tour of street art

Discover the history, location and creators of street art.

The movement, a look at the rise of contemporary street art, how did it all start, from style writing to art, graffiti 101, the different styles to look out for, graffiti general, tedx street art, watch talks from street artists around the world, the big ideas behind the work, every street artist has a story to tell., street art + community, how street art shapes neighbourhoods, people and landscapes, city of philadelphia mural arts program: first 30 years, city of philadelphia mural arts program, open air museum in la pincoya, museo a cielo abierto en la pincoya, museum of public art, coachella walls: the anonymous farm worker, coachella walls, the red line d.c. project, city shadows | play the cave, mahatat for contemporary art, spotlight on: la tour paris 13, the transformation of an abandoned building, tour paris 13 - floors 1 & 2, tour paris 13 - floors 3 & 4, tour paris 13 - étages 5 & 6, tour paris 13 - étages 7 & 8, tour paris 13 - etage 9 et cave, street art for all ages, graffiti that breaks stereotypes, urban art workshop for seniors, a project by wool, activism and expression, how street art is used to raise awareness, the water tank project, the water tank project: a virtual walking tour, crossing borders / crossing boundaries, street art museum, stencil art & activism, graffitimundo, millerntor gallery #4, viva con agua de sankt pauli, berlin wall graffiti, the legacy of one of the world's largest canvasses, east side gallery, behind the wall, the wall project, artists to discover, eduardo kobra, urban forms gallery, mark jenkins, positive-propaganda e.v., street art london, dallas contemporary, 9eme concept, positive-propaganda x aryz, belin "off the wall" museum exhibit, museum of street art, killingwithcuteness, filipino street art project, spotlight on: banksy, banksy, banksy & more banksy, beyond banksy: not another gift shop, banksy rats & more, women's forum street art project, meet the women behind the walls, "she's a leader" from germany: madc, "she is a leader" from france: kashink, "she's a leader" from the us: stephanie rond, "she is a leader" from greece: olga alexopoulou, "she is a leader" from the uk: elno, "she's a leader" from south africa: ello, "she is a leader" from kuwait: zahra al mahdi, "she is a leader" from france: yz, "she's a leader" from russia: zoya, "she is leader" from argentina: milu correch, "she is a leader" from portugal: mariana dias coutinho, the colors of street art, the locations, see street art in 360°, explore by city, netherlands, united states, united kingdom, philippines, spotlight on: bueno aires, a grafitti and street art capital, villa urquiza and coghlan art district, buenos aires, buenos aires graffiti, institutionalization of underground art, the talking walls of buenos aires, buenos aires - a graffiti and street art capital, the festivals, when artists come together to create public art around the world, italy - emergence, ukraine - re$publica, respublica street art festival., sweden - artscape, hawaii - pow wow 2014, pow wow hawaii, thailand - bukruk, bukruk international street art festival, rio - street biennale, sweden- no limit, no limit street art borås, bratislava street art festival, covilhã urban art festival, wool | covilhã urban art festival, russia - stenograffia, stenograffia, taiwan - pow wow 2014, sydenham street art festival, global street art foundation, urban forms gallery 2014, 2015 katowice street art festival, katowice the city of gardens, st+art 2014, mumbai : bandra, st+art india, muro lx_2016 urban art festival, galeria de arte urbana, discover more, online exhibits, photos and artwork, collections, street views.

Graffiti & Street Art Walking Tour in Brooklyn, New York City

This walking tour takes place every day at 10:30am. The length is 2 hours and the cost is $32.

A private tour is $180 for up to 4 people and $10 for each additional person up to 10. Starting time is customizable. Please contact us to arrange it.

We can also provide a Virtual Experience. Please contact us for details.

Graffiti: crime or cultural creation?

Discover an exciting world of graffiti taggers and street artists on this walking tour while viewing some of the most visually incredible murals in New York City and Brooklyn.

Today there is more awareness than ever about the imaginative artists who bring walls, buildings and even entire neighborhoods alive with their vibrant creations. Join this walking tour in Bushwick, Brooklyn to experience fascinating works by these globetrotting innovators. Prepare to view artistic murals large and small while exploring streets pulsating with creative energy. Eyewitness for yourself why the Bushwick district is rapidly becoming a world-renown center of street art, as well as New York City's premiere place of graffiti culture. The murals are concentrated around an exhibition called the Bushwick Collective (NYC's premier place of aerosol culture).

As we walk, expect to be immersed in the culture and lifestyle of today's urban artists, who hail from as far away as Europe, South America and even Asia. Learn about the top contemporary artists, their quirky personalities, and find out just how much people have been willing to pay for their work!

Discover the different styles and forms of the trade - which include murals, wheatpaste posters, tags and stencils. Learn about the techniques and varying nuances between them, and how they have developed and evolved over time.

Join this walking tour in Bushwick, Brooklyn if you desire to learn more about this exploding phenomenon, or if you simply seek to see for yourself the very best murals New York City has to offer!

Here are some of the things we learn about on the tour:

Styles and common types of street art.

Tags are words written in spray paint on a surface of any sort: including walls, storefronts, signs or doors. The words are usually the name of the person who wrote it; or their crew. They are generally just one color, a few inches in size or a couple of feet.

The traditional motivation of a tag is to create exposure for oneself and broadcast the audacity of taking the risk to spray paint in a dangerous, inaccessible or openly public place. For a tag the main audience are other taggers. Larger productions known as "throw-ups" and "pieces" are more stylized and feature multiple colors - although they follow the same premise as tags and are also typically a name.

Murals are generally large and portray an image or scene. They often tell a story or express feelings of the artist. Many of them carry a social or political critique, satire or message. Murals are generally larger than tags but come in all sizes. Today artists are granted permission or even paid to produce murals for public display on businesses and public buildings.

Posters/Paste-ups

Poster art is usually created in private, then brought to a public place and affixed to a surface. It is attached using an adhesive called wheat paste . In addition to paint, poster art can also incorporate multiple layers, cutouts, collages or stickers. The down side to a poster is that it's more susceptible to weather conditions or destruction than spray paint. Therefore it tend to last less long than other graffiti mediums.

Modern street graffiti began in New York City in the early 1970's (although the person who is credited as the world's first graffiti writer was a student in Philadelphia named Cornbread). Young teenagers growing up in impoverished, marginalized communities started "tagging" their names on walls in public places. These 'writers' created alter egos, aliases that often combined a nickname with a number. Often the digits were based on the street the tagger lived on. Early leaders in the tagging world included people with street aliases like Fab5Freddy and Tracy168 . These graffiti pioneers experimented with new styles and began the fad of tagging New York City's subway trains. This historic era of graffiti was when the main widely-accepted customs and slang language developed.

Recognition

While locally in New York graffiti was seen and treated as vandalism, enthusiasts in Europe recognized artistic value in the "tagging" and brought these young writers to their continent to produce and exhibit work. Graffiti was an instant hit in Europe and by the mid 1980's the writers, who in America were looked upon as criminals, were treated as celebrities in countries like Italy and Germany. Over the 1980's there slowly began to be more recognition of graffiti artists in the US too. Some of the legendary pioneers were recruited to paint in music videos and on cable television.

Rise of "Street Art"

By the late 1980's the original historic graffiti era in New York had ended and local writers proceeded to carry on and repeat the traditions and culture of their predecessors . Meanwhile in Europe the urban art movement was just gaining traction. In the 1990's European artists experimented with new styles, which have become referred to as 'post-graffiti' or 'street art.' A French artist known as Blek Le Rat is attributed with introducing the stencil , a form of spray art which grew popular over the next decade. In recent years the stencil has been made famous by notorious British artist Banksy . Another noteworthy artist is Frenchman Space Invader who illegally installs ceramic tiles that portray pixelated old video game characters.

Mainstream Acceptance

By the 2000's, street art was followed around the world and top artists became household names. UK artist Banksy gained reverence and notoriety for his thought provoking images which appear in the unlikeliest of places. His work has subsequently commanded unheralded prices at top art auction houses. The rise of the internet and social media has allowed for fans to follow their favorite artists, and for writers to collaborate across continents, cultures and language barriers.

Controversy

The acceptance of street art into mainstream art circles has created social controversies. In late 2012 a Banksy piece disappeared from a London wall and resurfaced at a luxury art auction in Miami, Florida. Residents of its original London neighborhood expressed protest. They felt strongly that as a work of art it belonged to the community where it was created, and that it should be returned. The auction went ahead nonetheless and the piece was sold to a private collector for 1.1 million dollars!

Bushwick Collective

The murals we view on the tour are concentrated around an urban art exhibition called the Bushwick Collective . The Bushwick Collective was founded in 2012 by Joseph Ficalora - a neighborhood personality and businessperson - to beautify gritty industrial streets with vibrant art. Joe is inspired by his deceased father and mother - and the street art is dedicated to them. The Bushwick Collective brings together artists from around the world, legendary NYC graffiti artists, and local longtime Bushwick talent. In just a few years the Bushwick Collective has become the most famous street art exhibition in New York City, and one of the premier mural districts in the United States.

About Bushwick (neighborhood)

Bushwick is a dense post-industrial neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York City. It is currently becoming recognized for a blooming artist and creative scene. Also for new trendy restaurants and nightlife. The scene has blossomed over the last few years as nearby artsy Williamsburg has gotten more expensive. Aside from incoming artists and young professionals, Bushwick's primary population is Puerto Rican, Dominican-American and immigrants from Latin America. Bushwick is nearly 400 years old and was first founded by Dutch (on land taken over from Native Americans who lived there for centuries). In the 1800's the area filled with German immigrants and became a major place of manufacturing and beer brewing. There was also a large Italian and Sicilian immigrant community, before Bushwick's current Spanish-language residents began arriving in the 1970's. Unfortunately the area's gentrification has an ugly side - skyrocketing prices and people being dispossessed from their homes.

How the Tour Works

This is a public tour given every single day (7 days per week) at 10:30am in Bushwick, Brooklyn. It lasts approximately 2 hours and covers approximately 1.5 mile of walking distance.

The tour consists of a guided walk through the neighborhood (mainly by the Bushwick Collective ), and sometimes there is an indoor stop. The tour meets in a central location which is easily accessible by public transit or automobile.

Here is where the tour meets:

30 Wyckoff Avenue

Brooklyn NY 11237

New York City

(Between Starr Street & Troutman Street)

Meeting place is in front of Wyckoff-Starr coffee shop

Private and Group Tours

This tour is also available as a private or group tour. It is available any time.

We can accommodate 1 to 100+ people.

Rates: For individual private groups pricing begins at $180 for 1-4 people. Add $10 for each person up to 10. For 11 or more people is $24 per person.

We offer net rates and tiered pricing for professionals.

More about private and custom tours

PRIVATE: contact us or book your tour

• Best Seller!

Brooklyn Street Art Tour

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 1.5 hours
• Clock Times: 1 p.m.

Explore Brooklyn’s Best Street Art in Bushwick

Join us for an unforgettable street art tour of the Graff Tours Mural Project in Bushwick, an up-and-coming neighborhood in northern Brooklyn! Discover over 25 multicolored murals in this ephemeral outdoor museum, where artwork comes and goes on a daily basis. This is a tour of murals that Graff Tours has helped curate and produce over the past 4 years. 

