Best Places to See Street Art in New York City: A Guide to Finding the Most Impressive Murals and Graffiti
/New York City is known for its vibrant art scene, and street art is no exception. From colorful murals to thought-provoking graffiti, the city is home to some of the most impressive street art in the world. Whether you're a local or a visitor, exploring the city's street art scene is a must-do experience.
One of the best places to see street art in New York City is in the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn. This area is home to the Bushwick Collective, a group of street artists who have transformed the neighborhood into an open-air gallery. The Collective has curated a collection of murals and other street art pieces that are constantly changing, so there's always something new to see.
Another great spot for street art in New York City is the Lower East Side of Manhattan. This neighborhood has a long history of street art and graffiti, and it's still a hub for artists today. From the colorful murals on the side of buildings to the smaller pieces tucked away in alleyways, there's plenty to see in this vibrant area of the city.
Brief History of Street Art in NYC
Street art has a long and rich history in New York City. It can be traced back to the graffiti movement of the 1970s, which was largely associated with hip hop culture. Graffiti artists would use spray paint to create elaborate designs and tags on the sides of buildings and subway cars.
One of the most famous graffiti artists of this era was Keith Haring, who rose to prominence in the 1980s. Haring's bold, colorful designs were heavily influenced by street culture and often featured political and social messages. He became an icon of the downtown art scene and his work can still be seen throughout the city today.
In recent years, street art has become more mainstream and accepted as a legitimate form of art. Banksy, a British street artist known for his politically charged and often controversial work, has gained a large following in New York City. His pieces can be found throughout the city, often in unexpected places.
Today, street art is celebrated and embraced by many New Yorkers. It has become an integral part of the city's cultural landscape and continues to inspire and challenge artists and viewers alike.
Street Art in Brooklyn
Brooklyn is a hub for street art and is home to some of the most vibrant and colorful murals in New York City. The Bushwick Collective is a must-see destination for street art enthusiasts, located in the heart of Bushwick. It is a community-driven project that showcases the work of local and international artists. The murals are constantly changing, so visitors can expect to see something new every time they visit.
The Bushwick Collective hosts an annual block party where artists come together to create new murals, and visitors can enjoy live music, food, and drinks. The event attracts a large crowd and is a great way to experience the vibrant energy of the neighborhood.
Another hotspot for street art in Brooklyn is Williamsburg, particularly along Bedford Ave. The area is known for its hipster vibe and is home to a variety of galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. Visitors can explore the streets and discover hidden gems, such as colorful murals and graffiti art.
Bedford Ave is also home to the Williamsburg Mural Project, a collection of murals created by local artists. The project is a collaboration between local businesses and artists, and the murals reflect the unique character of the neighborhood.
In addition to the Bushwick Collective and Williamsburg, there are many other neighborhoods in Brooklyn that are worth exploring for street art. From DUMBO to Gowanus, visitors can discover a variety of murals and graffiti art that reflect the diverse culture of the borough.
Street Art in Lower East Side
The Lower East Side is a vibrant neighborhood in Manhattan that has become a hub for street art in recent years. From large murals to small stickers and tags, the streets of the Lower East Side are covered in art.
One of the most popular spots for street art in the Lower East Side is the First Street Green Art Park. This community-run park features a rotating selection of murals and installations by local and international artists. Visitors can also attend events and workshops hosted by the park.
Another notable project in the area is the 100 Gates Project. This initiative aims to beautify storefronts in the Lower East Side by commissioning artists to paint murals on metal security gates. The project has transformed over 100 gates in the area, creating a colorful and unique streetscape.
In addition to these projects, the streets of the Lower East Side are home to countless smaller pieces of street art. Allen Street, in particular, is known for its vibrant collection of stickers and tags.
Overall, the Lower East Side is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in street art. With its diverse range of projects and styles, the neighborhood offers something for everyone.
Street Art in Harlem and East Harlem
Harlem and East Harlem are known for their rich cultural heritage and vibrant street art scene. From the Audubon Mural Project to the Graffiti Hall of Fame, there are plenty of places to see some of the best street art in New York City.
The Audubon Mural Project, located in Hamilton Heights, is a public art initiative that aims to raise awareness about the plight of birds threatened by climate change. The project features murals of birds painted by local and international artists on the walls of buildings in the neighborhood. The colorful murals are a sight to behold and a great way to explore the area.
East Harlem is home to the Graffiti Hall of Fame, a legendary outdoor gallery that showcases some of the best graffiti art in the city. Established in 1980, the Graffiti Hall of Fame is a must-visit destination for any street art enthusiast. The walls of the gallery are covered in vibrant and intricate graffiti pieces, showcasing the creativity and talent of the artists who created them.
In addition to the Graffiti Hall of Fame, East Harlem is also home to several other street art murals that are worth checking out. The murals on the walls of the East River Plaza shopping center and the 116th Street subway station are particularly noteworthy.
Overall, Harlem and East Harlem are great places to explore the street art scene in New York City. With so many incredible murals and galleries to discover, visitors are sure to be impressed by the creativity and talent on display.
Street Art in Bronx and South Bronx
Bronx and South Bronx are known for their vibrant street art scene. Visitors can find murals, graffiti, and street art all over the borough. One of the most famous street art crews in the Bronx is Tats Cru, a group of artists who have been creating murals in the area since the 1980s.
The Big Pun Memorial Mural, located at 163rd Street and Rogers Place, is a must-see for hip-hop fans. The mural is dedicated to the late rapper Big Pun, who was born and raised in the Bronx. The mural features a portrait of Big Pun and the lyrics to his song "Twinz (Deep Cover '98)."
The South Bronx is home to many murals and graffiti art. Visitors can take a walking tour of the area to see some of the best street art in the city. The walls of buildings are covered in colorful murals, many of which depict scenes from the neighborhood's history and culture.
Overall, Bronx and South Bronx are great places to see street art in New York City. Visitors can see the work of famous street artists and discover new talent in the area.
Street Art in Queens and Astoria
Queens and Astoria are two neighborhoods in New York City that are known for their vibrant street art scene. From the Welling Court Mural Project to the iconic 5Pointz, there's no shortage of impressive street art to see in these areas.
The Welling Court Mural Project is a community-driven initiative that has brought together artists from all over the world to create stunning murals in the Welling Court neighborhood of Queens. This project has transformed the area into a colorful outdoor gallery, with over 150 murals to see.
Another must-see spot for street art enthusiasts is 5Pointz, a former factory building in Long Island City that was covered in graffiti and street art. Although the building was demolished in 2014, the area still attracts street artists who come to showcase their work on the surrounding walls.
Astoria is also home to several impressive murals, including the "Astoria Creatures" mural on the side of a building on 31st Street. This colorful mural features a variety of animals and is a popular spot for photos.
Overall, Queens and Astoria are excellent places to explore the street art scene in New York City. Visitors can expect to see a wide range of styles and techniques, from large-scale murals to smaller, more intricate pieces.
Street Art in Staten Island
Staten Island may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about street art in New York City, but the borough has its fair share of impressive murals and graffiti.
One notable location for street art in Staten Island is the Richmond Hood Company, a skate shop and art gallery in the St. George neighborhood. The shop is known for its large outdoor mural, which features a colorful depiction of the Staten Island Ferry and other local landmarks.
Another popular spot for street art in Staten Island is the Bay Street Corridor, which runs through the neighborhoods of Stapleton and Tompkinsville. The area features a number of murals and graffiti pieces, many of which are influenced by the borough's diverse cultural heritage.
One particularly striking mural in the Bay Street Corridor is a portrait of the late rapper Prodigy, who was born and raised in Queensbridge but had strong ties to Staten Island's hip-hop scene. The mural, which was painted by local artist Kwue Molly, features Prodigy wearing a crown and holding a microphone.
Overall, while Staten Island may not have the same reputation for street art as some of the other boroughs, there are still plenty of interesting and visually stunning pieces to discover for those willing to explore.
