The Great Urban Canvas: Eleven Reasons to Seek Out Street Art on Your Next Visit to New York City
The Bushwick Collective
The Bushwick Collective was conceived and brought to life by a Bushwick native named Joe Ficalora. Its journey began in 2011, when the first mural surfaced. Joe’s vision was to transform his neighborhood into an open-air gallery accessible to everyone. The walls feature first-rate street art, showcasing a diverse array of styles and themes. It's great for taking photos, easy to reach by subway, and one of those places that is fun and doesn't cost a cent. Plus, the neighborhood is dope.
📸 Robert Vargas. The Bushwick Collective. 11th Annual Block Party. June 2022.
JMZ Walls
A vibrant initiative that brings street art and graffiti to life in South Bushwick, Brooklyn. Launched in the fall of 2014, JMZ Walls aims to make the JMZ subway lines more visually captivating. Its founder, Alberto Mejia, envisioned a space where graffiti writers, street artists, and muralists could coexist and create together. JMZ Walls hosts an array of local and global artists. Early contributors included German graffiti writer Byond, Queen Andrea, Claw Money, and Dasic Fernandez. Notably, an entire block on Lawton Street is dedicated to female artists, inspired by Queen Andrea’s work. Families and passersby appreciate the art, often exclaiming, “That’s cool!” as they walk by. Next time you ride the J, M, or Z line, keep an eye out for these dynamic walls that celebrate creativity! 🎨🚇
📸 Scene from The Shining ❤ Made by BKFOXX (2021)
The Bowery Wall
The Bowery Wall is a mural located at the intersection of Houston Street and the Bowery in Manhattan. The wall had been a popular graffiti spot in the early 1980s. In 1982, renowned street artist Keith Haring created a large mural on this very wall. The wall was later acquired by Goldman Properties in 1984. Initially used for advertisements, it was regularly vandalized. In 2008, the wall once again became an art spot when curator Jeffrey Deitch was given the right to commission large murals. Since then, several street artists have showcased their works on this famous canvas, including Shepard Fairey, FAILE, Os Gêmeos, Logan Hicks, Kenny Scharf, and many others. In 2018, artist JR collaborated with Time magazine to create a mural about guns in America. In the same year, Banksy highlighted the imprisonment of an artist by the Turkish government. In May 2022, the owners of the wall announced an indefinite break from new murals due to increased vandalism. "Since the spring of 2022, it’s been in a state of feral flux, with numerous lesser known painters tagging it."
📸 David Flores’s Mural of a Motorcycle
100 Gates
The 100 Gates Project began in 2014 with the vision of Billy Rohan, a New York City artist and professional skateboarder. This inspiring initiative was brought to life with support from the Lower East Side Partnership (LESP), a not-for-profit economic development organization with an ambitious goal: to paint street art murals on 100 storefront security roll-down gates. In 2016, LESP achieved this goal in partnership with Tiger Beer, creating a mural at the iconic Katz’s Delicatessen in the Lower East Side. The primary mission was to enhance community enrichment and beautification through art. Since its inception, the 100 Gates Project has expanded beyond the Lower East Side to other neighborhoods and boroughs. Over 360 gates citywide now showcase murals, transforming mundane security gates into captivating works of art. The project is now returning to its roots in the Lower East Side, aiming to focus its resources on this neighborhood almost exclusively. It recognizes that there is still work to be done where it all began.
