23 Amazing Murals by 'Jan Is De Man' That Made His City Smile

John Summers • Contributor

Sep 17, 2025 9:00 PM EDT

Are apartment buildings boring? Apparently not for Jan Is De Man. This Dutch muralist is out here doing God's work - transforming anonymous bland buildings into talking bookshelves, giant eyes that stare back at you, and realistic looking illusions so perfect you'll swear the paint is opening up a window.

What sets Jan apart is how his murals don't just slap pretty colors on concrete - they belong to their place. He uses the shape of walls, windows, and neighborhoods as part of the art. He has painted bookshelves filled with locals' favorite books, given houses faces, turned façades into stacked shelf illusions, and made giant cheerful 3D giraffes that interact with trees. His work is playful but precise; whimsical but grounded.

With these 23 amazing murals, you'll see everything from optical illusions and book-filled façades to subtle commentary and bursts of color where none existed before. These are the folks whose cities I want to take a walk through—just to soak in the walls.