The Philando Castile Community Peace Garden is a space for reflection, healing, and justice, honoring Philando Castile. On July 6, 2016, Castile was fatally shot by police on Larpenteur Avenue, despite his innocence. The incident, broadcast live on Facebook, was seen globally, sparking outrage. A grassroots memorial emerged, adorned with tributes from friends, neighbors, and artists. Castile’s death left a grieving community and a nation grappling with police violence, a crisis further magnified by the murder of George Floyd in 2020.

In response to this tragedy, Castile’s family, community members, and organizations united to create a lasting tribute at the location where he was murdered. Located along the renamed Philando Castile Avenue, the garden is a place for mourning, remembrance, and activism. Adjacent to the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, it transforms the site into a space for contemplation and unity, embodying Castile’s enduring spirit and the community’s commitment to justice.

The design team collaborated to ensure the garden fosters deep reflection. Through community engagement and artistic integration, the space was shaped to memorialize Castile and inspire conversations about racial justice and police accountability. This process ensured the garden became a powerful symbol of resilience and hope.