City of Dearborn unveils "Bridges of Culture" mural on Warren Ave

Published Oct. 7, 2026

The City of Dearborn and the Warren Business District Improvement Authority (WBDIA) officially unveiled the "Bridges of Culture" mural project at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 6, 2026.

Installed along the fence of the ITC Substation at 13851 Warren Avenue - made possible through a partnership with ITC - the public art installation enhances the aesthetic appeal of the Warren Ave Commercial Corridor. 

Mayor Abdullah H. Hammoud stated, “Warren Avenue is Dearborn’s heartbeat and among the strongest business corridors we have. Murals like “Bridges of Culture” do much to beautify and rejuvenate a corridor that is near and dear to so many of our neighborhoods. We’re happy to see this project that began under the last administration through completion.”

Spanning nineteen 5'x10' aluminum panels, the mural serves as a vibrant celebration of Dearborn’s shared heritage, creative vitality, and united spirit. 

The artwork beautifully illustrates the bustling energy of a traditional souq-featuring rich textiles, coffee, foods, and community life-capturing essential themes of connection, family, and leisure while honoring the profound depth of Dearborn’s Arab American community.

The mural was created by artist Mary Thiefels and Danijel Matanic of TreeTown Murals, with project support from CDPA Architects + Planners and Stonebridge Building Company. 

Thiefels stated, “We are incredibly proud of this vibrant work of art and our partnership with the community of Dearborn. This achievement belongs to us all.”

The mural is part of an overall vitalization project to transform and reimagine Warren Ave, one of the busiest and oldest commercial districts in the city. Transform initiatives include a massive roadway and streetscape redesign, funded through a federal grant, to improve traffic safety while adding pedestrian walkways and greenery, and an ongoing grant-funded business facade improvement project.

Learn more about the Warren Ave Transformation Project at TransformWarrenAve.com.

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