Worldwide Sidewalk Joy Project
Run by PDX Dinorama
The map now features over 2,450 spots in 19 countries!
NOTE: Currently this map is working best on a desktop. On a phone, you may need to click the ‘open map’ button twice for it to load. People have reported an issue in the last few weeks with opening the map on Google Maps on their phones. Unfortunately this is a bug on Google Maps’ end and not something I’m able to troubleshoot. But we reached our funding goal and will be making an app!
An app is coming!
90% of people are using their phones to access the map
The software used for the map (Google MyMaps) isn’t optimized for phones and currently isn’t even loading for half of users.
With the (free!) app you’ll finally be able to…
Search for a spot by location or installation name
Toggle between map and list view
Mark a spot as visited
Turn on or off particular categories
See details for each spot
Thanks to your alls’ help, we received the funding goal needed to make the app a reality! Stay tuned for more info on when the app is launching here.
What is Sidewalk Joy?
Sidewalk Joy spots are free, curated installations that bring a bit of whimsy and inspiration to the community.
Think Free Little Art Galleries, Puzzle Exchanges, Toy Swaps, Mug Exchanges, Seed Swaps, Dog Stick Libraries, Free Little Greenhouses, Wishing Trees, and more!
Worldwide Map
This project started with a local map of my city’s spots like this but after I saw the effect it had connecting the creators, I wanted to do that on a worldwide scale!
So in 2024, I created the Worldwide Sidewalk Joy Map! We now have installations all over the world including the United States, the UK, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Canada, Japan, Puerto Rico, and more!
How to Get Involved
There are so many ways to get involved with Sidewalk Joy! You could create and/or host a spot. Maybe you want to spearhead the movement in your city? Or you could spread the word about the project (word-of-mouth, on social media, or by sharing flyers), visit already-existing spots, there are so many options.
If you have, or know of, an installation you’d like included, please share about it here!
Frequently Asked Questions
These are some of the top questions I get but there are even more answered on the FAQ page!
-
I need your help to make one! I have developers ready to create it and there’s even a prototype but I just need the funding to actually pay the fine people who could make it! If you’re able, please check out the Kickstarter Campaign for the app!
-
I have lots of tips about getting started with your own Sidewalk Joy spot on my blog! Here are a few blogs you may find helpful:
and there are many more!
-
Just fill out the form on the Get Added page! That gives me all the info I need to add ya!
-
Yes! The worldwide Sidewalk Joy map is a free resource and it does not cost anything to use it or be added to the map.
-
First off, we LOVE book swaps and Little Free Libraries! There are literally thousands in Portland, where this project started. One of the main reasons Little Free Libraries are not included on the map is because the Little Free Library organization already has a robust (over 200,000) map of the book swaps worldwide. The Sidewalk Joy movement is for all the alternative exchanges, libraries, and art installations out there.
-
A great way to be involved in the movement is to visit the already-existing spots! Share about them, make swaps at them, leave flyers about the movement with installations not yet on the map, etc. Many spots like having folks who regularly check on and help maintain these spaces. You can also help by building or sponsoring a spot if you have the time and resources, even if you can’t host one.
-
Definitely stay tuned. The SIdewalk Joy project is gaining momentum and I’m sometimes getting up to 30 submission per day so something very well may pop up near you soon! Also, if your area is really lacking in this, it may be a sign that you could be the one to bring it to your area! Check my blog for tips on getting started and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions!
Sidewalk Joy Examples
-
![]()
Tiny Creature Swap
Portland, OR, USA
This simple yet iconic Toy Swap was created by a then-seven-year old in 2020 to bring some joy to the neighborhood. Now it’s a Portland staple! -
![]()
Little Free Cinema
Vancouver, B.C., Canada
This tiny 1:55 scale model of Vancouver's First Pantages Theatre shows short films by local artists, and clips from films that they love!
-
![]()
Artsy on Abel
Grandville, MI, USA
Stop by to take and/or leave small pieces of handmade art! Established in 2022, this tiny gallery has received art from around the world! -
![]()
Tiny Trinket Exchange
Kaikorai, Dunedin, New Zealand
This Tiny Trinket Exchange was created to bring some whimsy and excitement to the community and as an outlet for the curator to share their crafts with people who appreciate them.
-
![]()
Little Blue Greenhouse
Hanover Park, IL, USA
Green thumbs and aspiring green thumbs will love this darling community greenhouse. Swap plants, cuttings, seeds, bulbs, and more!
About Me
Hi, I’m Rachael!
I’m an artist living in Portland, Oregon and I’ve turned many parts of my yard and fence into an interactive community display.
Starting with a dinosaur-themed diorama (a ‘Dinorama’), I later added the Dino Exchange, Small Scenes, the Bee Stop, Mug Exchange, and more.
My passion is adding bright spots of whimsy to my city spreading the word about other places like this in Portland and beyond!
How to Support Sidewalk Joy
There are so many ways to support this project!
Spread the word! Tell your family and friends about the map and movement.
Consider supporting the Kickstarter Campaign to bring the Sidewalk Joy App to life (the campaign ends August 31st!)
If you see a spot in person that you think belongs on the map, leave them this flyer!
If you see a spot online, send a message or leave a comment encouraging them to join Sidewalk Joy!
If you have a Sidewalk Joy spot of your own and social media for it, please add this website (WorldwideSidewalkJoy.com) to your bio!
If you’d like to donate towards the project, I’m on BuyMeACoffee!
