions through exhibits that highlight the talent, creativity, and diverse perspectives within our community.
We welcome new ideas for exhibits that reflect Norwalk’s artistic and cultural identity. If you have a concept and are passionate about helping it come to life, we encourage you to reach out to us at norwalkarts@norwalkct.gov. Let’s collaborate to celebrate and showcase the creativity that defines Norwalk.
Ralph Sloan Student Gallery
The Ralph Sloan Student Gallery is located on the 3rd floor of City Hall and is home to a collection of award-winning Norwalk Public School student work.
Ralph Sloan served as Superintendent of Norwalk Public Schools from 1983-1998. After he retired, the student art collection was named in his honor. During the annual Norwalk Public School’s City-wide Art Show, a jury of arts professionals, who attended Norwalk public schools, selects the best works, which are then framed and become part of the Ralph Sloan Student Gallery. The Ralph Sloan Student art collection continues to grow each year, offering outstanding examples of Norwalk public school student art.
Public Murals & Traffic Graphic Program
The Arts and Cultural Commission often releases Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for public mural projects that allow artists to submit their concepts for specific locations within Norwalk. These RFPs are a key part of the city’s effort to continue enriching its public art landscape and creating spaces that engage the community. Artists interested in creating murals are encouraged to review these opportunities, which are typically posted on the city’s official website and other relevant platforms.
If you are an artist looking for opportunities to contribute to Norwalk’s mural collection, we encourage you to stay updated on upcoming RFPs. These projects offer exciting chances to showcase your work in highly visible locations, contributing to the city’s cultural identity while engaging with the public.
For information on current or upcoming mural RFPs, please contact the Norwalk Arts and Cultural Commission or visit the city’s official website for detailed announcements and submission guidelines.
Traffic Graphic Program
The Norwalk Traffic Graphic program is an ongoing public art project administered by the Department of Transportation, Mobility and Parking (TMP) in partnership with the Norwalk Arts Commission. This program was created in 2010 to bring art to the public via traffic boxes in Norwalk. Please reach out to Sabrina Godeski at sgodeski@norwalkct.gov if you are interested in a specific location.
Art & Culture Venues and Organizations
Please visit the Visit Norwalk website for a more comprehensive list of all businesses, venues, and organizations in Norwalk.
