Where to Find the Best Brooklyn Street Art in 2024
The Brooklyn street art scene is full of creativity and expression, making it one of the most vibrant cultural attractions in New York City. For those looking to explore the best street art in Brooklyn, this guide will navigate you through the borough's most iconic murals, the history of its graffiti movement and the buzzing art scene in Bushwick.
We trace the roots of Brooklyn street art back to the 1970s and explore its evolution over the years. Discover how neighborhoods like Bushwick and Williamsburg have transformed into open-air galleries, where vibrant murals and intricate tags tell stories of community. This artistic movement reflects Brooklyn's dynamic cultural vibes and also showcases global influences, continually inspiring tourists and locals.
Needless to say, it’s well worth the visit.
Jump to Section
- Brooklyn Street Art History
- Top Brooklyn Street Art Murals
- Bushwick Street Art
- Brooklyn Street Art FAQs
Brooklyn Street Art History
Brooklyn has long been a canvas for street artists from around the world. Emerging in the 1970s alongside the rise of hip-hop culture, graffiti and street art became powerful forms of self-expression and social commentary.
Over the decades, neighborhoods like Bushwick and Williamsburg transformed regular streets into open-air galleries, with large Brooklyn street art murals and intricate tags that mark up buildings, walls and alleys. This artistic movement has grown to symbolize Brooklyn's dynamic cultural vibes, merging local talent with global influences. NYC is known for creating a unique urban art movement that continues to evolve.
Now, you may be wondering, “Is street art legal in NYC?” While NYC laws state that graffiti is “prohibited in certain instances,” it’s not necessarily illegal to create street art. We don’t recommend hosting a DIY Brooklyn graffiti lesson, though. Be mindful of others' property and consider taking a Bushwick or Brooklyn street art walking tour, instead.
The Evolution of Brooklyn Street Art
Ever since graffiti culture made its way from Philly to New York City in the late 1960s, Brooklyn has been a hotspot for new and legendary street artists to make their mark on the city’s walls. Today, warehouses in Bushwick, Williamsburg and DUMBO have become canvases for murals, showcasing the evolution of the graffiti movement from bubble tags to large-scale commissions.
While the controversial art form was once widely viewed as a form of vandalism, it is now embraced by many building owners and galleries who often permit artists to create street art on their property.
The History of Graffiti in NYC
It’s hard to believe it was almost 50 years ago that New York’s graffiti movement first exploded. Influential writers attracted media attention for tagging in Washington Heights and “bombing” a train with their work.
Here’s how it went down: In the 1970s, the subway system was key to the spread of neighborhood-specific graffiti styles. Graffiti on trains allowed work to move and be seen in different boroughs. With the train yards located in Brooklyn, artists and graffiti groups quickly became known for painting the sides of subway cars. This made the trains a huge part of Brooklyn street art history. While bubble lettering was popular in the Bronx, some artists pushed it further by adding illustrations and cartoonish characters to their tags.
New York City’s graffiti landscape completely shifted in the 1980s when the New York City Transit Authority began a program to eradicate vandalism (in an effort to eliminate dangerous crime that terrorized the NYC transit system).
Rooftops and Brooklyn’s industrial walls became some of the canvases of choice. These spaces offered artists a new platform to continue their creative expressions, leading to the development of the Brooklyn street art we see today.
Top Brooklyn Street Art Murals
Brooklyn boasts an array of iconic murals that captivate locals and tourists alike. These murals are not just visually gorgeous; they tell stories of the community, reflecting its history, struggles and aspirations.
Wondering, ‘Where can I see street art in Brooklyn?’ Use this Brooklyn street art map to get around and make sure you stop at the following six must-see street artworks around the borough.
1. Coney Art Walls
Located in Coney Island, the Coney Art Walls is an outdoor museum curated by Joseph J. Sitt and Jeffrey Deitch. It features large-scale murals by renowned street artists from around the world.
The entire area acts as a museum, where 68 walls were painted between 2015 and 2018, with constant updates. It's a fun place to spend a few hours and you can always walk over to Luna Park to catch the rollercoaster after your visit. Most Brooklyn street art walking tours will feature the Coney Art Walls on their tour.
2. DUMBO Walls
The DUMBO Walls feature a rotating collection of large-scale Brooklyn street art murals and street art installations by local and international artists, offering a unique and ever-changing art experience.
