Iconic Penguin Mural Restored, Ready for Display at Silver Spring Transit Center

The iconic penguin mural that inspired the look of Silver Spring street signs and the Veterans Plaza ice rink has been restored and is ready for display.

The 100-foot, 25-panel mural designed by artist Sally Callmer first brought penguins to the downtown area, says Montgomery Community Media.

When the mural was installed in the 1980s, it was only supposed to be on display for a year in the underpass at the Silver Spring Metro station. But its popularity with commuters prompted the Washington Transit Authority to buy it for permanent display.

As the mural began to peel, it was taken down to be refurbished. That was almost 10 years ago.

“The penguin is the symbol of Silver Spring and the little kids just absolutely love it,” resident Carla Kijak told MCM. “My grandkids come and they ice skate with penguins and there’s a penguin on the corner over here, there’s penguins throughout the city.”

A “pennies for penguins” campaign raised the money needed to refurbish the mural, which is now ready to be re-installed, but is awaiting the completion of the Silver Spring Transit Center.