In the heart of Madrid, where the familiar hustle and bustle usually reigns, a new attraction for contemporary art lovers has emerged. The facade of an ordinary school in Moratalaz now features more than just a painting—it boasts an entire world that seems to come alive before your eyes. A giant fox, fantastic butterflies, and 3D illusions have all become part of daily life for students and neighborhood residents—not a museum exhibit, but part of their everyday environment.
This unique project was created by artist Leire Pérez Velasco, known by the pseudonym Leyvel. She didn’t just paint a wall—she built a space where traditional art meets digital technology. The mural titled “Persigue tu estrella” (Chase your star) has already made the shortlist for an international competition and could earn the title of the world’s best in 2025. Honestly, it has every chance of doing so.
What’s impressive isn’t just its scale—180 square meters—but also how seamlessly the work blends into the urban landscape. It’s not just decoration, but a true symbol of change for the entire neighborhood. Locals now see their school differently, and kids pass by the huge fox each day, as if it winks at them from three stories up.
Technology and imagination
The main feature of this mural is augmented reality. Just point your smartphone at the image, and the characters start to move, as if you’ve stepped into a cartoon. Digital artist Ricardo Rolland was responsible for the technical side, helping turn an ordinary wall into an interactive portal. This blend of classic street art and modern technology is rare, especially in schoolyards.
But it’s not just about the wow factor. Both students and teachers took part in the creation process. For them, it wasn’t just an art class—it was a real adventure. The schoolyard temporarily became an open-air workshop where everyone could contribute. This brought people closer together and gave them a sense of being part of something big and important.
Many parents admit that now their children are eager to go to school, just to see the wall come to life again. And for the teachers, the project was a chance to rethink approaches to teaching and nurturing—proving that art can inspire just as much as any textbook.
Moratalaz on the world map
Local authorities didn’t stand aside. The Muraltalaz project, under which this mural was created, was conceived as a way to turn neighborhood streets into an open-air gallery. The idea worked: now, people come here not only from Madrid but also tourists, eager to see this unique artwork for themselves. Moratalaz has unexpectedly found itself in the spotlight, and the school is now on the must-see list for street art fans.
Interestingly, in the international competition, Madrid’s mural competed with projects from Mexico, Italy, and Brazil. However, it was the Spanish project that stood out for its strong social impact. Here, art does more than just decorate the city—it becomes part of daily life, transforms public perception, and inspires positive change.
The symbolism is important too. The fox represents hope, while the butterfly stands for the desire to change. For the children, these images have become something like good luck charms. Every day they walk past, and perhaps one day, some of them will be inspired to create something similar.
Lessons for the Future
This story isn’t just about art—it’s also about how urban spaces evolve. An ordinary wall that was once ignored has turned into a place for gatherings, discussions, even debates. Some people admire it, others criticize, but no one remains indifferent. And that, perhaps, is the biggest achievement.
Many note that these kinds of projects can bring new life to residential neighborhoods where vibrant events are rare. Moratalaz is now associated not only with typical city blocks, but also with innovation, creativity, and openness to experimentation. It serves as an example for other cities and districts, where walls are still waiting for their own artist.
Voting for the world’s best mural will continue until the end of January 2026. But in many ways, victory has already been achieved: the neighborhood has gained a new symbol, children have found a new source of inspiration, and Madrid has one more reason to be proud. Some may say it’s just a beautiful picture, but for many it has become a window into a brighter, kinder world.
Inspiration every day
Now, when you often see people on the street with their phones out, filming the mural coming to life, it becomes clear: art truly can change reality—not just virtually, but tangibly. Children who used to hurry home now linger by the wall to see the butterfly take flight or the fox blink once more.
This project is a remarkable blend of simplicity and technology, local identity and global reach. Once again, Madrid proves it can surprise, while its residents show their support for the boldest ideas. Who knows—maybe in a year this schoolyard will become a pilgrimage site for street art enthusiasts from around the world.
