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All the United States North Carolina Raleigh Free Expression Tunnel
AO Edited

Free Expression Tunnel

In a pedestrian tunnel on North Carolina State’s campus resides an expressive and artistic free-for-all.

Raleigh, North Carolina

Added By
Tank Fordham
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Free Expression Tunnel   fordhamtank / Atlas Obscura User
Free Expression Tunnel   blimpcaptain / Atlas Obscura User
Free Expression Tunnel entrance   blimpcaptain / Atlas Obscura User
  The25th / Atlas Obscura User
  The25th / Atlas Obscura User
  trawickimages / Atlas Obscura User
  WickedWanderers / Atlas Obscura User
  trawickimages / Atlas Obscura User
  trawickimages / Atlas Obscura User
Free Expression Tunnel   fordhamtank / Atlas Obscura User
Free Expression Tunnel   fordhamtank / Atlas Obscura User
Free Expression Tunnel   fordhamtank / Atlas Obscura User
Free Expression Tunnel   fordhamtank / Atlas Obscura User
Free Expression Tunnel   fordhamtank / Atlas Obscura User
  trawickimages / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Connecting North Carolina State University's north and central campuses is a local landmark dedicated to art and expression. In November 1967, the student council allowed students to paint art and messages in one of the pedestrian tunnels running under the train tracks that divide the campus. This would come to be known as the Free Expression Tunnel by students.

Students and others are constantly repainting the tunnel and retaining walls at the exit with art, memorials, political slogans, and messages supporting Wolfpack sports teams.

The tunnel is constantly changing as anyone can come and paint, so the walls are always being painted over. There are very few rules in keeping with the "Free Expression" moniker, but this had led to some controversy in the past.

Related Tags

Outsider Art Tunnels Universities History & Culture Subterranean Sites

Know Before You Go

The tunnel is located on NC State's campus but is open to all. 

Community Contributors

Added By

fordhamtank

Edited By

The25th, trawickimages, blimpcaptain, WickedWanderers...

  • The25th
  • trawickimages
  • blimpcaptain
  • WickedWanderers
  • melissamaimone11

Published

June 23, 2021

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Sources
  • https://www.lib.ncsu.edu/news/special-collections/fabulous-50%3A--free-expression-tunnel
  • https://m.facebook.com/FreeX.NCSU
Free Expression Tunnel
Free Expression Tunnel
Raleigh, North Carolina, 27607
United States
35.785484, -78.671737
Get Directions

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