The massive warehouses that line the streets of this neighborhood provide a perfect canvas for this diverse array of vibrant masterpieces, including works by Nick Walker, BK Foxx, Calicho, Jeff Henriquez, Yok and Sheryo, and more. Your tour ticket helps fund the murals which you see on the tour. 

Who better to guide our tours than street artists and curators themselves? Our tour guides have an intimate knowledge of the street art and graffiti world and may even show you some of their own art during the journey! On this educational tour, you gain a fuller understanding of the difference between tagging, graffiti, and street art.

Not only do our knowledgeable tour guides lead you through a diverse array of artwork, but they also describe the backstory behind and techniques used in the creation of these awe-inspiring pieces.

Get an insider look at some of the most talked-about artwork in New York City! Don’t forget to bring your camera along so you can capture these incredible pieces before they’re gone.

Meeting Location: 282 Meserole St. Bushwick Brooklyn 11237

Related Activities

• Can include a Graffiti Workshop
• Clock 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m.
• Hour Glass 1.5 hours

Brooklyn Private Street Art Tour

Learn from an insider the stories behind the walls and see the best street art in NYC in this artist neighborhood before its too late.

• Clock 3 p.m. , 4:30 p.m
• Hour Glass 1 hour

Brooklyn Graffiti Art Lesson Group Activity

This unique hands-on workshop allows you to create your own graffiti art project with the help of an authentic NYC graffiti artist.

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Virtual Art Museum Tours

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Virtual Art Museum Tours Your Favorite Artists A Click Away, A World of Art Awaits, No Passport Required

Online museum art tours.

Take a virtual tour of an art museum from the comfort of your own home. Explore famous artworks and exhibitions without leaving your couch.

Experience the beauty and culture of renowned art collections through the power of the internet. Immerse yourself in the world of art and expand your knowledge without the constraints of physical travel.

Experience Art Without Boundaries With an Online Art Museum Tour

Our art tours allow individuals to transcend geographical boundaries and experience art from top museums, private collections, and different global locations.

Any anywhere from all over the world to easily access and enjoy art.

No matter where you are, our platform brings world-class art collections to you. Perfect for those who can't travel or find traditional museum visits challenging. We desire to have art excursions accessible to everyone. Our company has created a digital museum of art dedicated to Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, Dutch Masters' Art, John Singer Sargent, and Mary Cassatt.

This Weekend Friday and Sunday Art Tours

This friday.

Part 2 Mary Cassatt Art Tour with Rebeca Navarro Starting at 6:30 PM Eastern Time. The duration of the experience is two hours where we explore her exciting years working with the French Impressionists.

John Singer Sargent Art Tour with Shayla Croteau Starting at 7:00 PM Eastern Time. The duration of the art tour is two hours. We will explore Sargent's life by experiencing both his paintings and watercolors.

This Saturday

Part 1 Claude Monet Art Tour with Lina Jeong Starting at 4:00 PM Eastern Time. Discovering color theory applications. The duration of the experience is two hours.

This Sunday

Dutch Masters' Art Tour with Rebecca Howland at 6:00 PM Eastern Time. Experience both the men and women artists from the Dutch Golden Age of Art. The duration of the art tour is two hours.

Your Choice Live or On Demand

Immerse yourself in the creative universe of your favorite famous artists, discovering hidden facets of their extraordinary talent. Join us for a journey, highlighting both celebrated and obscure masterpieces. Our art tours stand out by offering more art, more art history, and more anecdotes, unlike the typical art tours that only give less than 50 masterpieces.

Expect an experience akin to visiting an art and cultural museum, complete with a knowledgeable guide to lead the way.

Delve into the world of French Impressionism with the likes of Claude Monet, Mary Cassatt, and Vincent Van Gogh. Travel back to appreciate the genius of the Dutch Masters.

Most Popular Art Tours

Street Art Museum Tours

Virtual Van Gogh & Japonism

Mary cassatt art tour, watercolors of john singer sargent art tour, about our art tours, well researched.

Every tour story is genuine, well-researched, and authentic with over 50 hours dedicated to researching each artist. Our guides have their degrees from top Universities.

Genuine experiences

Art is accessible and inspiring for everyone. Our guides don’t just read from a script, they have an extensive knowledge and background to enable them to have conversations in art.

More Focused

Dive deep into the world of your favorite artists and uncover layers of their brilliance. A two-hour art tour will show you well-known artworks along with lesser-known pieces -- more than our competitors.

Frequently Asked Questions About Virtual Art Tours

Why do you need my email.

With your email address, we can send you the Zoom link for the virtual art tour .We do have a privacy policy see below or click here.

Can I transfer my ticket to a new date?

Yes, just let us know before the start of your virtual art tour.

What if I need to cancel?

Yes, you may but please contact us before the start of your art tour.

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New York Graffiti and Street Art Tours

This post reviews and compares the various New York and Brooklyn street art and graffiti tours and workshops, including our own pay-what-you-wish tours.

• Brooklyn Tours
• Manhattan Tours
• Workshops + Lessons
• 11 Places to See Street Art in NYC
• Other Brooklyn Tours
• Other NYC Tours

BROOKLYN GRAFFITI AND STREET ART TOURS

We are proud to present our well-reviewed tour of Bushwick Graffiti (see the video above).

Additionally, there are a few other companies offering similar tours, so if our schedule doesn't work for you, there are a few options that have upfront costs.

Our tours are listed in the calendar as well. The tour name is followed by (FREE TOURS BY FOOT).

Bushwick is a working-class district on the north side of Brooklyn adjacent to Williamsburg has been attracting artists for some time now.

The neighborhood has a fair collection of art studios and galleries, but it is Bushwick's industrial landscape that attracts street artists.

Free Tours by Foot

Join Free Tours by Foot in Bushwick, Brooklyn, and discover some of the best New York graffiti and street art on some of the world's best and most interesting urban canvasses.

We'll explain to you the background and history of the art of many famous and not-so-famous artists.

Obtain a better appreciation and critical eye for what is an ever-changing form of expression, all the while exploring a part of New York only now emerging on visitors' itineraries.

We are among the very best in NYC.

Read our reviews on TripAdvisor and search for street art or graffiti to see for yourself.

Artists whose works we may encounter on the Brooklyn Graffiti and Street Art Tour:

• Buff Monster , known for his use of the color pink
• Skewville, famous, among other things, for re-inventing the sneakers over the telephone wire
• Beau Stanton
• Billy Mode & Chris Stain - famous members of the Bushwick Collective
• ColWallnuts
• and many many other artists.

Some of the sites in Bushwick we will see on the tour:

• Roberta’s Pizza
• Maria Hernandez Park
• The Bushwick Collective
• Vintage shopping hot-spots
• Great places for refreshments
• Check out our self-guided Bushwick Brooklyn tour .

Tour information

Reservations:  REQUIRED.  Click here to reserve . For groups of 6 or more, please visit our  groups' page  before booking.

Duration:  Approximately 2 hours. Tour distance is approximately 1.5 miles (2 km)

When:  @2pm Tuesdays and @9:45am Thursdays through Mondays.  View Our Full Calendar .

Where:  Tour meets on the corner of Bogart & Seigel Streets, in front of Brooklyn's Natural & Swallow Cafe, 49 Bogart St, Brooklyn, NY 11206 by the Morgan Street Subway Station. ( map )

Cost:  The New York Graffiti and Street Art Tour is free to take, and you get to decide what, if anything, the tour was worth when it's done. A  name-your-own-price tour  is a tour for anyone's budget.

TIP:  If you do have a budget or just like to save money on attractions, see if buying one of the many  tourist concession passes  is right for you.

We also offer  street art and graffiti tours in London .

Disclosure:  While we think you should take our free tour above, we understand this might work for everyone, so here are a few other companies. While our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the  full text .

Graff Tours - Brooklyn

Graff Tours offer a variety of graffiti tours of the NYC area that are great for singles and groups.

Like our Bushwick Brooklyn Street Art Tour, this outfit's tour is a 2-hour excursion through one of New York City’s largest outdoor street art galleries.

You’ll learn the history of founder and curator of the collective, Joe Ficalora and explore the Bushwick Collective featuring art from some of the best graffiti artists on the planet like Chor Boogie, Li-Hill, Don Rimx, and more.

This tour is offered both as a public tour or you can book a private tour.

Public Tour

• $25 Adult | $20 Children, Students, or Seniors
• Daily at 1 pm.
• Graffiti Workshops   Sundays-Fridays at 3 pm. Saturdays at 4 pm. (additional cost)
• More information or to book online .

Private Tour

• From 1 to 5 people $150
• From 6 to 9 people $250
• Check their schedule for times .
• Click here for information and to book a private tour

Note that Graff Tours also offers a street art tour in Manhattan as well as graffiti workshops .

Brooklyn Unplugged

A self-proclaimed boutique sightseeing tour company, Brooklyn Unplugged plays host to a variety of tours throughout the New York area.

In addition to all their other outings, they also offer a Brooklyn street art tour!

• $32 Adult | $20 Child (ages 15 and under)
• Daily at 10:30 am. (Note that prior to May 10, 2018, start time vary depending on the day, with options of 10:30 am, 11 am, 3 pm)
• More information and to book .

TIP: This tour is included for free if you have one of these tourist concession passes: the New York Pass, the Sightseeing Pass, and Go City New York Card.

Tourist passes can save you significant money on tours and attractions. Read our post comparing the various different tourist passes available to you in NYC.

MANHATTAN GRAFFITI AND STREET ART TOURS

Most of the companies listed above also offer street art and graffiti tours in Manhattan, mostly in Lower Manhattan.

We offer a morning tour of Lower Manhattan, mostly in the Lower East Side.

Join us for a Manhattan Street Art and Pop Culture Tour and experience the Lower East Side (LES) - SoHo, NoHo, Nolita, and Little Italy.

The Lower East Side of Manhattan is a playground for street artists, SoHo is known to be one of NYC first permit Joint Live-Work Quarters for artists and the area received landmark designation in 1973.

NoHo and Nolita’s street art is either hidden in courtyards or on the more prominent street art facades. Learn about the history of the art of many famous and unknown artist.

Some of the sites we may encounter:

• Spring Street
• Lombardi's Pizza - the first pizzeria to open in the United States over 100 years ago!
• Taim - rated Best Falafel in NYC
• MoMA Design Store
• Germania Bank Building
• Liz Christie Garden
• Freeman Alley
• Mulberry Street

Some of the Artists’ work we may encounter:

• Shepard Fairey
• Ron English
• Triston Eaton
• PyramidOracle
• Team Supreme Team Lowbrow
• and other local and international artists.

Reservations:  REQUIRED.  Click here to reserve .

Duration:  Approximately 2 hours. Tour distance is approximately 1.5 miles (2k)

When:  @2pm Fridays. View Our Full Calendar

Where:  In front of the REI store on the corner of E. Houston and Lafayette. ( map ). The tour ends at 109 Mulberry Street near Canal Street ( map ).

Cost:  The Manhattan Street Art Tour is free to book, and you get to decide what, if anything, the tour was worth when it's done. A  name-your-own-price tour  is a tour for anyone's budget.

Inside Out Tours

Inside Out Tours offer a variety of award-winning tours throughout New York City that are available in both English and Spanish.

The Alternative New York Street Art Tour pays a 3-hour homage to the Lower East Side’s expressive graffiti art scene.

