A city is only as memorable as its personality. Grants Pass not only has sweeping mountains and a rushing river but also an unforgettable character. With unique murals, sculptures, and art on every corner, Grants Pass is a colorful and fun place. The city's murals tell the story of Grants Pass and its people. 

The Old Josephine Hotel mural is on the side of the Redwood Hotel of F Street. The mural was created by John Mitchner and inspired by the historic Hotel Josephine. Back in its day, the Hotel Josephine was a turn-of-the-century building. It included electricity and gas-- one of the first buildings to boast this level of development in the city of Grants Pass. The National Register of Historic Places in Josephine County notes that the hotel “was held to be forward-looking in its day, a reinforced concrete skyscraper with some eclectic period ornamentation of cast concrete.” Built in 1905, the hotel included a sample room, a sitting room, and a barbershop.  In sample rooms, salesmen would display their products to gain new customers. In 1905 an addition, later called the Redwood Hotel, was built alongside the Hotel Josephine. However, in 1975, a fire destroyed the interior of the Hotel Josephine. No longer able to be used, the Hotel Josephine was closed. The Redwood Hotel opened in 1926 and continued to operate. The Redwood Hotel was six stories high, with 45 rooms offered to the visitors of Grants Pass, Oregon. The Hotel Josephine was built at a time when the city was flourishing and growing. It is saved from being forgotten due to its mural on the equally historic Redwood Hotel. The mural preserves essential local history, the story of the city, and its people. 

The Rivoli Theatre, located on 6th Street, was established by Mike Murphy in 1919. In his mural, Murphy depicts the original Rivoli Theatre that existed until the 1950s. According to Puget Sound Theatre Organ Society, "The Rivoli Theatre originally had a ⅔ Robert Morton installed in 1924." This organ was used to provide background music for silent movies and enhance the cinematic experience. The mural also features a high school student wearing a Grants Pass High School letterman’s jacket, who seems to be purchasing a movie ticket at the local cinema. Additionally, the mural shows an art shop located next to the Rivoli Theatre, which might have been named after Murphy himself.

The Grants Pass visiting center offers an amazing opportunity for visitors to explore the city's rich artistic heritage by providing a Public Walking Art Map pamphlet. The pamphlet includes a detailed map with directions to the various sculptures and murals throughout the city, making it easy for visitors to explore the artistic and cultural offerings of the city. Visiting these various sites in the city is not only a great way to learn more about the history and story of the city, but it also increases interest and desire to learn more. The art and sculptures in Grants Pass are not just beautiful but also tell a story about the city's past and present. By exploring these sites, visitors can gain a deeper appreciation for the artistic, cultural, and historical significance of Grants Pass.

The city of Grants Pass in Oregon has a great collection of murals that reflect its rich history, featuring buildings and moments that played a significant role in its development. The Rivoli Theatre and Old Josephine Hotel mural are just a few examples of this impressive collection. The artwork, along with the natural beauty of the Grants Pass, creates a unique culture and personality to be proud of. 

Sources:

• Cinema Treasures

• Library of Congress

• Noehill

• Puget Sound Theatre Organ Society 

• Visit Grants Pass

• Waymarking