Tacoma Dome Unveils Salish Mural

A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Tribal Blessing Will Be Held Sept. 16 at 10 a.m.

This month, Tacoma Venues & Events (TVE) is unveiling a traditional Salish Coast mural along the Tacoma Dome’s south exterior Exhibition Hall.
This public art project, in partnership with the Puyallup Tribe of Indians and in consultation with the City of Tacoma’s Arts and Cultural Vitality division, originated with the intent to create highly visible, impactful artwork that serves as a welcoming landmark, honoring and amplifying the cultural presence and stories of the Puyallup Tribe.

“The Tacoma Dome has always been where people come together, and it is important that this iconic gathering place more visibly reflect the history and enduring presence of the Puyallup People on whose traditional lands it stands,” said TVE Director Adam Cook. “We are grateful for our partnership with the Puyallup Tribe and for the opportunity to provide a prominent space to share their story. This mural is one step toward recognizing the powerful connection between the Puyallup People, the Tacoma Dome, the land, and the community we serve.”

After a competitive application process beginning in summer 2025, Puyallup Tribal member and Coast Salish artist Anthony Duenas was selected by the Puyallup Tribe’s Heritage Division to lead the “brush” in this effort.

Blending traditional Coast Salish symbolism and sacred storytelling with urban art, Duenas’ craft engages viewers from all walks of life.

“I believe public art should speak to its land, its people, and its roots,” said Duenas. “The opportunity to contribute to the Tacoma Dome allows me to honor my local heritage while opening space for new dialogue, reflection, and connection.”
The mural is titled “x̌əčulb,” pronounced hutch-ulb, which in Lushootseed means to tell the story of one’s lineage. The art depicts a young person seeing their lineage ahead and an elder looking in the direction of the mountain and the youth, symbolizing the future. In the center of the mural, a thunderbird takes flight over two people as they canoe toward the observer, symbolizing past, present, and the continuous journey forward.

“This is not only a project, it's a lifelong dream and a deep responsibility,” Duenas continued. “I am delighted to bring this vision to life and contribute to the enduring legacy of the Tacoma Dome and my people.”

As a gathering site for hundreds of thousands of visitors who attend events year-round, this artwork helps share the story of the Tacoma Dome, the community, and the traditional lands of the Puyallup People as visitors are welcomed to Tacoma.
On Sept. 16, the Puyallup Tribe of Indians will host a ribbon cutting ceremony and tribal blessing to celebrate and honor the completion of this important work.

Community members and media are invited to attend at 10 a.m. on the Tacoma Dome’s Northwest Plaza.

###

About Tacoma Venues & Events: The City of Tacoma enhances quality of life for the community and drives economic vitality through its premier venues, special events, and diverse entertainment opportunities. TVE oversees these renowned venues, which include the Tacoma Dome, one of the world’s largest wood-domed structures with flexible seating configurations ranging from 5,000-21,000; the Greater Tacoma Convention Center, artful and modern with its trademark glass walls and 119,000 square feet of event space; Cheney Stadium, home of the Tacoma Rainiers; and the historic Pantages and Rialto Theaters and Theater on the Square. Tacoma Venues & Events reinvests revenue from city-owned venues into local events, cultural programming, and community grants.

About the Puyallup Tribe of Indians: The Puyallup People have lived along the shores of what is now called Puget Sound since time immemorial. The Puyallup Tribe of Indians is a sovereign nation of more than 6,000 members and one of the largest employers in Pierce County. It serves its members and community with generosity and is committed to building a sustainable way of life for future generations.

About the City of Tacoma’s Arts & Cultural Vitality: The arts are essential to Tacoma – enlivening its downtown core, contributing to the livability of its neighborhoods, and enhancing the quality of life of its residents and visitors. Arts & Cultural Vitality supports the cultural sector in Tacoma in a variety of ways, including funding programs, public art, professional development, and special programming. The division has two branches: Tacoma Arts and Tacoma Creates.