You've seen them. Even if you haven't been to Nashville, you have definitely seen the wings. They are everywhere. Scroll through any travel influencer's feed from the last decade, and you’ll eventually hit that massive, intricate pair of white wings painted against a black wall. It's the What Lifts You mural, and honestly, it changed how we think about street art and tourism forever.
Street art used to be about grit. It was about reclaiming space or making a political point. But Kelsey Montague, the artist behind this phenomenon, flipped the script. She created something that wasn't just meant to be looked at; it was meant to be stepped into. It’s interactive art. It’s a backdrop. It’s a weirdly personal moment shared with a few thousand strangers on the internet.
The Story Behind the Wings in the Gulch
The "What Lifts You" mural isn't just one painting anymore, but the flagship piece is tucked away in Nashville’s Gulch neighborhood. Specifically, you’ll find it at 302 11th Ave S. If you go on a Saturday afternoon, look for the line. Seriously. People wait for an hour just to stand between those feathers. It’s wild.
Kelsey Montague started this campaign as a way to focus on the positive. She wanted to create art that invited people to share what inspires them. It wasn't some corporate marketing ploy at the start; it was a pen-and-ink style experiment that exploded. When Taylor Swift stood in front of one of Montague's pieces in New York back in 2014, the world basically lost its mind. Suddenly, every city wanted a "What Lifts You" installation.
The Nashville version is special because of its scale. It stands 20 feet high. Montague spent about 60 hours hand-painting the details, which include hidden images like guitars and music notes—a nod to Music City. There’s even a smaller set of wings right next to it for your dog. Or your kid. Usually the dog, let’s be real.
Why This Specific Design Works
There is a technical reason why this mural works better than the thousands of copycats that followed. It’s the "human scale." Montague designs her wings so that the person standing in the center becomes the "body" of the bird. If the wings are too high, you look like you’re falling. If they’re too low, you look like you have wings growing out of your waist.
The detail is also insane. These aren't just blocks of color. Each feather is filled with intricate line work. It looks like a page from a giant adult coloring book. That texture is what makes it pop on a smartphone camera. Modern sensors love high-contrast, detailed patterns. It’s basically built for the iPhone era.
The Economic Impact of a Single Wall
We talk about "Instagrammable" like it’s a shallow thing, but for the businesses in the Gulch, that mural is a goldmine. Before the wings, that area was a lot of warehouses and empty lots. Now? It’s high-end boutiques, luxury condos, and places selling $8 lattes.
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Basically, the What Lifts You mural acts as a giant, free marketing engine for the entire neighborhood. Think about it. Someone flies to Nashville. They see the mural on TikTok. They go to the Gulch to take the photo. While they're waiting in line, they get hungry. They go to Biscuit Love or Milk & Honey. They see a cute shirt in a window at Kittenish. They spend money.
- Foot Traffic: Thousands of people daily.
- Social Impressions: Millions of tags on Instagram and Pinterest.
- Neighborhood Identity: The wings are now as synonymous with Nashville as the Grand Ole Opry for a certain generation.
It’s a masterclass in how public art can drive urban renewal. Some people hate it—they call it "gentrification art"—but you can't deny the sheer number of people it brings to the area. It’s a destination in its own right.
Finding Other What Lifts You Murals
Nashville isn't the only place to get your wings. Kelsey Montague has been busy. She’s taken the "What Lifts You" project global. There are versions in London, Hong Kong, and all across the US.
In San Diego, you’ll find wings that look like they’re made of ocean waves. In Colorado, they might have mountain peaks hidden in the feathers. She adapts the "inside" of the wings to fit the local culture. That’s the "E-E-A-T" (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) of her brand. She isn't just copy-pasting; she’s an expert at site-specific storytelling.
If you’re looking for the original vibe but want to avoid the Nashville crowds, look for her pieces in smaller markets. They offer the same high-quality aesthetic without the two-block-long queue of bachelorette parties.
The Taylor Swift Connection
We have to talk about the 2019 moment. Before Taylor Swift released her album Lover, a new mural appeared in the Gulch. It was huge. It was colorful. It was covered in butterflies and rainbows.
The internet went into a full investigative frenzy. Fans tracked the style back to Montague. They realized the mural contained clues about the upcoming single "ME!" This wasn't just art anymore; it was an Easter egg hunt. It proved that the What Lifts You mural concept could be used for massive commercial launches while still feeling "local" and "authentic." It was a brilliant move by Swift’s team, and it cemented Montague as the go-to artist for the digital age.
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The Etiquette of the Mural Line
Look, if you're going to go, don't be that person. There is an unspoken (and sometimes spoken) code of conduct for the Nashville wings.
- Have your camera ready. Do not start fiddling with your settings when you reach the front.
- Limit your poses. Take three or four shots and move on. Nobody needs a 20-minute editorial shoot while 50 people are watching.
- Offer to help. If you see a solo traveler or a couple, offer to take their photo. It’s the Nashville way.
- Watch for traffic. The mural is near a busy street. Don’t back up into the road just to get the "perfect angle."
Honestly, the line is half the experience. You’ll see people from all over the world. You’ll see nervous boyfriends trying to get the lighting right. You’ll see toddlers who have no idea why they’re standing against a wall. It’s a weird, beautiful slice of modern life.
Why Some Critics Hate It (And Why They’re Wrong)
Art critics sometimes turn their noses up at "Instagram art." They say it’s shallow. They say it’s "made for the 'gram" rather than being "real" art.
But isn't art supposed to connect people?
The What Lifts You mural succeeds because it makes people feel something. It makes them feel beautiful for a second. It asks them to think about what makes them happy. In a world that is often pretty dark and divisive, a giant pair of wings that tells you to think about "what lifts you" is actually kind of radical. It’s accessible. You don't need an art history degree to "get" it. You just need a phone and a pulse.
Montague’s work bridges the gap between high art and popular culture. She uses her expertise in fine line work to create something that resonates with the masses. That is a skill, not a sell-out.
How to Get the Best Shot
If you want the photo but don't want the headache, timing is everything.
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Go early. I’m talking 7:00 AM early. The light in the Gulch is best in the morning anyway, as the sun comes up over the buildings and hits the wall directly. You’ll avoid the midday shadows that can make your face look like a topographical map.
Also, consider the "mini wings." Most people ignore them because they want the big ones. But the smaller set is actually easier to frame and often has zero wait time. Plus, if you have a pet, it’s basically mandatory.
Pro Tip: Wear something that contrasts with the black and white. A bright red dress or a yellow jacket will make the photo pop way more than a grey hoodie.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you're planning your pilgrimage to the most famous wings in the world, here is how to do it right:
- Location Pin: Save "The Gulch, Nashville" in your maps. The mural is on the side of the building near the intersection of 11th Ave S and Laurel St.
- Parking: Don't try to park on the street. Use one of the paid lots nearby; it’s worth the $10 to not deal with a towing company.
- Check the Artist’s Map: Before you go, check Kelsey Montague’s official website. She often updates where new murals are located. You might find a newer, less-crowded one nearby.
- Think About Your "Why": The mural asks "What Lifts You?" Have an answer ready. Maybe share it in your caption. It makes the post feel less like a boast and more like a conversation.
The What Lifts You mural is more than just paint on a wall. It's a landmark of the social media era. It represents a shift in how we interact with our cities and how artists find their audience. Whether you love the "influencer" culture or loathe it, these wings aren't going anywhere. They’ve become a part of the architectural fabric of Nashville, right alongside the neon signs of Broadway.
Go take the photo. Join the line. Be part of the phenomenon. Just remember to be quick about it—there’s a whole line of people behind you waiting to fly.