Explore the Colourful Murals of Botwood
Botwood’s history is written across the town in bold colour. Through the work of the Botwood Mural Arts Society, buildings and public spaces have become canvases for large-scale artwork celebrating the people, industries, events, and stories that helped shape the community.
Today, 13 murals form an outdoor gallery that visitors can explore on foot or by car, including a 9,000-square-foot work recognized as the largest mural in Atlantic Canada. Bilingual storyboards beside the murals add historical context, turning a walk around town into an introduction to Botwood’s connections to logging, aviation, military service, healthcare, Indigenous history, and community life.
Here are a few of the murals to look for during your visit!
The Pulse of the Community
By Charlie Johnston
This detailed mural honours Dr. Twomey, a respected local physician shown taking the pulse of the community he served. The Botwood Cottage Hospital was first established as a military hospital by the Canadian Army before reopening in 1946 to provide healthcare for Botwood and surrounding communities. Through Dr. Twomey’s portrait, the mural recognizes the important role rural healthcare has played in the region’s history.
Come Home
By Charlie Johnston
Covering 9,000 square feet, Come Home is recognized as the largest mural in Atlantic Canada. Located at the end of Circular Road, it pays tribute to the railway that reached the banks of the Exploits River in 1893 and opened new connections across the island. Scenes of families and loved ones embracing or saying farewell capture the railway’s importance not only for transporting goods and passengers, but also for bringing people together, and carrying them away.
Clash of Cultures
By Craig Goudie
Located on Water Street, Clash of Cultures explores Beothuk history through the story of Demasduit, a young Beothuk woman captured in 1819. The mural follows the events of her later life, including efforts to return her to Red Indian Lake and her death aboard the HMS Grasshopper in 1820. Through its vivid imagery, the work reflects on a difficult and important chapter in Newfoundland and Labrador’s history.
Honouring Our Fallen, Supporting Our Future
By Ciaran Gallagher
Located at Botwood Legion Branch 5, this mural by Belfast artist Ciaran Gallagher reflects the community’s long-standing connection to military service. The work honours those who lost their lives in service, recognizes local veterans, and pays tribute to the men and women who continue to serve today.
Botwood’s colourful murals turn the town into an open-air gallery, sharing stories of local history, community life, military service, and the railway.