U.S. Embassy unveils freedom murals in Split for America’s 250th anniversary

(Photo: U.S. Embassy in Zagreb)

SPLIT, Croatia, 10 July 2026 – The U.S. Embassy in Zagreb unveiled new public art works in Split yesterday, bringing together world-renowned artists from the United States and Croatia to create large-scale murals celebrating the theme of freedom as part of the Freedom 250 program, the celebration of America’s 250th birthday.

The project features murals by internationally recognized artists WRDSMTH, Hula, Nick Flatt, and Lonac, one of Croatia’s most recognized international artists.

Each artist interpreted the theme of freedom through their own artistic lens, creating works that now form a striking new public art installation visible to residents, visitors, and cruise ship passengers arriving in Split.

(Photo: U.S. Embassy in Zagreb)

“By bringing museum-quality art to public spaces, we hope to increase cultural awareness, inspire creativity, and contribute to the economic vitality of the community. Art has a unique ability to bring people together across cultures and backgrounds, creating shared experiences through freedom of expression, innovation, and imagination.”, said U.S. Ambassador to Croatia Nicole McGraw.

(Photo: U.S. Embassy in Zagreb)

“The artistic and cultural identity of a city reflects the strength and spirit of its people, and we are proud to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary by sharing this special gift with Split and Croatia. We hope these murals will inspire everyone who experiences them and serve as a symbol of the enduring friendship between our two countries.”, she concluded.

The Embassy says that the murals explore freedom through powerful and accessible visual symbols, including the eye of Nikola Tesla, children’s toys on the beach, sandcastles, and motivational words that speak to hope, imagination, creativity, and shared values.

(Photo: U.S. Embassy in Zagreb)

(Photo: U.S. Embassy in Zagreb)

(Photo: U.S. Embassy in Zagreb)

(Photo: U.S. Embassy in Zagreb)

Together, the works reflect both the U.S. and Croatian spirit of freedom and highlight the strong people-to-people ties between the two countries, the Embassy said.

(Photo: U.S. Embassy in Zagreb)

(Photo: U.S. Embassy in Zagreb)

(Photo: U.S. Embassy in Zagreb)

(Photo: U.S. Embassy in Zagreb)

(Photo: U.S. Embassy in Zagreb)

“Located in a highly visible area of Split’s port, the murals will be seen by thousands of visitors arriving by cruise ship, as well as by residents and tourists passing through the city. The Embassy invites visitors to photograph the artwork and share their photos on Instagram by tagging the U.S. Embassy Zagreb (@usembassycroatia) and using the hashtag #PublicArtWorks250. This will help show where in the world visitors are coming from and capture the international reach and impact of the murals,” the Embassy concluded.