New York remains the world capital of street art, a gigantic urban gallery where every wall tells a unique story. From the first wild tags on underground trains in the 1970s to the institutional commissions of today, the Big Apple has always been the most influential creative laboratory for this revolutionary art form. For anyone with a passion for graffiti and street art, a visit to New York is like a pilgrimage to the roots of a movement that continues to transform urban landscapes the world over.
History and evolution of the movement
Legendary origins
New York street art was born in the boroughs of Brooklyn and the Bronx in the early 1970s. Pioneers such as TAKI 183 and Cornbread revolutionized urban art by transforming underground trains into mobile galleries. This heroic era saw the birth of legends such as Dondi, Seen and Lady Pink, who defined the aesthetic codes that are still respected today.
The golden age of the 80s
The golden age of the 1980s saw an explosion of creativity, with spectacular whole cars and monumental productions in legendary locations such as the Freedom Tunnel. This era marked the transition to artistic recognition, thanks in particular to the pioneering galleries in theEast Village that exhibited these street artists.
Today, New York street art has evolved into a recognized form of public art, combining respect for the traditions of graffiti with contemporary technical innovations. Today‘s artists master both traditional techniques and new technologies, creating works that engage with urban architecture and current societal issues.
Street art to see in New York
Eduardo Kobra
Eduardo Kobra is undoubtedly the most prolific artist in contemporary New York street art. This self-taught Brazilian, born in 1975 in São Paulo, has revolutionised mural art with his unique style combining photorealistic portraits, a kaleidoscope of geometric colours and universal messages of peace. Influenced by American hip-hop culture from an early age, Kobra has developed an instantly recognisable technique that transforms walls into veritable artistic and political statements.
His New York works are part of his international Colors of Liberty project, celebrating figures who have fought for peace and freedom. New York currently boasts more than 15 works by Kobra, making it the city with the largest concentration of his work after São Paulo.
Eduardo Kobra’s creations
Stop Wars, a critique of war with C-3PO holding a “Stop Wars” sign, visible from West Street in the West Village (391 Christopher Street).
Ellis Island, a vibrant tribute to immigrants with five portraits of different nationalities, located at 16 Clarkson Street in the West Village.
Peace through Liberty, a tribute to Roy Lichtenstein, an emblematic figure of the pop art movement, incorporating the American artist’s characteristic visual codes into his portrait.
Women of the World, a celebration of the world’s female diversity with five women representing the five continents, located near the World Trade Center.
Two frescoes by Kobra visible from the High Line: Tolerance, the faces of Gandhi and Mother Teresa face to face advocating peace, at 516 W 18th Street in Chelsea.
Artists’ Mount Rushmore, four art legends(Andy Warhol, Frida Kahlo, Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat) at the corner of 10th Avenue and 22nd Street in Chelsea, above the Empire Diner.
We ❤ NY², Einstein sticking out his tongue holding a can of paint, a mixture of the mythical slogan and the theory of relativity (212 8th Avenue, Chelsea).
Frida Diego, fused portrait of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera in Brooklyn, symbolising their artistic and personal love.
Run DMC, a tribute to the legendary hip-hop group, “Walk This Way” inscribed on the work (at the corner of 12th Street and 191 Avenue A, East Village).
Fight for Street Art (Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat), Kobra’s iconic mural at 147 Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg, pays tribute to the two art icons and to photographer Michael Halsband, who immortalised them together wearing boxing gloves. The work bears the hashtag “Fight for Street Art” and celebrates these three major artistic figures.
Liberty, a colourful reinterpretation of the Statue of Liberty in Kobra‘s unique aesthetic.
Albert Einstein on a Bike, the genius on a bike with the equation “Peace = Love²”, at 776 3rd Avenue in Midtown East.
Soulphia, a portrait of a woman in vibrant colours, the embodiment of New York’s artistic soul.
Stop Guns, a message against shootings in American schools (231 Eldridge Street, Lower East Side).
Michael Jackson, a double representation of Michael Jackson as a child and an adult in theEast Village (400 E 11th Street).
The Braves of 9/11, a kneeling firefighter paying tribute to the heroes of September 11, visible at 231 E 48th Street in Midtown.
Tristan Eaton
Tristan Eaton has become one of the most respected artists on the New York scene thanks to his monumental, colourful portraits. This American artist, trained in design and illustration, has adapted his commercial expertise to street art, creating works that capture the essence of pop culture icons with impeccable technique.
Tristan Eaton’s work
Audrey Hepburn, a striking portrait of the film icon, blending classic elegance with contemporary urban aesthetics at 176 Mulberry Street in Little Italy.
Big City of Dreams, a monumental work celebrating the spirit of New York and the urban dreams that come true there.
The Gilded Lady, a majestic creation that transforms the female figure into a golden symbol of the metropolis, located at 236 5th Avenue in Manhattan.
Banksy
Although Banksy has left his mark on New York, notably during his “Better Out Than In” wilderness art residency in 2013, only one of his works remains intact in the city. The anonymous British artist, a master of stencil art and social provocation, turned New York into a playground for an entire month, but most of his creations were either stolen or covered up.