Latest News
News and Upcoming Events
Our Pedalpalooza Sidewalk Joy ride is rescheduled for Sunday, August 9th (meet at Grant Park at 9:30, ride at 10am).
I’ve finally got the Kickstarter Campaign live for the Sidewalk Joy App! We less than a month to reach our goal, please check it out!
There will be another giveaway soon! Stay tuned, especially on Instagram for that.
I’m now on Buy Me a Coffee if you want to support my endeavors!
I’m pitching a book about Sidewalk Joy and am seeking editors and publishers so if you know any leads, let me know!
In the News
-
![]()
NPR / OPB
Across many neighborhoods in Portland, you’ll find mini galleries, trinket and mug exchanges, art displays and seed swaps.
-
![]()
The Kelly Clarkson Show
One Portland woman is trying something different — a neighborhood mug exchange! Rachael dials-in and dishes on all of the crazy mugs she's seen so far, and the beautiful connections that have been formed through the installation.
-
![]()
KATU2
Artist behind Portland's whimsical spots spreads joy globally with unique installations
-
![]()
ABC World News Now
ABC's Danny New TV spoke with the Oregon woman on a mission to share her love of small neighborhood attractions with the world.
-
![]()
KATU'S AM Northwest
Exploring the Portland Sidewalk Joy Project with Tammy Hernandez
-
![]()
KPTV's Good Day Oregon
Find little alternative libraries, unique displays and more with PDX Sidewalk Joy
-
![]()
City Cast Portland Podcast
A Joyful Map of Portland, From Dinorama to Fairy Exchanges
-
![]()
Hello, Rose City
Portland's Sidewalk Joy project is growing, even going world wide goes here
-
![]()
Willamette Week
Rachael Harms Mahlandt Uses Her Sidewalk Art Installation to Advocate for Bees. The Montavilla resident is also the co-creator of PDX Sidewalk Joy.
-
![Rachael Harms Mahlandt (PDX Dinorama) and Grant Brady (PDX FLAG) smiling during Hello, Rose City segment]()
Hello, Rose City
Two artists, Rachael Harms Mahlandt and Grant Brady, created the map, which tracks yard art scenes around Portland
-
![]()
The Oregonian
‘Sidewalk Joy’ kiosks offer free toys, movies and art in Portland neighborhoods. Here’s where to find them.
-
![]()
Travel Portland
Explore Southeast Portland’s Little Free Landmarks
-
![Rachael Harms Mahlandt (PDX Dinorama) and Grant Brady (PDX FLAG) laughing during Koin 6 news segment]()
KOIN 6 News
Sidewalk Joy Map is a guide to many mini exchanges
-
![]()
Successful Mama Podcast
A mom of two from Portland, OR, is on a mission to bring joy and whimsy back into adulthood. Through her creative outlets she has found ways to connect with her community and share the joy that fills her life.
-
![]()
NextAvenue
How 'Sidewalk Joy' Kiosks Deliver Happiness and Community
-
![Bike Portland article about PDX Sidewalk Joy]()
Bike Portland
‘PDX Sidewalk Joy’ map is a guide to roadside curiosities
-
![]()
PDX Parent
Portland’s Mini Galleries Galore!
Sidewalk Joy Ideas and Tips
-
![]()
How to Make a Mug Exchange
Want to make your very own Mug Exchange for folks in your community to swap mugs? Here’s a tutorial to walk you through the materials, cuts, and angles you’ll need to make one like mine! Do let me know if you build one!
-
![]()
How to Make Sidewalk Joy Spot
So you want to make a Sidewalk Joy installation? That’s awesome! Here are some of my recommendations on how to make it happen. Don’t forget to join the worldwide Sidewalk Joy map when your spot is up and running!
-
![]()
Worried about Sidewalk Joy Vandalism?
A question I get asked quite often is what about vandalism? People are understandably worried about putting love and energy into a Sidewalk Joy spot that may get damaged or often emptied. Read on for my thoughts on this!
-
![]()
Weatherproofing Your Sidewalk Joy Spot
If you're creating a Puzzle Library, Free Little Art Gallery, Seed Swap, or other Sidewalk Joy spot where you need to keep the interior elements dry, you'll want to think about weatherproofing. Here are some some tips and tricks I've learned over the years to keep your Sidewalk Joy spot safe from heat, rain, snow, and ice!
-
![]()
Alternatives to Setting a Post for Sidewalk Joy
Interested in displaying a Sidewalk Joy spot that needs a post but can’t or don’t want to set a post in concrete?
Maybe you’re renting and your landlord doesn’t want you installing something permanent. Or you might be moving and want to be able to bring your display with you. Whatever the reason, here are some alternatives!
-
How to get the Sidewalk Joy Movement Going in Your Area
Looking for Puzzle Exchanges near you? Or Free Little Art Galleries in your city? Maybe you've seen Tiny Greenhouses or Seed Swaps and wish there was one close by. If you're excited about Sidewalk Joy and want to see the movement take off in your area, I'd love to share some tips about how we went from 24 spots in 2023 to nearly 100 spots two years later!
The Mug Exchange
I made the first Mug Exchange (take-a-mug, leave-a-mug) back in 2024 and now there are almost 40 of these Little Free Mug Libraries in the world!
Interested in the project?
Find a Mug Exchange near you using the Worldwide Sidewalk Joy Map!
Want one of your own? Follow along on my Instagram where I do giveaways, or check out my free Mug Exchange tutorial to make one yourself!
Fill out this form if you’re interested to purchase one.