New York City is a living, breathing canvas, where art spills from galleries onto sidewalks, alleys, and towering buildings. From the massive murals of Bushwick to historic graffiti meccas in Harlem, the city’s street art scene is as diverse and dynamic as NYC itself.
Whether you’re searching for Instagram-worthy murals, powerful political art, or tributes to legendary figures, these are the best places to experience NYC’s vibrant street art culture.
The Bushwick Collective – Brooklyn’s Outdoor Art Gallery
📍 Location: Troutman Street & St. Nicholas Avenue, Brooklyn
What started as a small neighborhood project in 2012 has evolved into one of the world’s largest open-air street art galleries. The Bushwick Collective features murals by renowned artists like Buff Monster, Blek le Rat, and Vhils, turning Brooklyn into a colorful masterpiece.
The best part? Murals are constantly changing, so every visit offers something new.
Why You Should Visit: Massive, vibrant murals, a constantly evolving landscape, and a lively Brooklyn arts scene.
First Street Green Art Park – An Ever-Changing Creative Space
📍 Location: 33 East 1st Street, Manhattan
Located in the East Village, First Street Green Art Park is a community-driven space where local and international artists showcase rotating murals, interactive sculptures, and pop-up installations.
More than just an art spot, this open-air gallery also hosts live performances, workshops, and cultural events.
Why You Should Visit: A unique mix of street art, live performances, and community engagement.
Houston Bowery Wall – NYC’s Legendary Street Art Landmark
📍 Location: 76 East Houston Street, Manhattan
This iconic wall has showcased some of the most influential street artists in history, including Keith Haring, Banksy, and Shepard Fairey. Since the 1980s, the Houston Bowery Wall has been a rotating exhibition, unveiling a new masterpiece every 6 to 12 months.
Why You Should Visit: A historic landmark that has displayed works by some of the world’s most legendary street artists.
Welling Court Mural Project – Queens’ Hidden Art Oasis
📍 Location: 11-98 Welling Court, Astoria, Queens
Since 2009, this residential neighborhood has been transformed into a massive outdoor gallery, with over 150 murals by artists from all over the world. Unlike other mural projects, Welling Court focuses on social and political themes, making it both visually and intellectually engaging.
Why You Should Visit: A hidden gem with 150+ murals in a quieter, lesser-known part of NYC.
Graffiti Hall of Fame – The Birthplace of NYC Street Art
📍 Location: 106th Street & Park Avenue, Manhattan
Founded in the 1980s in East Harlem, the Graffiti Hall of Fame is where NYC’s graffiti movement took shape. This space is dedicated to classic graffiti lettering, reflecting the roots of hip-hop and street culture.
Why You Should Visit: A living history lesson on NYC’s graffiti culture and hip-hop influence.
11th Street & First Avenue – East Village’s Tribute to Icons
📍 Location: East Village, Manhattan
This four-story mural wall has paid tribute to cultural legends like Michael Jackson, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Gandhi. If you love art that honors historical icons, this evolving mural spot is a must-see.
Why You Should Visit: Larger-than-life portraits of influential cultural icons.
Big Pun Memorial Mural – A Bronx Hip-Hop Landmark
📍 Location: East 163rd Street & Rogers Place, Bronx
Hip-hop was born in the Bronx, and this massive mural of Big Pun, created by graffiti legends Tats Cru, is a powerful tribute to the late rapper. For hip-hop and street art fans, this mural is a must-visit.
Why You Should Visit: A Bronx hip-hop landmark celebrating one of rap’s greatest icons.
The Audubon Mural Project – Where Art Meets Conservation
📍 Location: Hamilton Heights, Manhattan
In a collaboration between The Audubon Society and local artists, this project turns Upper Manhattan into a massive tribute to endangered birds. These hyper-realistic bird murals highlight climate change and conservation issues in a visually stunning way.
Why You Should Visit: A beautiful, thought-provoking blend of urban art and environmental activism.
Rivington Street Wall – A Constantly Changing Masterpiece
📍 Location: Rivington Street between Bowery & Chrystie Street, Manhattan
This rotating street art wall has been home to some of the most striking murals in NYC since 2014. Over the years, it has featured pieces honoring musicians, social movements, and abstract artistic experiments.
Why You Should Visit: A high-profile art wall that’s constantly evolving.
From Bushwick’s bold murals to Harlem’s graffiti roots, NYC is one of the best cities in the world for street art. Whether you’re looking for a powerful political message, a tribute to a cultural legend, or a vibrant Instagram backdrop, these spots are a must-visit for urban art lovers.
