Murale Tuttomondo, Pisa

Historic Site in Pisa

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Guglielmo Giambartolomei

Tucked on the rear wall of the church of Sant'Antonio Abate, just a short walk from Pisa Centrale station, Tuttomondo feels like stumbling across a giant open sketchbook splashed across the city's everyday streetscape. Commissioned in 1989 after a chance encounter between Keith Haring and a Pisan student, the 180-square-metre mural bursts with thirty interlocking figures - men, women, children and animals - tumbling joyfully across the wall in Haring's unmistakable cartoon-like style. For art lovers, it is one of the best places to visit in Pisa if you want to see how bold contemporary work can sit comfortably alongside medieval and Renaissance heritage.

Completed in just one intense week, Tuttomondo is a rare outdoor piece that Haring designed to be a permanent public artwork, and he later described it as one of his most important creations. Knowing that he died only a year later, in 1990 at the age of 31, gives the mural an added poignancy. Yet the mood on the wall is anything but sombre: humans, a dolphin, a bat and other creatures are woven together into a single, flowing composition that reads as a manifesto for harmony between people, animals and nature. Seen in person, with trains rattling nearby and locals passing on bikes, it feels like a living, breathing artwork - very much a highlight of any walking tour of Pisa that wanders beyond the Piazza dei Miracoli into the modern city.

History and Significance of the Tuttomondo Mural
Things to See and Do in the Tuttomondo Mural
How to Get to the Tuttomondo Mural
Practical Tips on Visiting the Tuttomondo Mural
Where to Stay close to the Tuttomondo Mural
Is the Tuttomondo Mural Worth Visiting
FAQs for Visiting Tuttomondo Mural
Nearby Attractions to the Tuttomondo Mural

History and Significance of the Tuttomondo Mural

Tuttomondo was born from a moment of serendipity. In 1989, a young student from Pisa met Keith Haring in New York and invited him to create a mural in their home city. Haring accepted, intrigued by the idea of bringing his visual language to a historic Italian town better known for Romanesque marble than street art. The back wall of Sant'Antonio Abate, near Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, became his canvas, and over the course of a week he laid out and painted what would become one of the largest and most ambitious murals in Europe.

The mural’s name, Tuttomondo (“all the world”), captures its message. Thirty brightly painted figures fill the surface, each one interlocking or supporting another. Human bodies twist into impossible poses, animals fold into gaps, and the entire scene forms a kind of visual puzzle where every piece depends on the others. It is a graphic shorthand for coexistence: different beings, shapes and colours bound together in one continuous, harmonious movement. Haring’s signature aesthetic - thick black outlines, flat colours, cartoon energy - makes the theme instantly legible even if you know nothing about his wider work.

Tuttomondo is also historically significant within Haring's own career. It is one of his very few outdoor works conceived from the start as a permanent public artwork, rather than a temporary subway drawing or ephemeral mural. He considered it one of his major statements, and with his death in 1990, it became one of his last completed pieces. Today, it stands as both a landmark of late 20th-century public art and a symbol of how Pisa has embraced contemporary creativity alongside its medieval icons.

Things to See and Do in the Tuttomondo Mural

Your experience at Tuttomondo starts even before you reach the wall. As you approach Sant'Antonio Abate from Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, the mural suddenly reveals itself, dominating the rear facade and spilling down towards the pavement. Take a moment to stand back and absorb the whole composition first: the bright blocks of colour, the dense arrangement of figures and the way the mural transforms a plain church wall into a huge, optimistic billboard for coexistence.

Then move closer and start picking out individual characters. You will see figures bending into heart shapes, bodies forming chains, and animals woven into the gaps - a dolphin, a bat and other creatures that tie the human world to nature. Part of the fun is tracing how one limb becomes another shape, and seeing how few empty spaces Haring left. Try walking slowly along the wall, letting your eye travel from one figure to the next, reading it almost like a comic strip without words.

Because the mural sits in an ordinary urban setting, it is also a great spot for people-watching. You may see students cutting through on their way to class, families with children pointing out favourite figures or travellers lining up for photos against the colourful backdrop. Take some time to frame your own shots - from wide, full-wall images to close-ups of specific characters - and then step back again to simply enjoy how alive the piece feels in its everyday context.

How to Get to the Tuttomondo Mural

Most international visitors arrive via Pisa International Airport Galileo Galilei, a short distance from the city; from there, you can reach Pisa Centrale station by local train, bus, tram link or taxi and then walk to Sant'Antonio Abate church in just a few minutes. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Pisa on Booking.com.

Pisa is well connected by rail, with frequent trains from Florence, Lucca, Livorno and other Tuscan destinations arriving at Pisa Centrale; from the station, follow signs towards Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II and look for Sant'Antonio Abate just behind it, where the mural covers the rear wall facing a small square. Use Omnio to easily compare schedules, book train tickets, and find the best prices all in one place for a hassle-free journey across Italy.

