Artist Stephen Johnson’s 58-foot long mural, titled Universal Delights, at Universal City Station. The mural celebrates the film and television industry through an juxtaposition of colors, shapes, and other familiar imagery associated with the movies.

Ever wonder about the exuberant murals at Universal City Station or the life-size figures soaring above the platform at Civic Center Station? And what about all of those film canisters at the Hollywood/Vine station?

For those adventurous types out there, Metro offers tours that provide insights into the artworks, the artists who created them and the processes it took to make them. Why not launch the new year with an exploration of the Metro system to learn a bit about all that curious art you’ve been passing by?

A Metro Art tour guide discusses the artwork at North Hollywood Station. The ceramic mural by Anne Marie Karlsen, called Kaleidoscope Dreams, depicts the dreams and aspirations of generations of San Fernando Valley immigrants and celebrates the Valley’s spirit and history.

Upcoming tours:

Thursday, January 3 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, January 5 at 10 a.m.
Sunday, January 6 at 10 a.m.

For specific tour meeting locations and more details about Art Tours, visit metro.net/art and click on Art Tours.

While docent programs are commonly found at museums around the world, Metro is the first transit agency to benefit from such a program.

Free tours are offered the first Thursday, Saturday and Sunday of every month and focus on the artwork along the Red Line (special request tours of other lines can be arranged by calling 213.922.2738). The tours are roundtrip and last approximately two hours. Tours are led by trained Metro Art Docent Council volunteers. No reservations are required!

A Metro Art tour guide discusses the artwork at Universal City Station. The ceramic mural by Margaret Garcia, called Tree of Califas, marks the historic site of the Campo de Cahuenga, where in 1847 Mexico relinquished control of California to the United States.

In a reflection of the universal motif of flight as spiritual journey, Jonathan Borofsky’s I Dreamed I Could Fly is an interpretation of the artist’s dreams of soaring above ground. The six fiberglass figures, all resembling the artist, hover and cast large shadows in the high bay area of Civic Center Station.

One of 52 individual glass mosaics comprising the artwork by Faith Ringgold titled People Portraits: in Creativity, Performing, Sports and Fashion. Spread across four mezzanine walls at Civic Center Station, images include models walking the catwalk, baseball players, surfers, artists and musicians.

A view of one mezzanine wall at Civic Center Station picturing five of 52 individual glass mosaics comprising the artwork by Faith Ringgold titled People Portraits: in Creativity, Performing, Sports and Fashion.