You’ll learn the history of this area and how its immigrant beginnings have impacted the graffiti scene that is rapidly shifting.

This tour is designed to be an immersive, educative experience that will leave participants with a new perspective of non-curated public expression.

• $35 Adult | $28 Child (ages 5-11)
• Thursdays at 10 am
• More information or to book .

GRAFFITI AND STREET ART WORKSHOPS

This hour-long, immersive experience offers participants a unique opportunity to receive lessons from a working graffiti artist.

Your street art teacher will provide general art guidance and techniques of aerosol art which you will then implement on your own canvas creation.

NOTE: Free Tours by Foot does not offer or run these workshops as either a public or private option. Please click on the links below.

There is no prior experience required and users will be provided with the tools they need at the workshop.

This workshop is offered 7 days a week in either private or group lessons.

There is an optional add-on for this workshop which combines the graffiti lesson with Graff Tours Bushwick Brooklyn Street Art Tour.

Reviews of Graffiti Workshops

There are limited reviews made available for this graffiti workshop.

A few users of the TripAdvisor community give it an excellent rating, citing the lesson as a fun activity that allowed participants to leave with a worthwhile souvenir.

*The following prices are for the graffiti workshop only and do not include a tour*

Brooklyn Group Workshop

• $40 per person 
• Daily at 3 pm and 6 pm

Private Workshops in either Brooklyn or Manhattan

• More information and to book Brooklyn .
• More information and to book Manhattan .

RELATED POSTS:

We also offer street art and graffiti tours in London .

Choose a Destination... I want them all PLUS general travel tips. Amsterdam Berlin Boston Charleston Chicago Dubai Lisbon London Los Angeles Miami Nashville New York City New Orleans Paris Philadelphia Prague Rome San Francisco Washington DC

About The Author

Stephen Pickhardt

North america, united kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

Enjoy the #1 tour in Bogotá, Colombia:

The original bogotá graffiti tour..

Started in 2011, this half day free walking tour highlights the history, culture and art of Colombia through graffiti and murals. We are ranked #1 on Tripadvisor in the category ‘Things to do outdoors’ in Bogotá and in 2021 we won the Travellers Choice Recognition Award!

What to bring

Umbrella or Jacket

Weather changes quickly in Bogotá. It’s a good idea to always come prepared with an umbrella or jacket in case it rains.

Don’t forget to bring cash money for snacks, water and, of course, donations to the tour! Suggested donation: $12 dollars

Bogotá has an altitude of 2.600 meters, being so close to the sun means you can really feel the burn, even on cloudy days.

We like to think we’ll be showing you some cool stuff on the tour. Don’t forget to bring your camera or to make sure your phone is charged for some good photo ops.

The perfect mix of history and art We had a blast with Camilla learning about Colombian politics and culture! The tour took us through the history of street art and iconic murals of Bogotà. It’s a must do ⭐️

Lots of information and background, history of street art Our family loved the tour. Our guide was very knowledgable and had many stories to explain the street art and graffiti.

Amazing tour Camilla was a really nice and enthusiastic tour guide with a lot of knowledge of all the artworks. Would 100% recommend!!

Giovani Martin

We meet every day at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays) next to the Liberator monument in the Gabriel García Márquez Park for Journalists.

Private Tours

With our private tours, you can choose any date and time between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. Our guide will give a personalized tour with any needs you may have!

As a way to broaden the experience and for customers to have the opportunity to spray paint, we have designed spray painting workshops. These are dictated in allied spaces related in one way or another to the local graffiti scene.

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Saddleshoe Tours, one of Time Out 's recommended street art tours

Street art tours: See graffiti on these New York walking tours

Join a tour guide to explore the best street art and graffiti in Manhattan and Brooklyn, and learn about the craft itself.

Take one of these five walking tours to explore graffiti and street art in neighborhoods like the Lower East Side , Chelsea and Williamsburg . Options range from affordable two-hour walks to private, customized tours that include stops in galleries and bars.

RECOMMENDED: Street art and graffiti guide 5 Pointz NYC Graffiti Tour Explore this warehouse turned renowned graffiti attraction with founder and curator Meres One as he pulls back the curtains on colorful murals by international artists from Brazil to Japan. Meres points out a stunning Pointillistic spray-painted portrait of a young kid wearing a hoodie by Australian artist James Cochran and the familiar face of murdered rapper the Notorious B.I.G. by New Zealand artist OD. This behind-the-scenes tour includes a spray-painting demonstration, in which Meres creates a detailed mural in less than ten minutes, and a visit to the roof to view the juxtaposition of colorful graffiti against the concrete Manhattan skyline. 45-46 Davis St at Jackson Ave, Long Island City, Queens ( sidetour.com ). Next tour May 5 2–2:30pm; $35. Advance purchase required. Graff Tours Discover the graffiti work of well-known artists on the Lower East Side and in the Village with this two-and-a-half-year-old company that also offers tours in Philadelphia and Los Angeles. Highlights include a four-story-tall stencil mural of a tattooed woman in a whimsical forest by Mike Owen, stencil work by Shepard Fairey (best known for his Obama “Hope” poster) and a mural featuring Popeye by John Matos (Crash One) on the Bowery Graffiti Wall, one of New York’s most famous downtown spots. The company provides similar tours in Williamsburg and Bushwick, and 90-minute graffiti workshops in Brooklyn, where you spray-paint on a wall with the guidance of local artists ($45). Meet at Bleecker St and Bowery ( grafftours.com ). Sun 1—2:30pm; $25. Reservations required. Levys’ Unique New York For a customized tour, opt for Levy’s graffiti and gallery tours in Brooklyn and Manhattan. On the Brooklyn tour, expect to see tags, throw-ups, stencils, murals and wheatpastes in neighborhoods like Williamsburg, Bushwick, Dumbo and Bed-Stuy, accompanied by a visit to English Kills Gallery (114 Forrest St at Flushing Ave, Bushwick, Brooklyn; 718-366-7323, englishkillsartgallery.com ) and artisanal chocolate factory Fine + Raw (288 Seigel St at Bogart St, Bushwick, Brooklyn; 718-366-3633, fineandraw.com ) . The guide also discusses the history of gentrification in the area, explaining how cheap rent attracted artists to industrial Williamsburg and Bushwick, which transformed the neighborhoods into creative hotbeds. These private group tours are personalized, so meeting points, times and prices will change accordingly. Two-hour walking tour rates range from $150 for one person to $400 for eight. Visit levysuniqueny.com for details. Saddleshoe Tours View painted murals, mosaic installations, sculptures and art embedded in the pavement on two different walking tours, in Chelsea and on the Lower East Side. Founder and guide Lia Buffa rocks her signature saddle shoes as she points out illegal street art in Chelsea from Michael De Feo, best known for his iconic, large-scale flower images (you’ll see one that’s six-foot-tall on this tour), and on the Lower East Side from Stikman, an unidentified artist who creates little men in different shapes and sizes. The Lower East Side tour also includes a zany cartoon galaxy spray-painted on a roll-down security gate, part of a (legal) 2011 project by Kenny Scharf. Lower East Side to Soho: Meet at Second Ave and 2nd St • Chelsea to Meatpacking District: Meet at Ninth Ave and 14th St • saddleshoetours.com . Weekends, by appointment; group of four $100, each additional person $20. Street Art Walk Join this two-hour jaunt around Bushwick and Williamsburg to see some of the area’s best pieces, such as Belgium artist ROA’s two-story-high wall mural of a giant squirrel, raccoon and fox with their tails wrapped around windows, or the work of French stencilist Christian Guémy, known as C215, who creates portraits of orphans, the homeless and refugees. Guide David Meade, an ex-graffer born and raised in the Bronx, also teaches participants the difference between paste-ups, stencils, murals, stickers and graffiti. Williamsburg tour: Meet at North 7th St between Bedford and Driggs Aves; Sat 2:30–4:30pm • Bushwick tour: Meet at Harrison Pl between Bogart St and Morgan Ave; Sun 2:30—4:30pm • streetartwalk.com . $20. Reservations required, e-mail [email protected] . Private tours available.

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Tretyakov Gallery Tour

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Description

Tretyakov gallery, zamoskvorechye area, street art of moscow and best coffee.

Sumptuous paintings, iconic sculptures and ancient icons in Tretyakov Gallery. Architectural masterpieces and beautiful cathedrals in the oldest part of Moscow - Zamoskvorechye. Modern street art, graffiti and best coffee in Moscow –  Ultimate Russian Experience!

Choose the tour you like:

3-hour tour for $117: you will hear tthe stories about 10 famous paintings in Tretyakov Gallery, see 5 cathedrals in Zamoskvorechye, street art and try best coffee in the town;

5-hour tour for $157: you will learn fun facts about 20 paintings in Tretyakov Gallery, see 10 cathedrals and cultural heritage sites in Zamoskvorechye, street art and sample best coffee in the city.

Highlights:

• Experience Moscow’s premier art mecca – Tretyakov Gallery;
• Explore the treasures of Russian art and architecture, ancient and modern;
• Soak in the beauty of the historic and magic Zamoskvorechye;
• Get immersed into Russian history of XII-XXI centries;
• Track the origin of Moscow city, and find out why Moscow survived after endless battles and wars, fires and floods;
• Discover one of the oldest streets of Moscow – Pyatnitskaya street;
• Admire the impressive architectural styles of Russian cathedrals and temples.

Hotel pickup

Some friendly jokes, history talks and fun facts on our way to Tretyakov Gallery.

Tretyakov Gallery – Moscow’s premier art gallery

The world’s finest and most complete collection  of Russian icons, the main gallery and museum of Russia, and simply one of the most precious places in the world, as some tourists say.

Fascinating history  of the Gallery and its founder – Pavel Tretyakov, combined with  stunning art  spanning for almost 1000 years make the Tretyakov Gallery so very special and unique in all Moscow. The peculiar  architecture  of the facade of the gallery adds up to the experience, it is designed in a Russian traditional style with a touch of a fairy tale.

You’ll learn about:

• the life story of the Tretyakov Gallery’s founder, how could he accomplish what he did and what were his greatest values in the family;
• which icon is kept in a special glass enclosure, that maintains constant temperature and humidity to protect the icon from any damage;
• which painter took part in numerous fights – and wrote a number of paintings depicting what he saw with his own eyes;
• who was that legendary”The girl with peaches” and where were those peaches from;
• which artist would never create what he did without a Moscow Major General;
• what was the first Russian painter to be recognized by European society;
• what made Repin paint his famous “Ivan The Terrible killing his son”;
• which painter was criticized for addiction to photographic accuracy;
• who is the most “fabulous” artist in the history of Russian painting;
• the hero for which picture starved to death in an earthen prison;
• which painting combines painting and sculpture techniques;
• what painting became the life-time project for its author;
• what is the most popular painting in Tretyakov Gallery;
• what picture was being painted for more than 20 years;
• what painting depicts the artist’s own romantic drama;
• what painting hung in every respectable Soviet home;
• what painting became a Russian Sistine Madonna;
• which painting depicts the Red Fate of Russia;
• who was the prototype for Ilya Muromets;
• what painting cost its author his eyesight;
• see the oldest painting in the Gallery;
• how did Vrubel describe demons.

The museum is huge, the collection consists of 130 000 exhibits, so we will be covering the most famous and world-known paintings.

Here is our  Top 20 paintings on Tretyakov Gallery   tour :

The Unequal Marriage by Vasily Pukirev;

Boyarynya Morozova by Vasily Surikov;

Morning in a pine forest by Ivan Shishkin;

Bogatyrs by Viktor Vasnetsov;

The Apotheosis of War by Vasiliy Vereschagin;

The Appearance of Christ to the people by Aleksandr Ivanov;

Ivan The Terrible killing his son by Ilya Repin;

Unexpected Return by Ilya Repin;

The girl with peaches by Valentin Serov;

The rooks have arrived by Aleksey Savrasov;

The Swan Princess by Mikhail Vrubel;

Demon Seated in a Garden by Mikhail Vrubel;

Portrait of an Unknown Woman by Ivan Kramskoi;

Horsewoman by Karl Brullov;

Trinity by Andrei Rublev;

Beauty by Boris Kustodiev;

Bathing of a Red Horse by Kuzma Petrov-Vodkin;

Morning of Streltsy’s execution by Vasily Surikov;

Portrait of Maria Lopukhina by Vladimir Borovikovsky;

Catherine the Great in a Temple of Justice by Dmitry Levitzky.

Zamoskvorechie Walking Tour  – The land of architectural bliss

Zamoskvorechye area displays a dazzling mix of architectural gems. Your guide will show you the city’s most striking buildings and tell you about their intriguing stories and secrets.

On our Art Tour you will see the building that was so mesmerizing that back in 1812 Napoleon, enchanted by the beauty of it, regretted that he could not put it on the palm and move it to Paris, and during the fire French soldiers carried buckets of water to save it from the fire.

You will find out why the most historical street of Moscow is called Pyatnitskaya and what happened there in 1739 and 1935 that you should know.

You will also witness the cathedrals that:

• was flooded and rebuilt on Peter I’s orders;
• is one of the “youngest”, built 105 years ago;
• was built in Byzantine style for (just?) 100K roubles;
• was typical of Moscow classicism of the XVIII century;
• has one of the best architecture art design in Moscow;
• is famous for its founder who was publicly whipped and sent to exile;
• was first mentioned in 1415 and was still under construction till 1904;
• combines the elements of Moscow baroque style with Ukrainian baroque;
• is one of the oldest cathedrals in Moscow, first mentioned in 1493, and built in 1695;
• was reconstructed in 1709, during the war with Sweden, and almost untouched since then;
• was the outpost during the liberation of Moscow from foreign invaders during the Time of Troubles in 1612;
• was built by Grand Prince Vasily II (Dark) in gratitude for the miraculous deliverance from the Tatar captivity;
• is an architectural monument of federal significance and is included in one of the main tour and pilgrimage routes of the Golden Ring of Moscow.
• served as the main architectural dominant defining the urban planning of Moscow, from Ivan the Great Bell in Kremlin to the Church of the Ascension in Kolomenskoye Museum-Reserve;

For this off the beaten path Cultural tour we selected  Top 10 architectural masterpieces  – cathedrals, churches and temples, dating from 1415:

• Church of the Intercession;
• Church of St. John the Warrior;
• Kadashi Church;
• The church of the Beheading of Ioann the Baptist;
• Church of Iveron Icon of the Mother of God;
• The church of St. Kliment;
• Church of St. Nicholas in Pyzhi;
• Church of St. Gregory Bishop Neokisayriysky in Derbitsy;
• The church of Paraskeva Pyatnitsa;
• The church of Live-Giving Trinity.

Street Art – Contrast of ancient and modern urban

Take a memorable photo of Moscow's best graffiti and street art in the cultural heart of the city, the most ancient and spiritual area of Moscow.

Coffee break in the most popular coffee shop

In March 2015 Russia became a proud member of the International Coffee Organization. With the full right of a coffee connoisseur we will take you to one of the best coffee shops in Moscow.

This coffee guru has been in coffee business for almost 20 years and offers over 50 high-quality coffee sorts! Who are we talking about? That’s our little secret that we’ll reveal to you on this private Moscow tour.

Drop-off at the hotel or any place of your wish 

What you get:.

• + A friend in Moscow.
• + Private & customized Moscow tour.
• + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
• + An authentic experience of local life.
• + Flexibility during the walking tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

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The Complete Guide to Detroit Street Art

Detroit is known for many things, most of them revolving around cars and the auto industry. It might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of public art but, surprisingly enough, Motor City has become a mecca for artists. 

For one thing, the cost of living in Detroit is absurdly low. Not to give in to the “starving artist” cliche, but it’s definitely a draw for artists who are just beginning their careers. To add to that, a recent decline in population has led to a large number of abandoned buildings all around the city. To the casual observer, these are nothing more than ruins. But to a street artist, these are blank canvases just waiting for spray paint or a brush. 

Let’s take a look at Detroit’s street art, its history, and some of the best examples of public art in town.

See Street Art in Motor City

Did you know that Let’s Roam, your source for the best scavenger hunts , ghost tours, and pub crawls , also offers art walks? In fact, our guides have put together a magnificent app-guided tour of murals in Detroit ! Like our other hunts, it promises trivia, challenges, and photo ops in between blasts of color and culture. Check out all of our available tours in Detroit and the surrounding area to see the very best street art and other sights in this fine city!

The History of Street Art in Detroit

Murals in Detroit go back further than most people would imagine—almost 100 years, to 1932. 

Detroit’s First Murals

Famed Mexican painter Diego Rivera (husband of Frida Kahlo) was commissioned by the Detroit Institute of Art (DIA) to paint murals on the four walls of the DIA’s Garden Court, now known as the Rivera Court.  

The commission was encouraged by the Ford Motor Company, in an effort to improve worker relations. Rivera’s 27 murals depict Ford’s laborers as well as advances in the fields of science and technology.

It was an auspicious start to Detroit’s mural scene, but these were indoors. Street art would come decades later. 

Graffiti Art

Public art in most cities is an evolution of its graffiti, and Detroit is no exception. Graffiti took hold here in the 1980s. That was when Fel3000ft was first exposed to graffiti. A friend visiting from NYC showed him pictures of subway trains filled with graffiti, and the 11-year-old was immediately enthralled. 

With no street art scene happening in Detroit, Fel had to teach himself by trial and error. He began with tagging, writing his handle on walls all over the city. He quickly moved on to bombing, using the bubble letters so common to graffiti artists. 

As Fel’s talent grew, he began mentoring the next generation of graffiti artists. At the time, it was still seen as vandalism, but that would soon change.

Next up was Sintex, a native Detroit artist who began his public art in the early 2000s. Sintex, like many other local artists, had one goal: the artistic beautification of a city that was quickly deteriorating. 

Then, in 2013, the City of Detroit declared bankruptcy. Pictures of its decaying, abandoned buildings circulated in newspapers all over the country. Seeing the possibilities for arts space was an irresistible lure to graffiti artists from around the country. They swarmed Detroit, sometimes clashing with local artists over turf and painting over art created by other crews. 

Clashes with the Mayor

In 2014, newly elected Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan all but declared war on graffiti and the local artists. He punished the artists as well as businesses who didn’t clean up, regardless of whether the business owner liked the artwork. 

Duggan ordered sweeps of graffiti all over the city, cracking down on a graffiti-friendly skate park and even murals on Detroit’s west side. Between 2015 and 2017, over 50,000 graffiti tags were removed. 

Strangely enough, the clashes with the mayor marked the beginning of mural art in Detroit. While Duggan was trying to wipe out graffiti, fans of public art were trying to figure out how to spread authorized street art. 

One of the biggest allies in the battle to save Detroit’s street art was Jesse Cory, who ran an art gallery in Eastern Market. Cory was a cofounder in 1xRun, a company that sold affordable art prints. 1xRun had also sponsored a successful street art festival in Honolulu. 

Cory had seen firsthand how art had played a key role in the revitalization of a neighborhood. He decided to replicate the feat, but this time in Detroit. 

Murals in the Market

Cory’s annual event premiered in 2015 and was named Murals in the Market in a nod to its farmer’s market location. The annual street art festival is sponsored by 1xRun and the Eastern Market Corporation, the nonprofit that manages the farmer’s market. 

The artists invited to participate in Murals in the Market are split evenly between locals and muralists from around the world. They aren’t paid for their murals, but their travel, food, and housing expenses are all covered. And, 1xRun sells prints of many of the murals, generating revenue for the muralists.

Gentrification

Of course, the biggest fear for artists is gentrification, which could mean losing access to free outdoor canvasses and low-cost housing. Southwest Detroit, between Downtown and Corktown, seems particularly vulnerable. 

Murals in the Market centered the art world’s attention squarely on Detroit. Already, trendy businesses such as breweries and juice bars have moved into the once-ruined neighborhoods. And at least one NYC developer has plans to open a boutique hotel in Downtown Detroit. 

Where to See Detroit Street Art

Detroit’s street art can be found almost anywhere that has free wall space. But, certain neighborhoods are emerging as hubs for muralists. 

Eastern Market

Eastern Market is teeming with both Detroiters and tourists armed with maps and cameras, all looking for some of the best murals in the city. This is the site of the annual Murals in the Market festival, and if you can’t make it to the festival you have all year to see the completed murals. 

The murals are not in the main part of the market, a way of encouraging visitors to spend more time in the area. The majority of them are just east of the market, mostly along Orleans and Erksine Streets. There’s also a cluster of murals south of that, on Orleans St. just off Gratiot Avenue.

The market itself is worth a visit. Not only are there local foods (fruits, vegetables, and meats) and crafts, it’s also the largest open-air flower market in the country. 

Dequindre Cut

Dequindre Cut is a 2-mile long below-street level greenway that runs parallel to St. Aubin Street, between Mack Avenue and Atwater Street. It has a 20-foot wide pathway, with separate lanes for pedestrians and cyclists. It links the Detroit Riverfront and Eastern Market, as well as several residential neighborhoods. 

Park your car and walk along the Dequindre Cut and you’ll see over 35 pieces of Detroit’s public art.

The Belt (named after its former life as the garment district) is an alley that connects Grand River Avenue and Gratiot Avenue. It houses a collection of Detroit street art, curated by the Library Street Collective (LSC).

The Belt was chosen by the LSC to showcase how art can transform underused public spaces.  Formerly a desolate alley, the Belt features works by renowned artists such as Nina Chanel Abney, FAILE, Shepard Fairey, Carlos Rolon, and POSE. Not convinced? There’s even a mural by Portugal’s favorite son, Vhils, who worked alongside Banksy in 2008. Mostly based in London and Lisbon, his work has received international acclaim and landed him on our list of most famous street artists .

The Z Parking Garage

Would you ever have expected to find amazing murals in a parking garage? Don’t answer that, just head over to the Z Parking Garage in Downtown Detroit. The garage’s two 10-floor parking decks are located on either end of the Belt, making it easy to see it all within one stop. 

Over 130 murals line the ramps of the garage, and they’ve been created by some of Detroit’s top local artists as well as international greats including HENSE, Maya Hayuk, and Logan Hicks. 

What better place than Motor City to turn a parking garage into a museum?

Southwest Detroit

This area has some of the brightest, most vibrant murals in the city. These murals were largely painted by Mexican and Mexican-American artists, and it shows. The paintings have influences from the Latino/Chicano culture, with Aztec figures and Day of the Dead themes. 