If you are travelling by car, head for central Pisa via the A12 or Florence-Pisa routes, then park in one of the designated car parks outside the limited-traffic zone and walk towards Pisa Centrale and Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II; from there, the church and mural are an easy stroll away. If you are looking to rent a car in Italy I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Tuttomondo Mural

Suggested tips: Visit Tuttomondo either on your way into town from Pisa Centrale or as part of a loop between the station and the historic centre, and give yourself time to both photograph and simply sit and look at the mural.
Best time to visit: Late afternoon often brings softer light and fewer harsh shadows on the wall, making colours pop more gently; early morning can also be pleasant and quieter.
Entrance fee: Viewing the mural is free; there is no ticket required as it is an outdoor public artwork.
Opening hours: Accessible at all hours from the street; any interior church opening times are separate and may vary.
How long to spend: Plan 20-40 minutes to see the mural properly, take photos and trace the different figures; art fans might linger longer to sketch or photograph details.
Accessibility: The mural is viewed from street level on a flat urban surface, making it generally accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, though you should watch for kerbs and parked vehicles.
Facilities: Being in the city centre, you are close to cafés, bars, shops and restrooms around Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II and Pisa Centrale station.
Photography tip: Start with a wide shot from across the square, then move closer for details of individual figures; consider including passing people or bikes in your frame to underline the mural’s urban setting.
Guided tours: Some Pisa city tours include Tuttomondo along with the Piazza dei Miracoli and riverside; if you are a Haring fan, you might prefer to visit independently and take your time.
Nearby food options: Use the cafés and eateries around Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II and the station area for a coffee or snack before or after your visit, then continue on towards the river or cathedral district.

Where to Stay close to the Tuttomondo Mural

Because Tuttomondo sits so close to Pisa Centrale and Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, staying near the station is very convenient if you want easy access both to the mural and to trains for exploring Tuscany. A practical option is NH Pisa, directly opposite the station and a short walk from Sant’Antonio Abate. If you prefer to be slightly closer to the historic heart while still within walking distance of the mural, Hotel Bologna Pisa offers a comfortable base between the station and the river. Travellers who would rather stay near the Piazza dei Miracoli but still visit Tuttomondo on foot might choose Grand Hotel Duomo, a longer but pleasant stroll or quick bus ride from the mural and close to the Leaning Tower and cathedral.

Is the Tuttomondo Mural Worth Visiting

Tuttomondo is absolutely worth seeking out, especially if you are interested in modern art or want to see a different side of Pisa beyond its marble monuments. The mural's scale, colour and energy are striking in photos but far more impressive in person, and knowing it was one of Keith Haring's last major works adds emotional depth to the visit. At the same time, its message of unity between humans, animals and nature feels timeless and surprisingly gentle for a piece so large and bold. As a free, easily accessible artwork that connects global pop art with a historic Italian city, it quickly becomes one of the things to do in Pisa that people talk about long after they have left.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (3,090)

Tuttomondo (Keith Haring), at P.za V. Emanuele II 18 in Pisa, is a large, vibrant mural on the rear wall of the Church of Sant'Antonio Abate that visitors praise as an inspiring, must-see artwork set against a Tuscan backdrop; reviewers note its striking interlocking figures and accessible style, its tucked-away alley location that rewards those who explore beyond the main sights, and nearby cafes and friendly staff make it easy to relax after viewing.

Mike Hall

a month ago

"Tucked away at one end of Pisa itself. The mural is huge and a wonderful piece of art against Tuscan backdrop. Do not miss, get your photo"

Paul Petyt

7 months ago

"A vibrant and inspiring mural by Keith Haring, painted in 1989 on the rear wall of the Church of Sant’Antonio Abate. “Tuttomondo” (All the World)features 30 interlocking figures symbolizing themes of peace, unity, and harmony. It’s one of Haring’s last public works and a must-see for art enthusiasts visiting Pisa...."

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Vie a

9 months ago

"Keith Haring’s artwork is very famous, but I only delved deeper into his work after learning about this mural. Regardless, he expressed his ideas ina more accessible way. Unfortunately, he only lived to be 31 years old...."

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FAQs for Visiting Tuttomondo Mural

The mural is painted on the rear wall of the church of Sant’Antonio Abate, just behind Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II and a short walk from Pisa Centrale station.

Yes, the mural is visible from the street at any time, though lighting conditions vary; evenings can be atmospheric, but for the best colour and detail, daylight visits are preferable.

The wall is periodically maintained and monitored, and protective coatings have been used over the years, but like any outdoor artwork it is still exposed to the elements and urban wear.

Nearby Attractions to the Tuttomondo Mural

Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II: The central square just in front of Sant'Antonio Abate, often your starting point for exploring the modern part of Pisa.
Corso Italia: One of Pisa's main shopping streets, leading from the station area towards the river and offering cafés, boutiques and everyday local life.
Lungarni (Arno riverside): The embankments along the River Arno, a pleasant place for a stroll and views of historic palazzi and bridges.
Piazza dei Miracoli: Home to the Leaning Tower, cathedral, baptistery and Camposanto, reachable on foot or by bus from Tuttomondo for a classic Pisa sightseeing circuit.
Museo della Grafica: A museum of graphic art housed in a riverside palazzo, ideal for continuing an art-themed day after visiting Haring’s mural.

The Murale Tuttomondo appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Pisa!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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