Where are the DUMBO walls? They’re situated along Water Street and around the Manhattan Bridge archway. And if it's your first time in NYC, DUMBO is an acronym that stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass. It has nothing to do with the big-eared flying elephant.
3. Street Art in Greenpoint
Greenpoint is home to striking Brooklyn street art murals scattered throughout its streets. Franklin Street and nearby industrial areas are particularly known for their vibrant street art scenes.
Chill out by the revitalized East River waterfront, at one of the parks or explore the hipster haunts and eatery of the area after viewing the artworks. There is a vibrant Polish-American community to explore with authentic restaurants, as well as artist studios in converted warehouses. Strolling around Greenpoint may be one of the better date ideas in NYC as there is so much to explore.
4. Crown Heights
Crown Heights features murals like "Passing Wisdom, Planting Seeds," which celebrates the power of women of color and challenges how racism and sexism impact contemporary culture. These pieces are an important part of Brooklyn street art history.
Look at the interesting street art of the area as you take in the brownstone facades and Victorian mansions. Or take in a bit of nature at the tree-lined Eastern Parkway after grabbing a coffee at one of the local cafes.
5. Red Hook Murals
Red Hook boasts colorful Brooklyn street art murals, such as the one at 41 Seabring St., created by the Greetings Tour collective. Spend some time exploring the neighborhood's streets to discover murals decorating its warehouses, shops and walls.
There is a fantastic 2,500-square-foot mural at the New York City Housing Authority's (NYCHA) Red Hook Houses West by Joel Bergner. The image above doesn't do this massive piece justice, you'll have to visit it for yourself to see how large it is.
6. Greetings from Coney Island
This Coney Island mural by the Greetings Tour collective captures the area's vibrant spirit and is a must-see for street art enthusiasts. Plus, it’s a brightly colored piece of Brooklyn street art that’s hard to miss. You'll need to visit this mural after visiting the Coney Art Walls installation.
The Best Bushwick Street Art
Bushwick is the heart of Brooklyn's street art scene, teeming with ever-changing murals, stencils and wheatpaste posters. What is the most famous piece of street art in NYC? It’s hard not to put The Bushwick Collective in the top spot, founded by Joe Ficalora. This open-air gallery showcases works by both emerging and renowned artists worldwide.
This collective effort has turned Bushwick into a must-visit destination for art lovers and cultural explorers. Let's explore the most popular Bushwick street art before looking further into the collective. Note that some of these murals will still be in place while others may be tagged over or completely changed. You never know how long street art will last, which adds to its appeal.
1. Biggie Smalls by Danielle Mastrion
This long-standing mural on Troutman Ave, created by Brooklyn-born artist Danielle Mastrion, has been a staple of the Bushwick Collective since 2012. Mastrion, a classically trained oil painter, refreshed the mural on its 10th anniversary, ensuring its vibrancy and continued attraction for fans.
It's located behind barricades due to ongoing construction, with preservation plans still uncertain. Use your Bushwick street art map to try and get close while you still can.
2. Big Ears by Sipros Naberezny
Sipros Naberezny's "Big Ears'' murals feature whimsical, big-eared caricatures, adding a playful touch to the area. Painted in 2022, his pieces include depictions of fellow street artist Cristhian Saravia, DJ Hadiex, and Sipros' wife, Flavia Ramos, showcasing the artist's unique style and sense of humor.
3. Portrait of a Girl by Christina Angelina
This captivating Brooklyn street art mural by Christina Angelina, also known as Starfighter, has been enchanting visitors since 2016. The Los Angeles-based artist is known for her mesmerizing portraits and created this piece on popular pizzeria, Artichoke Basile's wall.
Despite its smaller scale, the mural's simplicity and emotional depth continue to draw admirers year after year. The cherry blossom trees in the forefront make it a photogenic spot in Spring.
4. Alicia Keys by Roberto Seminario
Roberto Seminario, painting under the moniker Sef, has captured a fresh-faced portrait of a young Alicia Keys. This addition to the Bushwick Collective showcases Seminario's signature style of blending artistic realism with youthful innocence, adding a charming and recognizable face to the area's vibrant street art.
Keys is a NYC native, hailing from Hell’s Kitchen, and is an ideal representation of the New York dream.
