A vibrant new mural honoring the legendary Jackson family is nearing completion on Lake Street in the Miller section of Gary, Indiana. Created by celebrated local artist Felix “Flex” Maldonado, this new piece replaces his previous Jackson 5 mural that once stood tall on Broadway in downtown Gary—demolished in 2020 to widespread disappointment.
This latest tribute, announced this month, is being welcomed by fans and locals alike as a powerful reaffirmation of the Jacksons’ enduring connection to their hometown.
The new mural, located in the heart of the Miller Beach arts district, is not just a painting—it’s a restoration of pride and memory. Artist Felix Maldonado is returning to familiar ground. Before creating the now-demolished Broadway mural, Maldonado had already painted a smaller Jackson 5 tribute in the Miller neighborhood. Now, by popular demand, he brings the Jacksons back to Lake Street with a large-scale work that captures their legacy.
The project has drawn attention from fans worldwide, particularly those who were heartbroken by the loss of Maldonado’s original mural on Broadway—a 60-foot-high homage that had become a local landmark before the building’s demolition in November 2020.
As one of the most iconic musical families in history, The Jacksons—particularly the Jackson 5 and of course, Michael Jackson—rose from humble beginnings on 2300 Jackson Street in Gary. Their journey from this small industrial city to global superstardom is the stuff of legend, and their connection to Gary remains a source of civic pride.
Murals, tributes, and fan pilgrimages have been common over the decades. But no visual tribute has stirred as much attention as the large murals created by Maldonado.
Felix Maldonado is a self-taught artist born and raised in East Chicago, Indiana. Known for blending fine art, street art, and graffiti, Maldonado has become one of Northwest Indiana’s most recognized public artists.
Maldonado’s new mural on Lake Street aims to capture the same essence—celebrating the Jacksons’ cultural impact, family unity, and Gary’s place in music history. While specific visual details remain under wraps until its unveiling, the artist has hinted that it will be a larger, more vibrant interpretation of the Broadway mural, with modern artistic techniques and richer storytelling elements.
This new location—steps from the Lake Michigan shoreline and in the heart of a growing arts corridor—ensures the mural will remain accessible and celebrated for years to come.
An inauguration of the mural will take place on June 27 at 4pm:
