The average Toynbee Tile is a license plate-sized piece of art lodged in a busy intersection in the business district of a major US city. However, reported Tiles range in size from a few square inches to several square feet, and show up in a diverse range of locations. Apparently an attempt to make a radical idea public, most Tile messages read, "TOYNBEE IDEA / IN KUBRICK'S 2001 / RESURRECT DEAD / ON PLANET JUPITER" in a distinct style that artistically resembles stained glass. In addition to these four mostly unvaried lines, Tiles have been known to contain additional messages that delve deep into paranoia and ambiguity.

The first confirmed sighting of a Toynbee Tile was in Philadelphia, PA, in 1983. Other unconfirmed claims date back to the mid-'70s, possibly as early as 1975. New tiles have consistently popped up ever since. Over the years, Tiles have been spotted in Philadelphia (believed to be their origin;) New York City; Pittsburgh; Baltimore; Washington, DC; Kansas City; Detroit; St. Louis; Chicago; and several other smaller US cities (see list below for a complete list of sightings.) Additionally, Rio Di Janeiro, Brazil; Santiago, Chile; and Buenos Aires, Argentina; have all been "Tiled." Tiles have also appeared on major US highways, as well as outside of the Holland Tunnel in New York City.

The physical makeup of the Tiles remained unknown for years. That they could weather the erosive qualities of inner-city road life make them all the more intriguing, and unparalleled in the world of textiling. Until recently, all that was known about their materials was what was hinted at in a few Tiles containing confounding instructions on how to make your own. The Tiles are now believed to be a combination of 'true' linoleum, which is difficult to purchase in the US, tar paper, asphalt crack filler, and an unknown form of glue, all hand-cut to the unknown Tileist's liking. They are applied to concrete via the heat of the sun and the pressure of car tires, which will eventually wear away the tar paper and reveal their message.

Those seeking the Tileist's identity have few avenues to explore. The Tile in Santiago referenced a mailing address in South Philadelphia, the only major clue to the Tileist's identity. However, all those who wrote, studied or visited this address came up empty-handed. Additionally, two vague clues appeared in print: 1.) a brief blurb published in the May 14, 1983 edition of the Philadelphia Inquirer spoke of a man named James Morasco and his otherwise unknown group, the Minority Association, whose quasi- campaign (resurrecting dead Earthlings on the planet Jupiter,) bore a resemblance to the Tileist's quasi-philosophy; and 2.) a short play by noted playwright and filmmaker, David Mamet, titled "4 A.M.," about a radio talk show host conversing with a 'lone nut' type who cross-referenced Stanley Kubrick, Arthur C. Clarke, and, again, resurrecting the dead on Jupiter.