Street art has long been a part of New York City’s cultural landscape. From the subway graffiti of the 1970s and 80s to the large-scale murals of today, street art in the city has evolved and expanded to become a celebrated form of public art. New York City is home to some of the best street artists in the world, who use the city’s walls, buildings, and sidewalks as their canvas. In this article, we’ll take a walking tour of some of the best street art in New York City.
Our first stop is in the Lower East Side, where you’ll find the infamous “L.E.S. Graffiti Wall.” This wall, located on the corner of Houston and Bowery, has been a staple of New York City street art since the 1980s. It has been a canvas for some of the city’s most famous graffiti artists, including REVOK, FUTURA 2000, and SHARP. The wall is constantly changing, with new pieces being added and old ones painted over, so it’s always worth a visit to see what’s new.
Next, we head to Bushwick, Brooklyn, where you’ll find an entire neighborhood dedicated to street art. In recent years, Bushwick has become a hotbed for street artists, with walls and buildings covered in colorful murals and tags. Some of the best street art in Bushwick can be found on the walls of the Brooklyn Street Art Center and on the streets around the Morgan Avenue L train stop.
From Bushwick, we head to the East Village, where you’ll find the famous “5 Pointz” building. 5 Pointz was once a mecca for street artists, with its walls covered in colorful graffiti and murals. Sadly, the building was demolished in 2014, but the legacy of 5 Pointz lives on through the street art that still exists in the East Village.
Continuing our tour, we head to the Brooklyn neighborhood of DUMBO, where you’ll find the Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition. This community of artists is dedicated to creating large-scale murals and public art projects in the area. One of their most famous pieces is the “Greetings from DUMBO” mural, which features a whimsical postcard scene of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline.
Next, we head to the West Village, where you’ll find the “Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation Mural.” This mural, located on the corner of 7th Avenue and 12th Street, is a tribute to the city’s rich cultural history and the vibrant street art scene that has flourished in Greenwich Village over the years. The mural features portraits of famous artists and musicians, including Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix, as well as images of the neighborhood’s famous landmarks, like the Washington Square Arch.
Finally, we end our tour in SoHo, where you’ll find the “SoHo Mural.” This massive mural, located on the corner of Broome and Lafayette Streets, was created in the 1980s by a group of artists as a way to beautify the neighborhood and counteract the negative effects of gentrification. Today, the mural is considered one of the best examples of street art in New York City, and is a must-see for anyone interested in the history and evolution of street art in the city.
In conclusion, New York City is a treasure trove of street art, with something to offer for everyone, from the colorful murals of Bushwick to the historic murals of the West Village. Whether you’re a street art aficionado or just someone who appreciates public art, a walking tour of New York City’s best street art is a must-do. So grab your walking shoes and get ready to explore the city’s vibrant and diverse street art scene.
As you walk through the city, take time to appreciate each piece and learn about the artists behind them. Many of the artists featured in this tour have dedicated their lives to creating public art that reflects the city’s cultural and social landscape. From political statements to whimsical scenes, each piece tells a unique story about the city and its people.
One of the best things about street art is that it is always changing. New pieces are added, old ones are painted over, and the city’s walls, buildings, and sidewalks are constantly evolving. This makes a street art tour of New York City a unique and ever-changing experience that is always worth revisiting.
In addition to appreciating the street art itself, be sure to take in the neighborhoods in which the pieces are located. New York City’s street art is not just about the art, but also about the communities in which it is found. Walking through the city’s different neighborhoods, you’ll get a glimpse of the city’s diverse cultural and social landscape, and experience the city in a new and exciting way.
Overall, a walking tour of New York City’s best street art is a fantastic way to experience the city’s vibrant and diverse cultural landscape. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or just visiting, this tour is sure to leave you with a new appreciation for the city and its public art. So put on your walking shoes and get ready to explore some of the best street art in New York City.
Featured Image: Photo by Nelson Ndongala on Unsplash
