Record-breaking Ceiling Mural at Hartford's Bushnell Theater Showcases American Innovation

The Art Deco work by artist Barry Faulkner is the largest hand-painted ceiling mural in the country.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Bushnell Theater in Hartford, Connecticut is home to the largest hand-painted ceiling mural in the United States. The 187-foot by 40-foot Art Deco mural, titled 'Drama,' was created by artist Barry Faulkner and his team in 1929 and features symbols of American innovation like skyscrapers, airplanes, and the first talking picture actor Al Jolson.

Why it matters

The mural celebrates American ingenuity and the arts, serving as a symbol that the arts are for everyone in the community. As one of the most iconic features of the historic Bushnell Theater, the mural represents Connecticut's and the nation's rich cultural heritage.

The details

Artist Barry Faulkner and three apprentices spent five months painting the mural on canvas panels in a New York City studio before it was installed in the Bushnell Theater in 1929. The mural features the Muse Drama at the center, surrounded by constellations in deep navy blue and gold colors that are evocative of Art Deco style. The artwork also includes symbols of American innovation like a skyscraper reaching into the clouds where Charles Lindbergh's airplane appears, as well as the first talking picture actor Al Jolson.

  • The mural was painted in 1929 and installed that same year when the Bushnell Theater opened.
  • In 1995, a hole was cut in the mural to accommodate the iconic chandelier drop during a production of 'Phantom of the Opera'.

The players

Barry Faulkner

The artist who created the record-breaking ceiling mural at the Bushnell Theater in Hartford, Connecticut.

Stephanie Fried

The chief operating officer at the Bushnell Theater.

Robyn Joyce

The head electrician at the Bushnell Theater who works to maintain the appearance of the mural.

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What they’re saying

“So many people are excited about what is on the stage, but why should people look up when they're in this space? Because it's magic.”

— Stephanie Fried, Chief Operating Officer, Bushnell Theater (WFSB)

“It is still in pristine condition, despite all of the things that happen in this space during a Broadway show loading.”

— Robyn Joyce, Head Electrician, Bushnell Theater (WFSB)

“Musical theater was born in America. There is so much in the American story that is really anchored in the space of the arts and I think that the Drama mural and the Bushnell itself is representative of that here in Hartford and in Connecticut.”

— Stephanie Fried, Chief Operating Officer, Bushnell Theater (WFSB)

The takeaway

The record-breaking ceiling mural at the Bushnell Theater in Hartford, Connecticut is a testament to American innovation and the enduring power of the arts. As one of the most iconic features of this historic theater, the mural celebrates the country's cultural heritage and serves as a symbol that the arts are for everyone in the community.