Bringing Downtown to Life: San Leandro Launches ARtWalk This Holiday Season

Just in time for It’s a Wonderful Night, we’re thrilled to announce ARtWalk, a new Augmented Reality (AR) mural series debuting in Downtown San Leandro — and designed to bring art, storytelling, and community connection to life in an entirely new way.

With nothing more than your smartphone and the app Artivive, you’ll be able to point, scan, and watch murals animate before your eyes. Colors move. Characters come alive. Hidden stories unfold. Spaces you’ve passed a hundred times suddenly transform into moments of discovery. It’s an experience made for families, visitors, longtime locals, and anyone who could use a little more magic this season.

The AR murals are installed and ready to enjoy. As you make your way to It’s a Wonderful Night or your favorite local storefronts this season, keep an eye out for the new designs popping up around Downtown. Then pull out your phone and see what happens.

ARtWalk contributes to the Beautify San Leandro initiative and is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act. It also supports the City’s Retail Action Strategy, which aims to strengthen our business districts and enhance the experience of living, working, and visiting here.

You may have already noticed some of the improvements Downtown:

• Restoration of pavers
• Additional tables and chairs
• New decorative planters
• Quarterly pavement cleaning in high-traffic areas

And there’s more on the way:

• Dynamic string lighting
• Colorful bike racks
• Playful ground decals

ARtWalk is more than a tech novelty — it’s a meaningful investment in what makes San Leandro special. The project is led by the City’s Economic Development team in partnership with Bay Area artists and local design firm 440 Creates, ensuring the work reflects the talent, culture, and imagination rooted right here in our region.

By weaving interactive art into the fabric of Downtown, ARtWalk supports the community in several important ways:

• Celebrating Local Creativity: San Leandro’s artistic community brings fresh perspectives, bold colors, and heartfelt stories to the cityscape. ARtWalk gives that creativity a new digital dimension.
• Supporting Local Businesses: Interactive murals invite people to stroll, explore, and linger — bringing more foot traffic and visibility to the shops, restaurants, and small businesses that define our downtown.
• Creating Experiential Spaces: Public art becomes a place to gather, take photos, and share moments — strengthening community pride and connection.
• Showing San Leandro’s Innovative Spirit: This project highlights the city’s commitment not just to beautification, but to embracing new ideas and technologies that enliven everyday spaces.

These enhancements work together to create a Downtown that feels welcoming, walkable, and full of character — a place where art and community thrive. Come and enjoy with us!