📸 Gate by Jappy on the corner of Ludlow and Rivington. Gates go up at 3:45 Monday - Thursday and 11:30 on the weekends. See it while it's down 👀
First Street Green Cultural Park
📸 PEACE SIGN by Bronx native HekTad
East Village Walls
The ever-changing walls that can be found in the East Village and Chinatown are guided by Lower East Side native, street art enthusiast, and photographer Ben L.. Proudly on display are some of New York City’s most beautiful and expressive murals. These world-class artworks are predominantly made by local artists, but every now and then, they highlight the talents of international visitors. 🎨🏙️
📸 Martin Luther King Jr. by Dragon 76 on Eldridge & Hester Street
Freemans Alley
L.I.S.A Project NYC
A groundbreaking public art charity that has been transforming urban spaces through captivating street, graffiti, and contemporary art murals since 2012. Founded by Wayne Rada, a visionary and art enthusiast, the LISA Project aimed to revitalize the Little Italy neighborhood, which was facing decline. Collaborating with local merchants, Rada established the association, which would later become the LISA Project. The mission was simple: to bring a diverse group of artists, free art-based events, and activities to all boroughs and neighborhoods of New York City. Over the last decade, the LISA Project has grown into a premiere public arts program with both national and international reach. They have produced an impressive portfolio of over 500 murals worldwide, solidifying Manhattan’s position as a vibrant mural district.🎨🗽
📸 D.C. band Bad Brains By Shepard Fairey + rock photographer Glen E. Friedman
Allen Street Art Collective
The Allen Street Art Collective is an exciting artistic initiative that has transformed Allen Street in New York City’s Lower East Side into a captivating street art gallery. Visitors can start their exploration at the north side of Allen and Delancey and walk along the median in the middle of the street, affectionately known as the Allen Street Mall. A walkway and a comfort station stands at the intersection of Allen and Delancey Street, and benches and trees flank the full extension of the mall. Block after block, the art is always evolving and artists from Los Angeles to New York City continually add new murals, graffiti, and visual expressions.
📸 Matador Mural on Allen & Broome, created by Conor Harrington.
World Trade Mural Project
A dazzling initiative that has transformed the World Trade Center area in New York City into a gorgeous canvas of street art. Graffiti in the Sky at 4 World Trade Center is a project that began with a casual conversation between Doug Smith, owner of the World Trade Gallery, and Dara McQuillan, Chief Marketing Officer of Silverstein Properties. Sixty well-known street artists collaborated to paint 34,000 square feet on the 69th floor of 4 World Trade Center. Overlooking the 9/11 Memorial, this mural space was eventually leased to Spotify. The project, known as Graffiti in the Sky, brought color and creativity to a solemn location. Fast-forward two years, and a new set of canvases emerged. Silverstein Properties partnered with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for the World Trade Center Mural Project consisting of large sheds surrounding the empty lot that will become Two World Trade Center. This site, across from the Oculus, was where the South Tower stood until September 11. Renowned artists continue to cover the front of the large steel sheds with their signature work, bringing hope and vibrancy to this now sacred space.
📸 Brazilian artist Eduardo Kobra's first post-pandemic trip brought him to the streets of New York City, specifically the World Trade Center campus.
📸 Los Angeles based artist Todd Gray is known for his classic images of pop art ~ in cartoons, superheroes, hashtags, emojis. This 100-foot wide piece called "Flabbergast" is the only World Trade Center artwork not created by a street artist.
The Welling Court Mural Project
A collaborative art initiative that has transformed the neighborhood of Welling Court in Queens, New York. In 2009, members of the Welling Court community decided they wanted to enhance their beloved neighborhood. They reached out to Ad Hoc Art NYC, a gallery based in Bushwick, Brooklyn, known for its expertise in street art and community engagement. The goal was to beautify the area and create a dynamic outdoor art gallery. In May 2010, the Welling Court Murals Project officially kicked off. The residential streets of Welling Court, like spokes on a wheel, became canvases for colorful street art. Artists from both New York City and countries around the world contributed to this creative transformation. The project boasts murals from over 150 artists and cover a wide range of styles, themes, and techniques. Notable artists who have left their mark include Lady Pink, Tristan Easton, Cey Adams, Wane COD, Greg Lamarche, and Queen Andrea.
Public Access: The Welling Court Murals are available for public viewing at all times. To visit, take the New York City N or W subway line to the Astoria-Ditmars Boulevard stop. From there, walk west on Astoria Boulevard for 10 to 15 minutes toward 12th street.
Why We Love Street Art
Artists from diverse backgrounds contribute to this global movement, resulting in a rich tapestry of styles and cultures. Street Art has a history of reflecting current issues. It’s a powerful platform for protest, awareness, and social commentary. It can challenge the status quo and breathe life into neglected spaces, and transform dull walls into lively narratives.
Guided Art Tours
If you’re interested in a guided street art tour, which provides a brief history of the neighborhood and detailed descriptions of the murals, I offer fun, customized Brooklyn, Queens & Manhattan Street Art Walks. These tours are an immersive experience, allowing you to appreciate the artistry and context behind each mural. 🎨🏙️
The home for unique & authentic travel
