New, Original Mural Brightens Downtown Morris Plains

Have you seen the new, original mural in Morris Plains? You can find it across from the Morris Plains Train Station, on the south-facing side of Morris Plains Pharmacy (Franklin Street at Speedwell Avenue), next to Wax Masters Detailing and across from Arthur's Tavern.

After years of planning, organizing, and coordinating, we are thrilled to see this incredible donor-funded public art project come to life in Morris Plains. Commissioned by Downtown Morris Plains (DMP) and designed by muralist Margaret Grzymkowski, this project was inspired by public art in neighboring communities and installed in partnership with property owner Terri Levato and Ambassador Properties. We are deeply grateful to the generous donors who supported this project, and to all our collaborators who helped make this dream a reality.

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A timeless design inspired by our community

Our DMP team has been developing this project with the artist for years. Our goal was to create a visually striking showpiece in a prominent location inspired by the borough's past and present. We wanted the piece to become a recognizable and memorable signal to residents and visitors of the borough.

The artist’s creative concept is a true love letter to the town, encapsulating various aspects of Morris Plains as timeless custom postage stamps. The stamps depict some of the influential (train tracks), iconic (clock tower), historical (abstract agricultural landscape), and natural (bright spring blossoms) elements that make Morris Plains a special and memorable community. The brilliant blossoms create a 3-dimensional illusion of growing out of the stamp (and leaping off the wall) making this a perfect spot for your next selfie (or groupie)!

Stay tuned for our official mural ribbon-cutting event, details coming soon!

Is there any other public art in Morris Plains?

Yes! As one of our very first projects, Downtown Morris Plains created Speedy the Stone Snake (a collection of hand-painted stones created by community members and displayed in the stone garden beside Mark Perrone Barber Shop. You can also find original public art in our bike racks along Speedwell Avenue, which feature the winning design of DMP's 2023 bike rack contest. DMP has also partnered with New Jersey Transit to bring the 2026 TRANSITional Art Project to Morris Plains in celebration of the borough's centennial (designs have been selected and we anticipate installation at the Morris Plains Train Station property this fall).

Other organizations have also contributed to public art around town. This year, the Borough of Morris Plains commissioned a beautiful mural near the railway underpass (on Rt. 202/Speedwell Avenue), organized and funded by the Morris Plains Centennial Committee. This mural was designed by committee member and local resident, Ann Gallagher, and painted by Lynn Occhiogrosso. You can also find public art at Simons Park, where two donor-funded, youth sports-inspired murals by Mona Oman, commissioned Morris Plains Soccer Association, are on display.

Click here to read more about why public art matters.