SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes announced today the launch of a new public arts campaign aimed at bringing 50 soccer-inspired murals to Northern California in honor of the club’s 50th anniversary celebrations. Together with the community, the Quakes will create an outdoor art gallery of vibrant murals ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, an event that will put the Bay Area front and center on the global stage.
This initiative is the latest example of the Earthquakes’ dedication to the arts. The murals will be collaborations with grassroots artists to amplify the aesthetic of local buildings and businesses, starting in San Jose and making their way around to Salinas, San Leandro, and all around Northern California.
Locations for the art pieces will be updated on the Apple Maps Tour for San Jose Earthquakes-Inspired Murals. Five murals have already been completed and are listed below:
We Are San Jose “Wondo Mural”
Bringing the term “We Are San Jose” to life, John Barrick, a San Jose native, created a living tribute to Earthquakes legend Chris Wondolowski at Jack’s Bar in Japantown.
2001 MLS Cup Champions mural
Measuring at over 1,000 square feet, the mural was designed by Sean Boyles in 2021 is a worthy tribute to the 2001 Earthquakes, the club’s first MLS Cup championship team.
2003 MLS Cup Champions mural
This artwork from Sean Boyles celebrates the Earthquakes’ second MLS Cup Championship. The team’s success led to Landon Donovan being named Most Valuable Player after scoring a brace in the final.
Soccer For All mural
In collaboration with Adobe and local artist Houyee Chow-Jiménez, this mural in downtown San Jose was painted in 2022 for the Quakes’ Pride match and embodies the inclusive message within the beautiful game.
Sol de San Jose mural
The Quakes, in partnership with Adobe, collaborated with local artist Luis Fernando Luna to create an authentic mural celebrating the proud Mexican culture in the South Bay.
The Earthquakes launched their 50th anniversary celebrations this week, announcing a block party and jersey reveal in February 2024 and released the 2024 MLS season schedule on Wednesday. On Thursday, the club also unveiled a partnership between the Quakes Foundation and The PG&E Corporation Foundation to donate $200,000 toward 50,000 meals for the community next year. To learn more about all the Quakes’ 50th anniversary activities, click here.
