Why Public Art Matters in Morris Plains

Across New Jersey, murals and community art projects are helping towns re-energize downtowns, support small businesses, and create places people want to visit. Communities like Denville, Morristown, and now even Morris Plains are embracing public art and the real benefits it brings. But beyond beautification, what’s the big deal about public art?

Simply put, it’s economic development with personality. 

Murals, sculptures, creative streetscapes, and community art projects can turn ordinary spaces like alleyways or train trestles into destinations. They help small towns like ours build identity, attract visitors, and crucial to Downtown Morris Plains’ mission, support local businesses.

Even one well-executed mural can create outsized returns in visibility, foot traffic, and community energy.

In Cincinnati, a 2025 study found that blocks with murals had significantly higher pedestrian activity than similar blocks without murals, even after accounting for demographics and density. More foot traffic means more people walking past restaurants, shops, salons, and service businesses.

Someone who stops to admire a mural may also grab coffee, browse a store, or stay downtown a little longer. Those added visits can make a real difference for small businesses.

Murals provide “Instagram moments” that bring more attention to nearby businesses and generate valuable (free!) online promotion. Public art is often linked to the kinds of places people love to visit: walkable, welcoming downtowns with charm and personality. Being tied to a town like that builds community pride and boosts the perceived value of being part of it.

A mural is not just one thing. Public art can be elegant, historic, subtle, traditional, modern, whimsical, nature-inspired, or community-centered. It’s more than fresh paint or a new sculpture. It’s an investment in community identity, economic vitality, and quality of life. 

Downtown Morris Plains believes that public art is essential to a vibrant downtown and thriving business district. We started small with Speedy the Stone Snake, then brought resident-designed, locally fabricated bike racks to Speedwell last year with support from Morris Arts.

As a part of our mission, we look for ways to integrate public art and other forms of creative placemaking that can add value to the community.