Canalside has transformed into a vibrant local hangout hub and a prime tourist destination for visitors. While waterfront activities may be the area’s main draw, the public art and murals nearby add depth, color and character to the experience. Installations around the waterfront reflect the city’s spirit, history and identity, inviting passersby to stop, look closer and be inspired. These pieces don’t just beautify the space; they contribute to Buffalo’s evolving narrative as a city where art and community meet.
Shark Girl
One of Buffalo’s most iconic installations is located at Canalside near the canal channel. This whimsical fiberglass figure depicts a young girl sitting on a bench with a shark’s head. Artist Casey Riordan originally created this sculpture in 2012, where it was installed along Cincinnati’s Ohio River. For Riordan, Shark Girl was a way to express the personal anxieties she felt as a child. However, the AKG Museum, formerly known as the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, acquired Shark Girl and had the piece relocated to Buffalo two years later. Today, Shark Girl is a popular photo-op. The surreal yet approachable and endearing design invites interaction and curiosity.
BUF
Standing along Marine Drive at Canalside since 2023, the BUF sculpture is impossible to miss. The installation is composed of three five-foot-tall, 3D letters weighing over 1,000 pounds. Rigidized Metals and artist Nicole Cherry collaborated to bring this piece to life, which now serves as another of Buffalo’s popular photo spots. As with many murals in Buffalo, NY and other public art pieces nearby, it’s both a backdrop for civic pride and an expression of local craftsmanship.
Wilkeson Wind Sculpture
Further down the waterfront from Canalside is the Outer Harbor. At Wilkeson Pointe, visitors can find the Wilkeson Wind Sculpture designed and constructed by kinetic artist Lyman Whitaker. Known internationally for his wind-driven, nature-inspired sculptures, Whitaker designed this piece to echo the motion and grace of natural elements and foliage. It truly captures the magic of spinning leaves and flowing air. The sculpture is a captivating sight against Lake Erie and adds a meditative element to the area’s public art scene. As the wind changes, so does the sculpture’s movement, making each visit a slightly different experience. It’s an excellent example of how Buffalo’s waterfront continues to embrace both environmental inspiration and artistic innovation.
Cobblestone Commons Murals
Just steps away from Canalside in Buffalo’s Cobblestone District, the Cobblestone Commons murals form a striking visual experience along the NFTA Yard’s DL&W Terminal wall. Commissioned by AKG’s Public Art Initiative in 2020, this project brought together twelve artists from across Western New York and beyond to create twelve unique murals using acrylic paint. Each artist was given complete creative freedom, resulting in a dynamic collection that defies thematic boundaries. The wall bursts with color, abstraction, storytelling and personal expression, making it a standout among public murals in Buffalo. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, it’s worth the short walk from Canalside to see how this large-scale installation celebrates both individuality and community through public art.
Coming Soon: Buffalo Sister Cities Installation
Looking ahead, Canalside is preparing to welcome a new permanent addition to its public art collection. Arts Services Inc. (ASI) and Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera opened calls for artists to create a large-scale Sister Cities signpost sculpture. Scheduled to be installed by September 1, 2025, this work will honor Buffalo’s 17 Sister Cities and celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal. To be placed near the historic Immigrant Steps, the sculpture will not only mark international ties but also underscore the city’s immigrant roots and evolving cultural identity. With Buffalo murals and public art already deeply ingrained in the Canalside experience, this new installation will serve as a powerful symbol of global connection and historical continuity.