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Free app turns St. Petersburg murals into fun, interactive 'drive-in theaters'

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Posted at 1:51 AM, Jul 22, 2020
and last updated 2020-07-22 07:54:52-04

PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — The murals of St. Petersburg are coming alive like never before.

A free app called PixelStix is turning many of the city's most beautiful outdoor art pieces into "drive-in theaters."

"This really is the best kept secret in St. Petersburg," says PixelStix creator Matthew Walker.

The pandemic is an ideal time for the easy-to-use app, with social distancing built right in.

Using the app, you can navigate 100-plus murals in St. Pete, listen to narration about the art and the artists, watch videos and more... all without leaving your car.

Many of the city's more monstrous murals are grouped on the app in a family-friendly category called "Drive-In Mural Theater," nine stops featuring big parking lots and even bigger artscapes.

"It's perfect for date night," says Walker.

PixelStix teamed with St. Pete's world-renowned SHINE Mural Festival to add interactive zing to the town's famous art.

If you want to get out of the car and stretch your legs, you can also use the PixelStix app to scan a plaque at each location that unlocks content.

Walker hopes the interactive experience enhances your love for St. Pete.

"You drive away to the next mural feeling really connected to your city in a deeper way," Walker says.