Follow the viaduct on Springwell Street as well as the wall around the corner, and you’ll see the majority of the murals. 

Grand River Creative Corridor (GRCC)

Real Estate Executive and Art Gallery Director Derek Weaver masterminded the Grant River Creative Corridor after reading a story that referred to the area as depressing. He knew art could be the catalyst for changing the perception of the neighborhood. 

After receiving permission from local businesses, he commissioned graffiti artists to turn Grand River Avenue into a street art destination. 

You can tour over 100 murals and exhibits canvassing the walls of 15 buildings, plus over a dozen free-standing sculptures and structures. There’s also an outdoor art gallery at a nearby bus stop. 

Much of the artwork at GRCC draws inspiration from Diego Rivera’s Detroit murals, depicting the future of the city. 

Top Examples of Detroit Street Art

With so many murals scattered around the city, it’s almost impossible to pick our favorites! Here are some of Detroit’s top “must-see” murals.

Rise Up Tiger

Location: 6314 Russell Street

This large-scale mural covers an impressive 6,000 square feet. Meggs (real name: David Hooke) painted this as a reminder to Detroiters to keep fighting, no matter the odds. 

The background of the mural is composed of a swirling sea of blues, which the snarling, blue-eyed tiger is bursting through. The tiger itself is a nod to the city’s MLB team, the Detroit Tigers. He’s surrounded by giant red and white letters encouraging Detroiters to “Rise Up.” 

At the bottom of the mural is a long stretch of graffiti that had been painted there prior. Meggs refused to paint over it out of respect for his fellow artists. 

Whale Tower 

By: Robert Wyland

Location: Broderick Tower, 10 Witherell Street

Whale Tower is the perfect example of Detroit street artists using the city as their canvas. Once one of the country’s tallest abandoned buildings, Whale Tower is now one of the city’s tallest works of art. It stands over 14 stories tall. 

The peaceful ocean scene depicts a pod of four whales enjoying their day. The top of the mural has one of the whales gleefully leaping out of the ocean, spouting water as it goes. Towards the bottom, the scene is more gentle. One smaller whale hangs out in the lower right corner, while in the center, a baby whale is balanced gently on its parent’s nose. 

The painting is done almost entirely in shades of blue, with a purer blue on top for the sky giving way to the more turquoise waters. Wyland painted over 100 Whaling Walls around the globe. 

Circles, Dots, Lines, and Shapes

Location: Madison Theatre Building, 1555 Broadway St.

Famed Atlanta muralist HENSE (Alex Brewer) used over 100 gallons of paint and took over three weeks to create this large street art piece. His colorful masterpiece, curated by the  covers over 100,000 square feet. 

The mural was created in a wide variety of colors, everything from light lavender to bright yellow. The shapes range from well-designed spheres to more amorphous, flowing shapes. It’s a classic example of HENSE’s preferred abstract style. 

For the best view of the mural, head over to the island on Broadway. 

Stevie Wonder

By: Richard Wilson

Location: Music Hall Center for Performing Arts, 350 Madison Street

This tribute to Stevie Wonder was painted by London Artist Richard Wilson in 2019. The date was chosen to coincide with Wonder’s 69th birthday and the 60th anniversary of Motown records. 

The painting stands 100 feet tall and covers 8,000 square feet. In it, Wonder sits at the piano, wearing his signature sunglasses and friendly, welcoming smile. His hands graze over the piano keys, and his jacket falls open to reveal a tee-shirt emblazoned with just one word: Detroit. 

The Heidelberg Project

By: Tyree Guyton

Location: 2 blocks around 3600 Heidelberg Street

Not quite a mural but street art nonetheless, the Heidelberg Project is Tyree Guyton’s eclectic mixed-media exhibit. 

Guyton began his work in 1986, using “found treasure” to transform abandoned homes into works of art. Houses are painted with murals and exhibits are mounted in doors, windows, and yards. 

This Downtown Detroit neighborhood used to be an almost abandoned area, overrun with drugs and poverty. Guyton began cleaning up vacant lots and abandoned houses as a way of inspiring the community to appreciate art and everyday objects. 

Girl with the D Earring

By: Sydney G. James

Location: 2937 East Grand Boulevard

James has created a modern take on Vermeer’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring.” In her version, the girl is in the same instantly recognizable pose. Her knowing stare and familiar blue and gold turban are still present. But the pearl earring has been replaced by a dangling, stylized “D.” 

The girl has also been transformed into an African-American, paying tribute to Detroit’s rich cultural heritage and diversity. James’ version is also decorated with signs and logos representing historic local businesses.

The mural replaces the Illuminated Mural by Katherine Craig, which had been irreparably damaged during construction. Craig’s mural had polarized the city, with fans raving about the gorgeous use of colors while critics lamented that it looked like paint had been dripped off the roof. 

Detroit Chimera

By: Kobie Solomon

Location: 1600 Clay St. 

When Kobie Solomon painted Detroit’s most iconic mural, it was the largest one in the state of Michigan. A decade later, it is dwarfed by some of the large-scale murals that have followed, yet retains its status as the city’s most well-known. 

The seemingly idyllic background (blue pond, lush vegetation) serves as even more contrast to the scowling chimera that dominates the scene. 

Despite an almost Japanese-style influence, the Detroit Chimera is an homage to the city’s sports teams. A chimera, in Greek mythology, was a creature that was composed of more than one animal. In this case, the chimera has the head of a lion (Detroit Lions, NFL), the body of a tiger (Detroit Tigers, MLB), and red wings (Detroit Red Wings, NHL). 

Legends Wall

Location: Newark Street and St. Anne Street

This dynamic graffiti stretches along a 40-foot wall. More than a painting, it’s actually indecipherable writing. The lettering is known as wildstyle: text with stylized, interlocking letters in a hand-designed font that is impossible to read. 

In the background, blue icicles rise from the ground with an effect that’s almost 3-D. The orange letters make a vivid contrast, especially with the purple accents and highlights. If you look carefully enough, you’ll see some familiar elements, such as a sharp-toothed fish head peeking out from the right side of the letters. The entire thing is surrounded in neon green that makes it look like it would glow in the dark. 

At the top right corner, you’ll see the tag “X-Men.” This is Kosek’s nod to the other members of his crew. 

The Deity of Southwest Detroit

By: Marka27 (Victor Quinonez)

Location: El Asador Steakhouse, 1312 Springwells St. 

Marka27 was born in Mexico and raised in Dallas, and there’s no denying the influence of his southwest heritage in this painting. One of the reasons he accepted this commission was to celebrate the Mexican neighborhood. 

Despite being named a deity, Marka27 clarifies that there is no religious intention behind the mural. Instead, he wanted to give off the vibe that his mural is there to protect Southwest Detroit. 

The background is completely black, perfectly suited to showing off Marka27’s use of vivid colors. The deity’s head is surrounded by a golden halo ringed with bright blue and green feathers, a combination of Catholic and traditional Mexican influences. 

Behind the deity is a geometrically striped rainbow, reminiscent of a serape. And while the deity is completely faceless, it wears the long braids, black and white feathers, and flowered headpiece often seen in paintings from Marka27’s home country. Its billowy shawl looks like it’s falling into perfect folds, a testament to the Marka27’s painting skills. 

The Best Ways to See Street Art in Detroit

The street art scene in Detroit is thriving! As the once-decaying city goes through a beautification and revitalization stage, muralists and graffiti artists are doing their part to turn Detroit into a world-class art destination. With so many murals spread throughout the city, you can pick your favorite neighborhood and explore it on foot. Our suggestions above can be a starting point to get you going. 

You can also follow street art accounts on Instagram . It’s a great way to find out if your favorite artist has a mural in Detroit. The curators of these accounts strive to keep them up to date, so you’ll also be the first to know when a new artist or new mural hits the city.

But if you really want to have fun, a mural scavenger hunt is the way to go! While you’re in Detroit, download our scavenger hunt app to see some of the most spectacular public art the city has to offer. Along the way, we’ll also share fascinating facts that’ll have you geeking out over Detroit’s street art scene! 

Frequently Asked Questions

Eastern Market is filled with impressive murals by both local artists and international muralists. This guide to Detroit street art should get your art walk off to a good start!

The iconic Detroit chimera is one of Detroit’s most famous murals . It pays tributes to some of the city’s beloved sports teams, including the NFL Lions, MLB Tigers, and NHL Red Wings. 

The best time to see street art in Detroit is during the city’s annual Murals in the Market festival, usually held in September. You’ll get to witness the creation of new murals by famous artists. 

Take an app-guided tour of Murals in Motor City . You can go anytime, pause when you’d like, and see street art by Bunny Reiss, Benjamn Marasco, Kevin Lyons, Ghostbeard, and other talented muralists!

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The State Tretyakov Gallery

The State Tretyakov Gallery (usually being called Tretyakovka) is an art gallery in Moscow, specialized in Russian visual arts and it’s one of the world’s biggest collections. The Gallery is named after Pavel Mikhailovich Tretyakov, Moscow merchant and patron of arts, and it’s been bearing his name with proud and gratitude for over a hundred years. In 1856 Tretyakov started his collection by acquiring two works by Russian artists, "Skirmish with Finnish Smugglers" by V.G. Khudyakov and "The Temptation" by N. G. Schilder.

Gallery of European and American Art of the 19th-20th Centuries

Moscow City Center - Tour Duration: 1 hour

The Art Gallery is a section of the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts. It's rooms  contain the artworks by masters  of the 19th and 20th centuries:  Art of Romanticism, Realism, Academic and Salon Art, Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Symbolism, Avant-garde and artistic trends of the 19th century as well as the paintings of Ingres, Delacroix, Corot, Daumier, Courbet, Millet, Monet, Renoir, Cezanne, Gauguin, Van Gogh, Toulouse-Lautrec, Matisse, Picasso, Kandinsky, Chagall, Rodin, Maillol, Bourdelle and other masters of the 19th and 20th centuries.

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Street art in brick lane, london: a self-guided walking tour.

Discover London’s alternative art scene with this guide to street art in Brick Lane

Perhaps you are visiting London and have been dazzled by the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London , wowed by the British Museum’s vast collection and have paid your respects to the Queen at Buckingham Palace. Where next?

Why not venture east to  Brick Lane  and see a very different side of the city and one of  London’s highlights ?

But Brick Lane wasn’t always the visitor magnet it is nowadays.

An ex-colleague who lived in the area when he first moved to London tells of evading muggers on its rubbish-strewn, rodent-riddled streets. Twenty-odd years later, it is booming with chic cafes, curry houses, vintage clothes shops and cutting-edge art galleries.

Brick Lane is also the epicentre of street art in London.

Building walls, hoardings, doors and shop shutters form the canvas for frequently changing artworks .  These creations assume many forms, from massive murals to small paintings to stickers and posters.

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Exploring Street Art in Brick Lane: A Self-Guided Walking Tour

As East London is so rich in street art, it can be difficult to know where to start.

This Brick Lane walking tour, which focuses on streets that are artistic hotspots, should take you around  two hours . Exactly how much time you spend depends on how much exploring you decide to do and if you stop in one of the area’s many cafes.

It starts at  Old Street station  and finishes at  Aldgate East station . For help with getting around London, head to the  Transport for London  website.

