Last Updated on May 25, 2022
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In the Burch Ave neighborhood of Durham, Satellite Park (414 Gattis St) is a wonderful collection of murals that everyone in Bull City (and beyond) should know about. The park sits on the grounds of the Duke Arts Annex and consists of eight decommissioned satellites painted by local artists.
It’s a spectacular place if you’ve never been, which you likely haven’t, considering how little press the park gets compared to others. But when you do, you’ll agree with us that these repurposed satellites are some of the most colorful murals in Durham!
Satellite Park is one of our favorite things to do in Durham, especially for FREE and definitely with kids. If you’re looking for a fun place to stay, check out our guide to Durham Airbnbs.
Satellite Park in Durham NC
Leave NO Trace and Respect Parking Limits
When you visit this park, PLEASE leave no trace so the next person can enjoy it as you did. When you reach Satellite Park, keep in mind that parking is limited. And if there’s no parking available, plan to visit another day and do not park outside of designated areas.
Parking
Admission
Admission and materials to the Arts Annex are free to all Duke students, but community members may come during DukeCreate community days.
Satellite Park Background
The satellites were originally installed in 1991 by Tel Com to deliver educational programming for Duke Cable TV. They were eventually junked in the late 90s during the Internet’s inital rise.
After 20 years of hanging out on the side of this hill, Mural Durham decided to turn the satellites into works of art instead of hauling them off for scrap. The actual painting of the satellites was done live in April 2018 during a community festival.
The Artists of Satellite Park
These artists were chosen to form a group of 30-plus applicants to paint the satellites. Each represents a wide range of artistic styles and backgrounds, but all of the murals at Satellite Park incorporate nature with bright and bold colors.
Here are their names, with links to respective professional pages:
- Sarahlaine Calva
- Gina Elizabeth Franco
- George Mitchell & HappyMess
- Rachel Goodwin
- Bethany Bash
- Cornelio Campos
- Julienne Alexander
- J. Massullo
The Duke Arts Annex
The Duke Arts Annex where Satellite Park sits is an important piece of Durham’s community. The building is a centerpiece for studio arts, rehearsal, and programming spaces.
Read More: 50+ Easy Day Trips from Fayetteville (Great Getaways!)
DukeCreate
Workshops for the DukeCreate are free for Duke students, staff, and faculty and taught by Duke graduate students or local artists. Check out their schedule of events and workshops here.
When Will You Visit Satellite Park?
Even if you don’t live in Durham, we think Satellite Park should be on your list of fun things to do, especially if you’re in town for the weekend. And for you fellow Durhamites, what’s stopping you from walking around these lovely murals?
When you do make it out to the park, we’d love to know what you thought of this place? Let us know in the comments!
Map of Satellite Park
Address: 414 Gattis St, Durham, NC, 27701