5. Huddled Girl by Dasic Fernandez
Chilean artist Dasic Fernandez's "Huddled Girl" mural features his signature rainbow-colored reverse drip technique. This piece of Brooklyn street art, located on Starr Street, is easy to miss if you don't know where to look, but offers a rewarding discovery for those who find it.
Fernandez's work often brings a sense of wonder and joy to its viewers. The high quality of work is similar to the pieces you’ll find in the NYC art galleries.
6. Keep Bushwick Litter Free by Jason Naylor
Jason Naylor's colorful and inspirational Brooklyn street art murals have become synonymous with positivity and social media appeal.
Located at the intersection of Scott Ave, St Nicholas Ave, and Troutman St, his "Keep Bushwick Litter Free" mural encourages community pride and environmental consciousness with its vibrant design and uplifting message.
7. Angel Snake of Brooklyn by B Line Dot
The "Angel Snake of Brooklyn" mural by B Line Dot adorns the exterior of Caffe Vita, a popular coffee spot in Bushwick. This massive serpent mural, created in 2020, impresses with its scale and intricate details, making it a standout piece of Brooklyn street art.
8. Las Rosas by Robert Vargas
"Las Rosas" by Robert Vargas is a meaningful mural located at the corner of Wyckoff Avenue and Troutman Street. Celebrating the Latino community, Vargas's mural honors those who contribute significantly to society.
This piece of Brooklyn street art was created for the 10th anniversary of the Bushwick Collective Block Party in 2021, is a testament to resilience and community spirit.
When To Visit The Bushwick Collective
The Bushwick Collective Block Party is a great time to visit since it kicks off the unofficial summer season. It features new murals, music and food trucks. However, the area is worth visiting year-round as new murals regularly appear.
Getting To The Bushwick Collective
By subway, take the L train to Jefferson St stop. By car, head to St. Nicholas Avenue and Troutman Street or nearby landmarks like nightclub House of Yes or Brooklyn Beer Garden which has its own epic Brooklyn street art inside and even on some of its signature beer cans.
Bushwick Collective is a prime spot for discovering street art. Remember, it doesn’t have hard boundaries but centers around St. Nicholas Avenue and Troutman Street, extending outwards. Use this Bushwick street art map to guide you.
Brooklyn Street Art FAQs
Are There Brooklyn Street Art Walking Tours?
Yes, Brooklyn offers several street art walking tours, providing an immersive experience for those looking to explore the vibrant murals and graffiti with a guide. These tours, led by knowledgeable guides, offer insights into the history and cultural significance of the artworks and the artists behind them. Popular tours include the “Bushwick Street Art Tour” and the “Williamsburg Art Walk” and they’re excellent team building activities in NYC, as well.
These tours are a fantastic way to discover hidden gems and understand the stories behind the art. However, you can always use your Brooklyn street art map to view murals on your own.
Is There Any Brooklyn Street Art for Sale?
Indeed, many street artists sell their work through galleries and online platforms. Local galleries in Brooklyn, such as the “Underground Gallery” and the “Street Art NYC Gallery,” often feature pieces by street artists.
Some artists even have personal websites or social media pages where they showcase and sell their art. Supporting these artists by purchasing their work helps sustain the vibrant street art community. However, just keep in mind that the Brooklyn street art for sale is not going to come straight off the wall. Look for the tag on your favorite mural and hit the artist up on social media if you'd like to support them.
Still, one of the best New York gifts you can give is a replica of a Brooklyn street art piece.
Can I Take Brooklyn Graffiti Lessons?
Brooklyn artists and tour companies offer graffiti and street art workshops for those eager to learn the craft. These lessons are great indoor activities in NYC and are often conducted by experienced street artists who teach various techniques, from spray painting to stencil making. Classes are available for all skill levels and they answer the question, “Is Brooklyn known for graffiti?” — the answer is an astounding "yes."
These workshops provide a hands-on experience, allowing participants to create their own street art while learning about its cultural significance.
Exploring Brooklyn's street art scene is an exciting journey through color, culture and creativity. Whether you're admiring murals, participating in tours, purchasing art or learning to create your own, Brooklyn offers endless opportunities to engage with its rich urban art landscape.
Looking for more ways to flex your creative juices in the Big Apple? Explore art classes in NYC, photography classes in NYC and painting classes in NYC.
For even more fun art ideas or ideas for activities in New York, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