Where is the Best Street Art in Brick Lane? A Walking Tour Map

As the artworks are ever-changing, don’t expect to find all of the art featured here when you visit. Hoardings are torn down, artists come and artists go.

But part of the fun is making exciting new finds.

Rivington Street

From  Old Street station , take exit 2 and walk a few minutes along Old Street, towards Shoreditch. Then turn left into  Rivington Street .

Although there is plenty of street art to admire along Rivington Street, the star turn is a  Banksy  just inside the Cargo beer garden.

Sclater Street

When you reach the end of Rivington Street, turn right onto  Shoreditch High Street  and continue along this main road until you reach  Bethnal Green Road . Here you turn left and then bear right into  Sclater Street .

Pass by the cool Rebel Alliance Motorcycle Company, and take in the artwork until you reach  Brick Lane .

Take a slight detour by turning left into Brick Lane to reach the  24-hour bagel shops  at this end of the street. These are a testament to the once-thriving Jewish community who arrived here in the late 19th Century.

Make sure you pick up a freshly made filled bagel.  At £2 for a smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel, it is likely to be the cheapest lunch you will have in London.

Grimsby Street

Munching on your fresh bagel, walk back along Brick Lane for three or four minutes and then turn left into  Grimsby Street . Continue along this street, admiring the art as you walk, until it you reach  Cheshire Street . Then turn left to head back to Brick Lane.

Hanbury Street

Continue along Brick Lane until you reach  Hanbury Street  on your left. Once associated with the murders of Jack the Ripper, this is now one of the top spots for street art in Brick Lane.

The well-known large Pelican mural by ROA has been there since 2010. If you are ready for a cup of coffee by this stage, I recommend  The Canvas Cafe  on this street

Princelet Street

Heading back onto Brick Lane,  Princelet Street  is your next street on the left. Take a look down here for further artwork.

Seven Stars Car Park

When you are finished in Princelet Street, continue along Brick Lane and you will reach an alleyway on your right-hand side that will take you into the  Star Yard car park . This is one of the top locations for street art in Brick Lane, attracting the very best artists and with a high turnover of content.

Fashion Street

Retracing your steps, continue along Brick Lane until you reach  Fashion Street  on your right-hand side.

Once home to some of London’s worst slums, this road connects Brick Lane and Commercial Street. Nowadays, it is home to vibrant street art.

You have now reached the end of your Brick Lane street art walking tour. At the end of Fashion Street, turn left and continue along Commercial Street until you reach Aldgate East station.

Guided Brick Lane Street Art Tours

Although I did my own thing, guided Brick Lane street art tours are available and are, reportedly, excellent.

The advantage of going on an organised Brick Lane street art walking tour is the insight that the guide can provide. This can make the difference between viewing a vibrant piece of art and learning more about what the artwork means.

>>> BOOK YOUR LONDON EAST END STREET ART TOUR HERE

Discover Your Own Brick Lane Street Art

Finally, don’t be afraid to go off-piste.

These places and pieces of art that I have mentioned aren’t the only kids on the block. Dive down some of the surrounding streets and keep your eyes peeled for hidden gems.

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Where To Find Bristol Street Art: Map & Self-Guided Tour

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The street art in Bristol is one of my favourite things about the city. You can either take an organised tour, spot bits at your leisure or, for a happy medium, take a self-guided Bristol street art tour. It was my third in the last year after taking them in both Cape Town and Shoreditch . Like any kind of tour they have their pros and cons – you get a better understanding of the street art and its meanings thanks to your guide but sometimes you feel a bit rushed. I did lose the group for about 5 minutes and had to run after them, snapping photos on the move… but maybe that was my own fault for ogling cats through the window of a cat cafe!? This tour was with Where the Wall and what I really liked was that our guide, Alex, was a street artist himself. This hadn’t been the case with either of my past tours so it felt really authentic and like we got a good level of insight, especially when he talked about the pieces he’d actually done – who could know better? I would highly recommend seeking out some street art during a weekend in Bristol . In this guide, you’ll find the works of art I saw & their locations in case you’re doing it alone.

BRISTOL ESSENTIALS Bristol Lonely Planet Accommodation:  Booking.com Activities:  GetYourGuide Getting there: Trainline / Busbud

Why is Bristol street art so famous?

A certain artist you have probably heard of had really put Bristol on the street art map globally! There are plenty of pieces of Banksy street art in Bristol which you will see if you follow this guide. These pieces of art usually pop up out of the blue, such as the Banksy sneezing woman art that popped up on the side of a house in December 2020. A local man spotted someone on scaffolding but didn’t make the connection until crowds gathered in the streets to snap the newest piece of Bansky street art in Bristol! While Banksy may have kickstarted the popularity of street art in Bristol, now there are plenty of other street artists who visited Bristol from all around the world to make their creative mark. One of the world’s largest street art festivals even takes place in Bristol each year! I’ll tell you about some of the other Bristol street artists as we go.

Where to find Bristol street art

Bristol street art map:

Want a guided tour? Check out this street art tour with a local guide or this self-guided Bristol street art tour by mobile app

Self-guided Bristol street art walking tour

If you’re travelling the UK on a budget , you may not fancy paying for a tour. For a free and informal self-guided Bristol street art tour, follow the below itinerary. After these stops, I’ll share a few additional locations, street art history and my favourite Bristol artists!

Stop #1 – College Green

You’ll start the tour by seeing Banksy’s Well Hung Lover on Frogmore Street. It’s high up so the best view is from Park Street (across the road from College Green) before taking the windy staircase down to Frogmore Street itself.

Stop #2 – Frogmore Street (under the tunnel)

Just below the Banksy is this colourful and chaotic image above. A little further down the street you’ll find this black and white stencil of two children by artist JPS. Apparently James Paul Scanlon’s work was inspired by Banksy and our guide told us this particular design was created quickly with skill and a stencil – and took just six minutes to be put up. It comprises three stencils: black, white and grey to create the tones.

Stop #3 – Culver Street

The more you learn about the Bristol street art, the more you’ll realise it’s about more than just pretty pictures. This Spartacus image above, also by JPS, a few paces from the one above tells the story of slavery and freedom in Bristol. It became a wealthy city when John Cabot (the voyager who first ‘discovered’ the coast of North America) brought slaves to the region, and the image here represents the freedom that they long struggled for. It’s also in memory of Andy Whitfield, the actor who played Spartacus and passed away in 2011.

If you find that story interesting you can see representations of the Native American, Chinese, African and Catholic slaves that helped to build Bristol carved into some of the architecture in town. It’s may not be street art but it’s still an important artistic representation of the city’s history.

Stop #4 – Leonard Lane

Next, we headed for town and soon found this little alley which was my hands-down favourite place for street art in Bristol. Begin by locating the entrance on Corn Street. It doesn’t look much from the outside but it’s certainly a Bristol hidden gem when you get inside!

It was here our guide explained that street artists often add to other artists’ work. An example is this woman above who has recently had leaves added to her hair to give the piece a multidimensional feel.

Leonard Lane was a place where it was great to have a Bristol street art guide. Alex instructed us to look down to the gum splats by our feet – and we noticed many were actually tiny designs! One even showed a miniature image of Leonard Lane itself. I’d have never noticed this level of detail alone.

Stop #5 – Bell Lane

You’ll exit Leonard Lane on Small Street but don’t stop – keep going forward on to Bell Street which isn’t as tight as Leonard but is still an enclosed alleyway. You’ll see lots more Bristol street art and eventually come out besides St John’s Church. This mother and child piece by El Mac is technically on Nelson Street but you can see it clearly from Bell Lane.

Street art stop #6 – Church of St John / Broad Street

Exit Bell Lane on to Broad Street where you’ll see this medieval piece by Conor Harrington on the corner. You’ll emerge beside the Church of St John which has a quirky side to it. The two walk-through tunnels are layered in street art: one with lions to represent England and the other with unicorns to represent Scotland.

This resulted in me learning a new fact. I didn’t know that the unicorn was Scotland’s national animal. They’re known for being noble and courageous so who cares if they’re real!?

Stop #7 – Quay Street / Nelson Street

Once walking through the tunnels you’ll be on Quay Street which connects to Nelson Street. Here there are various pieces of art like the giant dog by Aryz and Stik below. However, one of the most unique examples was this ‘reverse graffiti’. This is also called eco-graffiti and uses no paint but the technique of cleaning sections of the wall to create contrast.

Stop #8 – The Bearpit

If you take a self-guided street art tour in Bristol you’re likely to pass the Bearpit, a regenerated space where underground road tunnels meet. It’s a quirky place for street art in Bristol and has various pop-ups and street food stands like the punny  Bear ritos Mexican van. We didn’t spend much time there but it’s somewhere quite unique with a bit of an East London vibe to it.

Stop #9 – North Street

If ever I stay in Bristol and my friends aren’t around, I’ll be straight to the  Full Moon hostel which looks cool from the outside but apparently is even more interesting inside as each dorm room has a unique work of art on the wall. You’ll find it on North Street just two minutes from the Bearpit.

On the left outside wall as you walk down Moon Steet there are another few pieces of art worth checking out.

Stop #10 – Wilder Street/Backfields Lane

There are a few more colourful wall canvases in the area behind the Full Moon including one wall all completed by female street artists. It got me thinking how male-dominated it is as an industry – hopefully that’ll change!

Stop #11 – Stokes Croft

The first thing I saw when we arrived in the quirky Stokes Croft area (adjacent to Moon Street) was this yellow woman by artist Stinkfish. It was a fantastic introduction to the neighbourhood which is one of Bristol’s coolest and most quirky areas. Of course there’s street art here!

We ended our Bristol street art walking tour at hippie cafe, the Canteen , where there are two well-known pieces outside. One is Banksy’s Mild, Mild West which was a response to riot police attacking partygoers at unlicensed 90s raves. Our guide told us it became relevant again when locals protested against a new Tesco’s. Next to the Banksy is this Roman image by  Cosmo Sarson which is apparently made of a kilo of gold. The most expensive street art in Bristol for sure.

Aaaaand that’s the end of my self-guided Bristol street art tour! However, I’d also recommend checking out…

I ended up seeing the Bedminster street art by total accident as it was the area I stayed in with my friend who lives there. I didn’t even know there was street art there ’til we wandered her neighbourhood and I ended up spying some giant pieces, many of which impressed me more than the works I’d seen earlier. Areas of interest include :

• The giant gull on Back Lane
• The crying eye on Mount Pleasant Terrace
• The cat and mouse on Gladstone Street.

Final piece – ‘Girl with a Pierced Ear Drum’

Sadly I missed this piece myself but it’s a popular mural so I’d recommend squeezing it into your itinerary. Not far from M Shed and the SS Great Britain is this quirky remake of the famous Girl with a Pearl Earring painting. It’s been around since 2014 and isn’t likely to vanish soon. Perhaps it’s no accident that the piece is nearby Aardman Studios known for TV shows such as Wallace and Gromit. This piece of art is no less creative!

What is the difference between graffiti and street art?

Our guide brought this up whilst still on the first street of the tour – would you know? I didn’t. Alex told us that graffiti was originally defined as the art of letter writing on the street and came from the Italian word to scratch which generally had negative connotations of damage. Urban art became popular during the 80s when hip hop grew in New York. It became seen as a form of self-expression and now ‘street art’ means anything creative you interpret on the street – this can include visual art and performances/expressive displays.

