WTOP is celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, with stories spotlighting the contributions, culture, and accomplishments of Hispanic and Latino people and places across the D.C. region.
In Tuesday’s episode of “Matt About Town,” WTOP visited the oldest standing mural painted by Latino immigrants — in the heart of Adams Morgan in Northwest D.C.
It occupies the entire alleyway facing side of a building on Adams Mill Road — at least five stories high, with abstract characters that look like they came straight out of a Picasso painting.
Painted in 1977, “Un Pueblo Sin Murales” was the creation of two Chilean brothers, Carlos and Renato Salazar. They came to America fleeing the Pinochet military dictatorship in their home country.
Reflected in its illustrations are many issues that still ring true in 2026: commentary on affordability, rent and housing crises, gentrification and the idea of wrestling with identity issues from feeling displaced.
The name of the mural itself, Un Pueblo Sin Murales, translated, means “A People Without Murals are a Demuralized People.” It’s a play on words that also has a message at its core: Latinos and their contributions are proud to be represented in the nation’s capital.
Follow WTOP’s Matt Kaufax as he explores hidden gems, local landmarks and unique stories across the D.C. area every week. New episodes of WTOP’s “Matt About Town” segment are released each Tuesday and Thursday.
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