A Modern Mona: Makelismos Debuts New Downtown Miami Mural
The renowned artist transforms Mana Common HQ with the world’s largest reimagining of the Mona Lisa.
Mar 13, 2025 · 2 Minute Read 
Downtown Miami just gained an iconic new landmark. Internationally acclaimed Spanish artist René Mäkelä, known as Makelismos, has completed his latest mural on the west-facing wall of Mana Common HQ—a breathtaking reinterpretation of the Mona Lisa.
Spanning multiple stories, this monumental artwork now holds the record as the largest Mona Lisa mural in the world. It builds on Makelismos’ previous collaborations with Mana Common—beginning with Queen of Hearts at Mana Wynwood followed by the more recent Girl with a Pearl Earring on the building’s south-facing wall. With Mona Lisa now watching over Flagler Street, Makelismos further cements his influence on Miami’s art scene.
Visible from Biscayne Boulevard’s skyscrapers and creating a striking presence along Flagler Street, the mural transforms one of history’s most famous portraits into a dynamic piece of public art.
The idea of creating classic works in such a modern city is precisely to seek that contrast. The older, more classic part of Miami deserves this type of work, which also breaks with what people are used to finding here, which is contemporary art.
— René Mäkelä, Artist, Makelismos
The juxtaposition between this massive mural and Miami’s evolving skyline reflects a modern Renaissance for the Flagler District, where the city’s historic downtown corridor is undergoing a major transformation. As revitalization efforts progress, Mona Lisa’s enigmatic smile now watches over a district on the rise.
Take a walk down Flagler Street to see this remarkable mural up close. For more on Mana Common’s cultural initiatives, visit manacommon.com.