An event for your Bristol street art diary – UPFEST

Held in Bedminster each year is the largest event of its kind, UPFEST . Street artists come from around the world to adorn wonderful murals all over the neighbourhood which remain until the following year when they are removed and replaced by new pieces. A John Lennon piece by my favourite street artist, Kobra, stayed in the Aldi carpark for a while but has now left the building – but hopefully there will soon be another vibrant mural in its place!

Who are the other Bristol street artists?

So Banksy doesn’t get all the credit, make sure you know about the other street artists who have made Bristol the colourful, creative place it is today.

• INKIE (real name Tom Bingle) has been creating street art around Bristol since the 1980s. He’s originally from Clifton, an area known for the Clifton colourful houses but nowadays his work can be seen in London and further afield. From Art Nouveau to urban, Maya architecture and Islamic geometry, his work is unbelievably diverse and take influences from all over the world.
• Cheba is responsible for the art on Full Moon hostel (pictured earlier in this blog) as well as countless other pieces of Bristol street art. His Weapon of Choice Gallery is worth a visit while in Bristol.
• Nick Walker is known for his stencil-style street art which was thought to have influenced Banksy’s style. Walker’s work has appeared in Bristol since the 1980s and often features his signature character, a man in a bowler hat.

Female-led Bristol street art

Like many locations, the street art in Bristol has traditionally been male-dominated. While there’s no denying the talent of artists like Banksy and Nick Walker, it’s great that female street artists are becoming more active and included in the street art scene in Bristol. Inspired by the Painted Ladies of San Francisco, the ‘Six Sisters’ is an enormous new art piece in Bedminster created by local artists Lucas Antics and Ejits. I’m yet to see and photograph this piece but here’s a mural by Lucas Antics found in Stokes Croft.

Are you a street art fan visiting the UK? Check out:

• Self-guided Shoreditch street art tour
• The best street art in Camden & where to find it
• Ultimate Glasgow street art guide
• Where to find street art in Manchester

Thanks for following my self-guided Bristol street art tour!

I hope you have a better idea of where to find street art in Bristol!

Like Bristol / street art? Check out my other posts:

• How to spend 2 days in Bristol
• Where to find the colourful houses of Clifton, Bristol
• The perfect Bath day trip
• Vienna street art guide
• Where to find the best street art in Singapore
• Woodstock street art: Cape Town’s urban gallery

See you next time for more adventures,

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Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

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[vice] the silent protest of post-soviet graffiti, crime and punishment: an examination of russia’s tolerance climate, graffiti as protest: an interview with alexis lerner.

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The History of Street Art in Russia: Part One

June 2011. Minsk, Belarus. (Photo: Alexis Zimberg).

The Graffiti-Producing Counter-Cultures of the Soviet Era

According to the social history presented by John Bushnell in his 1990 book Moscow Graffiti: Language and Subculture , the unadorned graffiti of hippies, punks, soccer hooligans, and pacifists dominated Russia’s public sphere in the late Soviet period. The subculture youth of the late Soviet period used graffiti as a rebellious medium to express their non-conformist ideologies. In chalk, in oil paint and brush, or—before the early 1980s—less commonly in spray paint, Soviet graffiti artists attempted to infiltrate the government-controlled public sphere with peace sign symbols, popular rock references, and Nazi swastikas. While records of explicitly dissident graffiti exist these instances were uncommon. Bushnell states that dissident graffiti were: “so unusual that they set off KGB investigations, and sometimes political trials (Bushnell, P113).” Overall Soviet graffiti writers avoided direct political aggressions, instead concerning themselves with the soft politics of Afghanistan war protest, dissent toward American imperialism, anti-nuclear armament sentiment, and the freedom to musical and artistic expression.

While the history of Russian graffiti likely dates prior to the formation of the ninth century Rurik Dynasty (when graffiti largely served a labelling or basic advertising function), graffiti by its modern definition—writing on public walls to convey a message, however vulgar or seemingly meaningless—was first recorded in the early 1970s and credited to Soviet football fanatics. Football fans ( fanaty in Russian) broadcast their allegiance to FC Spartak Moscow, FC Dinamo Moscow, or TsSKA by etching the team’s name or the team captain’s name on the walls of Moscow’s residential outskirts. Often lacking forethought, fan graffiti quickly devolved to reflect the belligerence of their artists’ raucous, boyish, and instigative behavior, such as the stencil that suggests fans “Fight for Zenith” [Figure 6]. Over time the fanaty  and their graffiti developed an association with more extreme gang lifestyles, excessively vulgar speech, and violent hooliganism.

Pushkinskaya 10. August 2011.  Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo: Alexis Zimberg).

Though suspicious of the genre’s subversive messages and popular influence, party leadership softened toward Soviet-born rock groups the late 1970s. By means of concert tours and relatable lyrics, domestic musicians began to develop fan bases. State support for foreign artists soon followed; on May 20 th 1979 authorities invited British crooner Elton John to Soviet soil for a concert and later that year, per Soviet request, American blues guitarist B. B. King added a Moscow stop to his world tour. By the early 1980s, the youth influenced by rock-and-roll began to dedicate their graffiti to foreign rock groups like AC/DC, the Sex Pistols, and Led Zeppelin. By 1983-1984, their music-themed writing accounted for 20-25 percent of total graffiti in Russia (Bushnell, P68).

“Good Night White Pride,” “White Patriot,” “Punk’s Not Dead.” August 2011. Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo: Alexis Zimberg).

In June 1983 Konstantin Chernenko, then Minister of Ideology, announced to the Communist Party Central Committee that the rockers were causing ideological and aesthetic harm to the Soviet ideology (Bushnell, P76). Swiftly the Soviet leadership repressed the rock community by denying performances, censoring lyrics, and requiring the dissolution of many non-conformist groups. Genre participants reacted in a wave of creative, cosmetic changes; musicians reworked band names to sever their future projects from their former identities (now deemed un-Soviet by the authorities), the black market capitalized on selling outlawed tapes, and thousands of artists simply declined to register themselves with state officials, further enhancing their rocker authenticity (Bushnell, P77). One year later in 1984, Mikhail Gorbachev took office and introduced the Soviet policies of perestroika and glasnost’. Perestroika, loosely translated into English as restructuring , introduced pseudo-market economic reforms to the Communist model. Gorbachev’s glasnost’, defined in English as openness , established a more transparent government and encouraged free debate. The latter policy resulted in a significant loosening of media censorship and increased individual speech freedoms. In correspondence with the opening created by these top-down reforms, the rock scene made a state-supported comeback.

Tsoi Wall. Starii Arbat. August 2011. Moscow, Russia. (Photo: Alexis Zimberg).

“Fight for Zenith (a Saint Petersburg-based Football Team).” August 2011. Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo: Alexis Zimberg).

In the mid-to-late 1980s rock music returned to once again rest at the center of the Soviet subculture for everyone from the heavy metal Iron Maiden idolizers to the peace-loving Beatles fans. By 1988, half of Moscow’s graffiti was about rock-and-roll and increasingly centralized on permitted graffiti spaces known as fan walls. When Viktor Tsoi, the lead singer of popular rock band Kino, died tragically in 1990, his loyal listeners expressed their remorse on a still-existing fan wall near the far end of the Staryi Arbat. Today fans continue to memorialize the fallen Tsoi as a symbol of peace and a figure of youthful independence by contributing to the fan wall. Punk lovers, ideologically opposed to figures of authority, also began to systematically tattoo the Soviet streets with their chosen badge, the anarchist symbol. Though fanaty and rockers largely dominated the late Soviet graffiti scene, other subcultural youth movements—hippies, pacifists, and fascists—also edged their way into the public square.

August 2011. Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo: Alexis Zimberg).

The Soviet Union’s most explicitly political graffiti messages appeared in the early 1980s. During this time, hippie youth used the walls to share the international peace sign symbol, calls for universal free love, and poetic slogans about brotherly kindness (“Make Hair Everywhere,” “Long Live Butterflies,” among these) (Bushnell, P116)). Pacifist groups such as the Free Initiative meanwhile focused their political advocacy efforts on the moral wrongs of war and violence. While state threats of detention and arrest frequently derailed their demonstrative efforts, pacifists remained undeterred to speak out against the wars that they opposed. Alienated from the censored Soviet press and public sphere, Soviet anti-war demonstrators used graffiti to publicize their opposition to the Soviet Union’s 1979 invasion of Afghanistan, the United States’ imperial expansion, and the heightened threat posed by Cold War nuclear power, using slogans such as: “End the Shameful War in Afghanistan,” “Out of Afghanistan,” “Gorbachev—Murderer of Afghan Children,” and “Russian Children’s Skin is Just as Sensitive to Napalm as Afghan Skin (Bushnell, Pp 120-121).” Today, hippies and pacifists continue to draw peace signs and paint against nuclear armament, writing statements such as “Atoms Cannot Be Peaceful” and painting murals of the negative impact of nuclear energy on the environment.

A couple enjoys a romantic moment at the Bay of Finland. Below: “Heil Hitler.” August 2011. Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo: Alexis Zimberg).

The fascist revival of the early-1970s and its impact on the Soviet street narrative cannot be ignored. Graffitied slogans of “Russia for Russians,” “Heil Hitler,” and “14/88” began to frequent urban centers by the early 1980s. On 20 April 1982—Hitler’s birthday—Moscow’s neo-fascist counter-culture made its public debut at an unsanctioned Pushkinskaia Square demonstration. With the understanding that their ideology is more about Russian nationalism than Nazism, the neo-fascist reverence for Hitler in a country so negatively affected by World War Two is overtly instigative. Bushnell explains that the neo-fascists “esteem Hitler not so much for his specific beliefs—certainly not for his ideas about Slavs—but for his concept of racial purity and his example of dynamic, authoritarian rule… The fascists have chosen deliberatively to offend: their purpose is as much rebellion against political verities as it is promotion of a set of political views. They resemble in that way the counterculture they claim to despise (Bushnell, P153).” Seeking maximum exposure in the public consciousness, the leather-jacketed youth became active graffiti writers, especially outside of Moscow’s urban center (Bushnell, Pp153-160). Fascist graffiti—swastikas, the lightning-bolted SS insignia, and anti-Semitic slurs—long outlasted the Soviet Union and slogans such as “Love Your Own Race” continue to permeate the public spaces across the contemporary post-Soviet sphere.

These graffitied ethnic confrontations by skinhead youth writers do not exist in a vacuum. Documented as early as 1983 in Russia, an anti-fascist revivalist counterculture took to the streets with responsive demands for a Russian reality void of fascism and fascists. Anti-fascist writers engaged their counterparts in discourse by crossing out fascist symbols or dwarfing them with peace signs. Today, Russian anti-fascist activists, commonly referred to as members of the European Antifa movement, paint graffiti about life sans extreme nationalism, writing slogans such as: “Russia without Fascism,” “Art Without Fascism,” “Yellow, Red, White, Black, We Are All the Same,” and “Good Night White Pride.”

A Soviet Mural Welcomes Visitors to Transcarpathia, Ukraine. July 2011. Chop, Ukraine. (Photo: Alexis Zimberg).

This post is the first installment of a six-part series on the history of graffiti and street art in Russia. Coming next is part two: ‘Breaking’ Into Contemporary Graffiti. 

