A towering mural of legendary opera diva Maria Callas, in the Greek city of Kalamata has been named Best Mural of the Year at the 2025 Street Art Cities Awards.

The striking artwork, located on Aristomenous Street in Kalamata’s city center, was created by Greek artist Kleomenis Kostopoulos, known professionally as KLE. Selected from hundreds of murals worldwide, the winner was chosen through a combination of expert jury evaluation and public voting.

Reacting to the announcement, Kostopoulos described the recognition as a shared achievement. “From a small city street to the top of the world. Finally we did it, we gave a wall a voice and it was heard everywhere,” he said. “Thank you Street Art Cities for the invitation and hospitality, and a big, warm thank you to everyone who voted, shared and talked about my work. This distinction is collective.”

The mural brings the iconic figure of Callas to life across the façade of a central Kalamata building, bringing history, poetry, and color to the seaside city.

Kostopoulos added that he intends to continue creating bold public works that engage communities and elevate shared spaces, stressing the role of street art in contemporary cultural exchange.

The international recognition places Kalamata firmly on the global street art map, highlighting how large-scale urban artworks can serve as cultural ambassadors for cities worldwide.

Maria Callas, an American-born Greek soprano, remains one of the most celebrated and influential opera singers of the 20th century.

Founded in 2016, Street Art Cities is a global online platform connecting artists and enthusiasts who document street art in more than 2,500 cities worldwide.