What is the 'Hi, How Are You' Frog Mural and who created it?

The mural is a famous piece of street art in Austin featuring a wide-eyed frog named Jeremiah the Innocent. It was created by local musician and artist Daniel Johnston, who originally drew the character for his 1983 cassette album cover, "Hi, How Are You: The Unfinished Album."

Where is the mural located?

The mural is located north of downtown Austin, at the corner of W. 21st Street and Guadalupe Street, near the University of Texas at Austin campus.

How much does it cost to visit the mural?

Viewing the mural is completely free and it is open to all.

What is the history behind the mural's preservation?

The mural faced demolition in early 2004 when there were plans to replace it with windows. However, it was saved and preserved following community protests, and it was later declared an official Cultural Landmark in 2014.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

'Hi, How Are You' Frog Mural in Austin

'Hi, How Are You' Frog Mural

Located near the UT Austin campus, this iconic and beloved street mural features Jeremiah the Innocent, a friendly, wide-eyed frog painted by musician Daniel Johnston. It stands as a symbol of Austin's creative spirit.

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What to know

Located at the corner of Guadalupe Street and West 21st Street just north of downtown Austin, the "Hi, How Are You" mural is one of the city's most iconic public artworks. The mural features a friendly, wide-eyed frog named Jeremiah the Innocent, who greets passersby with the simple question, "Hi, How Are You?". This quirky character originally appeared on the cover of local musician and artist Daniel Johnston's 1983 cassette tape, "Hi, How Are You: The Unfinished Album". In 1993 (though some sources note 1992), Craig Koon, the store manager of the Sound Exchange record store, commissioned Johnston to paint a mural on the side of the building. Johnston chose to paint a variation of his hand-drawn 1983 album artwork. The simple, heartfelt painting quickly transformed the record store wall into a beloved local landmark, perfectly capturing the unique culture and distinctly local music scene of Austin. Over the years, the mural faced threats of destruction. In early January 2004, it was nearly demolished when plans were made to replace the wall with windows. Following community protests, the building's owner, John Oudt, opted to preserve the mural, despite an estimated cost of $50,000 in architect fees and lost revenue. In 2014, the mural's significance was officially recognized when it was declared an Austin Cultural Landmark and outfitted with a bronze plaque. Following Daniel Johnston's death in September 2019, the mural served as an impromptu memorial where grieving fans gathered to pay their respects. Today, the artwork remains open to all, and Johnston's legacy continues to shine through the "Hi, How Are You Project," cementing Jeremiah the Innocent as an enduring symbol of Austin's creative spirit.

Visitor tips

The mural is located outdoors on a public street corner, making it completely free to view at any time.
Look for the bronze cultural landmark plaque installed on the wall near the mural.
Combine your visit with a walk around the nearby University of Texas at Austin campus, located just to the east.

Nearby context

Located just west of Guadalupe Street on West 21st Street, the mural sits right on the edge of the University of Texas at Austin campus area. This vibrant neighborhood, historically known for its record stores like the former Sound Exchange, is a hub of student life, shopping, and local culture, making the friendly frog a natural greeting point for anyone exploring the campus outskirts.

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