Spanish-American artist Domingo Zapata is embarking on what is being described as the largest mural ever attempted, a massive artwork spanning approximately 540,000 square feet, the equivalent of nine football fields.
The ambitious project is currently underway in Riyadh, backed by authorities in Saudi Arabia. According to reports, the mural is so vast that it could potentially be visible from space once completed.
Zapata has described the project as his “magna opera” ,his most ambitious artistic undertaking to date. The mural is expected to take between four and six years to complete and involves a team of more than 100 collaborators, including artists, architects, and engineers.
Rather than simply creating a large painting, Zapata says the goal is to produce a cultural landmark, one that reflects themes of humanity, unity, love, and progress. He has even referred to the project as a Middle Eastern interpretation of the Sistine Chapel, emphasizing both its scale and symbolic ambition.
Zapata is no stranger to monumental works. He previously created one of the largest vinyl murals displayed in Times Square, reinforcing his reputation for blending fine art with public spectacle.
However, this Saudi-based project significantly eclipses his previous works in both size and scope. If completed as planned, it would set a new global benchmark for mural art.
The mural also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader push to invest in culture, tourism, and large-scale creative initiatives as part of its long-term development strategy. Large public art projects like this often function not only as artistic statements but also as international cultural signals.