The Passageways Project

axa murals

Mural and Statue Safari Stop #4

The Leavenworth Main Street Program is a non-profit focused on the economic health, historic preservation and, quite often, revitalization of key downtown corridors. One method is the First City Passageways project, which spruces up familiar facades with artwork ranging from the whimsical and abstract to gestures of state and city pride. 

Visitors will find bits of art popping up around every corner downtown, but in addition to the stray sunflower or curious cow, popular sites include: 

121 Delaware Street: The Anderson Orthodontics building has a painting by artist Alan Collins, which was awarded 1st prize among 2022's Passageways additions. It depicts a western frontier wagon and trail guide.

401 Delaware Street: On the south side of the Country Club Bank building is a coin and wheat painting done by prolific local muralist Nancy Bauder.

414 Delaware Street: Another Alan Collins work completed in fall 2022, this painting shows a purebred Hereford bull in a Kansas pasture.  

427-429 Delaware Street: This former corner pharmacy is wrapped by five window wells containing trilling meadowlarks and Leavenworth's favorite unofficial mascot, Rex the Dinosaur, as he embarks on various adventures.

500 Delaware Street: A bison, the state animal of Kansas, peeks out from the eastern wall of the Leavenworth Performing Arts Center, home of the River City Community Players.

520 Delaware Street: Just outside of Momo's Knitting Nook is another meadowlark, this one seemingly in flight.

531 Shawnee Street: On the west side of Davis Funeral Chapel, you'll see a mural honoring the Moulden family's labradors, known to walk the chapel and bring comfort to mourners.

600 Shawnee Street: Puzzle pieces shift in the walls of the Leavenworth Local Hotel, once the home of Immaculata Catholic High School.

529 Cherokee Street: Join the dance party on the side of Tenpenny Restaurant and Bar!