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Buy the Book: Public Art (Now) Available online and in stores worldwide!

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ROTTERDAM STREET ART TOUR In collaboration with Inside Rotterdam, we offer the Rotterdam Street Art tour. Passionate and specialized street art tour guides share the origins, inspiration, meanings and motifs of stunning street art during a 1.5-hour tour on foot.

INCLUDED Enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide. 1,5 hours street art tour. LANGUAGE English.

PRICE €19 per person.

[Click here] for grouptickets.

London’s Top Street Art Tour

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Street Art Photography Workshop

Street Art Tours in London

Street art tours in shoreditch london, shoreditch street art tour – public schedule.

• Brilliant street art tour
• Highest rated street art tour on Tripadvisor and Google Reviews
• Passionate specialist street art tour guides
• Insight into origins, inspirations, meanings and motives
• post tour email of the artists seen, specific for each tour
• Book on the public tour schedule
• Tours all year, schedule moves forward 1 month every month

STREET ART PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

Wednesday 12th June 2024

More details HERE

PRIVATE STREET ART TOURS

“ I have received fantastic feedback from everyone who attended the tour and I’ve recommended the tour to our events team ” – RS, City Of London corporate client

• Families, friends, schools, office groups, hen parties
• Exclusive and private
• choice of start locations in Shoreditch
• At the time best for you
• permissioned and non permissioned street art
• see all the different street art techniques
• post tour email of the artists seen
• every tour different!

enquire by email

TOUR VOUCHERS – THE PERFECT GIFT! 

Need a brilliant, distinctive gift that will impress and won’t break the bank?  The Shoreditch Street Art Tours gift voucher is just perfect.

Click here for voucher details

DAILY(ISH) STREET ART VIEWS:

Previous daily uploads can be seen in our gallery here

Apparan, D7606 collab March 2024

Latest Newsletter

March 2024, New Banksy in Islington, Space Invader in Paris and great new art in Shoreditch

Banksy March 2024

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Virtual Tours

Can’t get to Shoreditch?  Go online!

• video and photo mixed media presentation
• hosted live
• live Q&A
• perfect for school, university, corporate etc
• customisable and bespoke for your theme preferences
• menu of these can include: what is street art: what is graffiti; street art techniques; Banksy; political; portrait; figures; animals, site specific; Covid related; anamorphic; the development of street art in Shoreditch &  many more

Street Art Tour

Lisbon’s graffiti wonderland: a journey through street art culture.

Our tour is a walking tour of about 2h30/3h, during which we show and explain different styles and techniques as well as (inter)national artists throughout a patchwork of streets, alleys and squares of Lisbon. We highlight the political, economic, and social issues that give rise to Lisbon’s street art and graffiti scenery.

Based on the edu-tainment principle, the tour is meant to be fun as you learn something new. In addition to the art, you’ll also learn about the history of Lisbon and its neighbourhoods… just by reading the walls and exploring legal and illegal pieces all around.

Plus every participant also contributes directly to the street art collective yesyoucan.spray with which we set up paintjams with streetartists from, based in or passing through Lisbon.

• Expert local guide;
• Approximately 3 hour walking tour;
• Background history about the art and the artists
• Any additional not mentioned above

Meet us in Martim Moniz Square, near the monument with soldier heads.

Wednesday 10:00AM

Saturday 2:30PM

Other tours you might be interested in

Alfama Tour

Let us take you on a journey as we time travel through the narrow old streets of Alfama, where we will learn the magnificent history of Lisbon & Portugal. Join the best Alfama Free Tour in Lisbon!

Fado Show Tour

Experience Fado, the music genre truly born within the soul of the Portuguese people. Come find out why Fado music is a unesco world heritage! Enjoy a live Fado show in a cozy Portuguese restaurant while having some wine and appetizers!

Tapas Food Tour

A Portuguese gastronomic experience that will have you tasting several traditional dishes in different restaurants. A finger licking food tour with the added bonus of an expert guide providing the history of the flavours you’re tasting!

Lisbon Pub Crawl

A legendary night out on the town, bar hopping through local bars, playing drinking games and meeting locals and travellers from all over the world. On and did we mention open bar of beer and sangria is included?

welcome to street art tour paris

We organise tours and workshops for schools and team building, as well as for private individuals

Why choose us, best reviews.

– check our Google , Meet Up , Facebook  or Tripadvisor . We have the best reviews! We are the top 2 of Best of Paris Tours voted by the readers of Expatriates Magazine for 4 years in a row (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019). We have been shortlisted for Luxury travel awards, honoured by certificate of excellence on Tripadvisor (3 times in a row) and won Travel and hospitality award for Local experience of 2018. Those contests are not specifically for street art, but for more than 1200 all different sort of businesses proposing their tours in Paris. In 2019 U.S. News and World Report listed us in The 21 Best Paris Tours. In 2020 TripAdvisor rewarded us with Travellers’ Choice – which put us in top 10% attractions worldwide !

Value for money

– our art tours are in the competitive prices, while still offering the best service on the market. 

Competence & Relevance – Connection with Street Art Community

– we were born art lovers and we know our stuff. Many of us are artists themselves. We do not need a script – every guide is a specialist in the subject, and we keep track of constant changes in the movement. There is nobody more qualified than us! We do not only read the local news to know what’s going on – we are living it! Do you want to know about current exhibitions? Live performance? Projects? We’ve been there, we’ve done it.

Largest choice of tours

– while most tour companies will only take you to Belleville or 13th arrt – we offer you more: Montmartre, Vitry-Sur-Seine, Canal de l’Ourcq, and even a very special alternative visit inside Louvre: From Louvre to Street Art. Read on our full offer here.

Live performances 

– we are often accompanied by artists who share their creative process with us during our tours

After tour email

– after every visit, we send out emails with the lists of artists we’ve seen on the tour and with links to their websites, articles or videos that complement our tour.

Read more about us here

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The Best Things to Do in Curaçao

W elcome to Curaçao-or, as local residents say, Bon Bini. On this Southern Caribbean island, sunny skies and blue waters abound , and as one of the western-most islands of the Leeward Antilles, Curaçao offers balmy temperatures year-round (between the mid-70s and mid-80s Fahrenheit) and has very few hurricanes .

It's a beach lover's dream, with some 38 beaches to choose from. At these sandy spots, visitors can couple a lazy few hours with a range of other activities, including snorkeling, cliff jumping, and cave swimming. But there's more to experience in Curaçao than warm weather and beaches-taking a deeper dive into history rooted in the trans-Atlantic slave trade, for example, or sampling local food while roaming the captivating capital city, Willemstad. Here are the best things to do in Curaçao, including art, culture, and outdoor activities.

1. Take a stroll on Queen Emma Bridge, overlooking Handelskade

Named in 1888 after a Dutch queen and affectionately called the "Swinging Old Lady," the floating Queen Emma Bridge swings open to let ships into the St. Anna Bay and connects Willemstad's two districts, Punda and Otrobanda ("other side"). On the Punda side, you are greeted by Handelskade , a row of historic buildings on the waterfront painted in vibrant colors.

2. See how Afro Curaçaoan people once lived, and break bread at Kas di Pal'I Maishi

Curaçao is a multi-ethnic Dutch colony with a population of about 150,000 people who speak Papiamento, a Creole language that blends Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, and English, as well as dialects from Africa and the Arawak Indigenous people. Most Curaçaoans, however, are the descendants of enslaved Africans, and that oft-overlooked legacy is preserved at Kas di Pal'I Maishi , a traditional adobe house that typifies how Black people lived in rural Curaçao until 1950.

This arid, cacti-lined area is especially hot, so wear sunscreen and protective clothing. A guide explains how slavery shaped the island and gives a tour of the small house, transformed into a museum displaying common household artifacts such as dolls, clothing, and cooking utensils. For an even more immersive experience, sign up for a workshop to make Pan Será, a round bread that Afro Curaçaoans have baked for generations in an outdoor stone oven, long before there was a bakery on the island.

3. Discover street art with Art Now Tours

Take an urban art-filled excursion in Willemstad with Art Now Tours , founded by local artist Avantia Damberg. On the popular two-hour Punda Art Walk tour ($15 per adult), you will meet local artists and designers, get the inside scoop on the neighborhood's eye-catching street art-the Punda Wings mural is popular-and peruse the haggle-friendly shops for jewelry, crafts, and other locally made products. Additional tours explore the art scene in Otrobanda and Scharloo.

4. Get a history lesson at Kurá Hulanda Museum

This anthropological museum sits on the site of a former slave yard and merchant's home-and boasts the largest collection of African artifacts in the Caribbean. At Kurá Hulanda Museum , you'll get a comprehensive overview of the proud legacy of West African kingdoms, the harrowing Middle Passage, and the brutality of the trans-Altantic slave trade in the African Diaspora, which included the Americas and the Caribbean. Take a reflective walk through the outdoor sculpture garden, home to friendly island cats and a breathtaking bronze sculpture that from one side shows a woman's face and from the other the continent of Africa.

5. Salute to a hometown hero at the Tula Monument

In August of 1795, a Black man named Tula led a rebellion with his fellow enslaved people on the island. In response to their inhumane treatment by Dutch slave owners, Tula declared, "We have been tortured enough. We don't want to harm anybody. We do want our freedom." The bloody revolt lasted for more than a month, and thousands of enslaved people were liberated. After his capture, however, Tula was executed on October 3, 1795 on the south coast of the island in Otrobanda. That historic quarter of Willemstad is where you'll find a monument honoring this freedom fighter.

6. Find natural remedies at Dinah Veeris Herb Garden

Dinah Veeris is Curaçao's herb lady, and locals and tourists flock to her shop for holistic health advice and immunity-boosting teas and tonics. Guests are invited to explore her tranquil garden grounds , which have more than 300 species of plants. Veeris calls her garden Den Paradera ("the place where you feel at home"), after the Paraguiri Indians, who at one time grew healing herbs on the east side of the island.

7. Eat like a local at Marshe Bieu

Known as the Old Market, this enclosed open-air food court in Punda houses several vendors serving authentic and affordable Curaçaoan cuisine . Sharing plates of freshly prepared fish, chicken, and vegetables served family style with heaping sides of rice, salad, and plantains at tidy communal picnic tables is part of the charm, but you can also take the flavorful grub to go.

You can eat well across Curaçao, whether you're in the mood for grilled chicken, red snapper, or green rum. Other dishes not to miss include goat burger, keshi yena (stuffed cheese), and frites canard (fried cornmeal with duck confit).

8. Pick up a parting gift at Serena's Art Factory

In Papiamento, "chichi" is a nickname for an older sister, and the curvy and colorful figurine of the same name represents Caribbean queens well. The first Chichi sculpture was created by German artist Serena Israel, owner of Serena's Art Factory . For a memorable souvenir, pick up a handmade Chichi in the size and pattern of your choice, hand-painted by one of Serena's artists, or take a workshop and design your own cheeky Chichi.

9. Explore Christoffel National Park

Curaçao's largest national park is home to 263 bird species, nine species of reptiles, and a host of mammals including deer, rabbits, and bats. You'll also find the Savonet Museum , on the site of a 19th-century plantation house, which tells the story of the period of slavery, its abolishment, and the country's independence in 2010.

This article originally appeared in July 2021 and was updated in February 2024 with new information.