🎨 Willie Lives On: Beloved Austin Mural Reborn After Fire — and This Time, It’s Even Better
In true Texas spirit, you can’t keep a legend down — not even when fire and demolition try.
The beloved Willie Nelson mural that once towered over Austin’s 7th Street is back, brighter and more detailed than ever, thanks to the original artist and a little help from the community.
The iconic mural, painted by Wiley Ross in 2016 and later expanded to include Janis Joplin, became a cherished downtown landmark and a must-see for fans visiting the Live Music Capital of the World. But in February 2025, a fire caused major structural damage to the building at 405 East Seventh St., leading to its demolition — and putting the mural at risk of being lost forever.
Willie Nelson as pictured on the original mural on Seventh Street in Austin. Janis Joplin was on the other end of the artwork.
Jim Nix / flickr.com
🎨 But the story didn’t end there.
Jaffa LLC — the owners of the original building and the adjacent whiskey bar Seven Grand — stepped up to preserve the piece of local culture. They allowed Ross to recreate the mural on a newly exposed wall of Seven Grand, just steps from its original location.
Ross spent three weeks repainting the mural — and this time, he went even bigger with the symbolism.
🐎 What’s New?
The fresh version includes sunflowers, horses, and the Texas flag, all stretching across a long wall that now gives the artist more room for expression.
“The horses represent freedom, and I know Willie is really fond of horses,” Ross said. “I’m going to fill it up with some more animals, like a longhorn. Give it a Noah’s Ark feel.”
Even better, Ross hired members of the local unhoused community to help prep the new wall for painting — giving them a chance to take part in something beautiful and lasting.
“I hope it makes them feel like part of the community,” Ross shared. “And that they’ll help protect it, too.”
💫 A New Landmark with Old Soul
Though it’s slightly shorter than the original, the mural is more vibrant and full of storytelling — a fitting tribute to a man whose music has always been rich with meaning.
“If I’m being honest, I think this one is much better,” Ross said.
Now, Willie Nelson’s smile once again watches over 7th Street — not just as a music legend, but as a symbol of resilience, art, and community.