The Banksy piece that can still be seen
Hammer Boy, a child holding a hammer under a fire alarm, a perfect illusion integrating art with urban architecture. This work is protected by a Plexiglas plate, testimony to its recognised artistic value at 233 W 79th Street on theUpper West Side.
Other Emblematic Murals
The Notorious B.I.G. “King of New York”, a mural over eleven meters high created by artists Naoufal “Rocko” Alaoui and Scott “Zimer” Zimmerman, located at 1091 Bedford Avenue at the corner of Quincy Street in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighbourhood of Brooklyn. The work pays tribute to the legendary rapper on his old stomping ground.
Big Pun by Tats Cru, a monumental mural celebrating the first Latino rapper to go platinum, located at 910 Rogers Place in the Bronx.
Muhammad Ali by Brolga, a 20-foot mural painted in 2015 by artist Brolga in collaboration with Joe’s Pizza, located at the corner of Bedford Avenue and North 5th Street. The work pays tribute to the legendary boxer, philanthropist and man of his word, who shook up the system in a time of cultural turmoil.
Crack is Wack by Keith Haring, a double-sided work visible on East 128th Street and Harlem River Drive, an anti-drug message that has become iconic.
Graffiti Hall of Fame, located in a Harlem school playground on Park Avenue, this wall has been home to a gallery of local street artists for over 30 years, with a new theme and new artists chosen each year.
“Lost Time” by Steven Paul and Colossal Media, this 4-storey mural on the corner of Broadway Avenue and Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg has become one of the most iconic works of New York street art. Created from an award-winning photograph by 17-year-old Brooklyn high school student Steven Paul, the work has been dubbed the “Mona Lisa of Williamsburg” and attracts visitors from all over the world.
Map of New York Street Art
To optimize your discovery of New York street art, we recommend planning your visits by neighbourhood:
- Manhattan South: Ellis Island, Michael Jackson, Stop Guns, Run DMC(Lower East Side and East Village)
- Chelsea & Midtown: Mount Rushmore, We ❤ NY², Tolerance, Einstein on a Bike, The Braves of 9/11, The Gilded Lady
- Upper West Side: Hammer Boy ( Banksy ‘s only surviving work)
- Harlem: Crack is Wack, Graffiti Hall of Fame
- Brooklyn to Williamsburg: Lost Time, Muhammad Ali, Fight for Street Art
- Brooklyn to Bedford-Stuyvesant: The Notorious B.I.G.
- Bronx: Big Pun
Practical tip: allow a full day for Manhattan, half a day for Brooklyn and a few hours for the Bronx. Always check the condition of the works on Google Maps (recent notices) before you go.
Guided street art tours in Brooklyn
Graffiti workshop with a local artist
Immerse yourself in the creative world of graffiti with a workshop led by a real New York street artist. This unique experience allows you to learn the fundamental techniques, understand the codes of graffiti culture and create your own legal work under expert supervision.
Duration: 3 hours
Location: Brooklyn
Included: Materials, legal wall, artistic supervision
Book the graffiti workshop
Walking tour street art in Bushwick
The Bushwick Collective is the epicentre of contemporary street art, with over 150 murals in a 12-block area. This guided tour takes in some of the most spectacular works, while explaining the history of the area, artistic techniques and the challenges of gentrification.
Duration: 2h30
Location: Bushwick, Brooklyn
Highlights: International murals, opportunity to meet the artists, professional photography
Transport: Line L, Jefferson Street Station
Book the Bushwick walking tour
Major works by the Bushwick Collective
Bushwick in Brooklyn has become the beating heart of New York street art. The Bushwick Collective, founded in 2012 by Joseph Ficalora, transforms industrial streets into open-air galleries.
Main streets to explore: Jefferson Street and Troutman Street between Cypress and Knickerbocker Avenue, St. Nicholas Avenue, and Gardner Street.
Biggie Smalls by Danielle Mastrion, this iconic mural on Troutman Avenue, created by Brooklyn artist Danielle Mastrion, has been a mainstay of the Bushwick Collective since 2012. Currently behind barriers due to construction work.
Portraits by Tymon de Laat, the Rotterdam-based Dutch artist has created striking portraits including “Bushwick Breeze” and “Break ICE and Make Waves”.
Big Ears by Sipros Naberezny, Sipros Naberezny’s ‘Big Ears’ murals feature whimsical caricatures with big ears, painted in 2022, including depictions of street artist Cristhian Saravia, DJ Hadiex and his wife Flavia Ramos.
See our Bushwick Street Art itinerary.
Expert tip: Bushwick is best visited on weekends when the artistic activity is at its peak, and don’t hesitate to explore the adjacent streets where the most surprising creations are often hidden.
New York street art continues to evolve on a daily basis. Every visit has its surprises in store, and every street corner can reveal a new creation. It’s this spontaneity and constant creativity that make New York the ultimate destination for lovers of authentic urban art.