Famous Street Artists in NYC
New York City has long been a hub for street art, with a vibrant community of artists who have left their mark on the city's walls and buildings. Here are a few of the most famous street artists in NYC:
Joe Ficalora: Known for his work in the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn, Ficalora is the founder of the Bushwick Collective, a group of street artists who have transformed the area into a vibrant outdoor gallery. His murals often feature bright colors and bold patterns.
Shepard Fairey: Fairey gained international fame for his "Hope" poster of Barack Obama during the 2008 presidential campaign, but he has been creating street art since the 1980s. His work often features political messages and social commentary.
Banksy: While the true identity of Banksy is a mystery, the artist's work is instantly recognizable. Banksy's stenciled images often feature satirical or subversive messages, and have appeared on walls throughout the city.
Keith Haring: Haring's iconic figures, often in bright colors and bold lines, have become synonymous with the New York City street art scene. His work often dealt with themes of social justice and activism.
Eduardo Kobra: Kobra is known for his large-scale murals, which often feature portraits of famous figures such as Albert Einstein and David Bowie. His colorful, photorealistic style has earned him international recognition.
These artists are just a few of the many who have contributed to the vibrant street art scene in New York City. Their work can be found throughout the city, from the walls of buildings to the sides of subway cars.
Street Art Galleries and Museums
New York City is home to some of the best street art galleries and museums in the world. These institutions showcase the work of both established and emerging artists, and provide a platform for the public to engage with street art in a safe and legal setting. Here are some of the top street art galleries and museums in the city:
Museum of Street Art
Located in the Lower East Side, the Museum of Street Art is dedicated to showcasing the work of street artists from around the world. The museum features a rotating collection of murals and installations, and also hosts events and workshops. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged.
The Bushwick Collective
The Bushwick Collective is an outdoor street art gallery located in the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn. Founded in 2012, the collective has transformed the area into a vibrant outdoor art museum, with murals by some of the world's most renowned street artists. The Bushwick Collective hosts an annual block party, which attracts thousands of visitors each year.
The Hole Gallery
The Hole Gallery is a contemporary art gallery located in the Bowery neighborhood of Manhattan. The gallery features a mix of street art and other contemporary art forms, and has showcased the work of artists such as Kenny Scharf, Shepard Fairey, and KAWS. The Hole Gallery also hosts events and exhibitions throughout the year.
The Museum of Modern Art
While not exclusively dedicated to street art, The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) has a significant collection of street art and graffiti. The museum has exhibited the work of artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, and Banksy. MoMA also offers guided tours of its street art collection.
The Street Museum of Art
The Street Museum of Art is a non-profit organization that aims to bring street art to a wider audience. The museum hosts pop-up exhibitions in public spaces throughout the city, and also offers guided tours of street art neighborhoods. The Street Museum of Art is run by a team of volunteers, and relies on donations to fund its activities.
Whether you're a street art enthusiast or simply looking for a unique cultural experience, New York City's street art galleries and museums offer something for everyone.
Street Art Tours and Guides
For those who want to explore the best street art in New York City, there are several walking tours and guides available. These tours and guides offer a great way to discover the most vibrant and colorful street art in the city.
One of the most popular street art tours is the Graffiti and Street Art Walking Tour in Brooklyn. Led by a local artist, this tour takes visitors through the vibrant neighborhoods of Bushwick and Williamsburg, where they can see some of the most impressive street art in the city. The tour lasts for about two hours and covers the history and culture of street art in New York City.
Another great option is the Street Art Walking Tour in Lower Manhattan. This tour focuses on the street art in the Lower East Side, SoHo, and Chinatown neighborhoods. Visitors can see a variety of street art styles, from graffiti to stencil art, and learn about the artists behind the murals.
For those who prefer a self-guided tour, there are several street art maps available online. The Bushwick Collective Map is a comprehensive guide to the street art in the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn. The map includes information about the artists, the locations of the murals, and photos of the artwork.
