Graffiti Hall of Fame
New York City, NY
Set in a schoolyard in East Harlem, this open-air gallery of street art has been a New York City cultural institution for over four decades. Established back in 1980 by a pair of graffiti artists, it once served as a meet-up and practice space for emerging talents. Today, the Graffiti Hall of Fame is a canvas for international street-art stars.
The basics
The Graffiti Hall of Fame is free and open to the public. Visitors flock here from near and far to admire the colorful murals and spray-painted tags. No tour is necessary to access the site, but if you want to learn more about the history of NYC street art, consider visiting with a guide. The Graffiti Hall of Fame also hosts an annual festival with live street art–making, dance battles, guest DJs, and other performances.
Things to know before you go
Bring your camera or smartphone, as the area offers excellent photo opportunities. For the best lighting, come during the early morning or pre-dusk golden hour. There are no restrooms available on-site, so take that into account when planning your visit. Show respect for the art by not touching or vandalizing any of the works on display. While the canvas is constantly changing and painted over by newer artists, visitors should refrain from leaving any marks.
How to get there
The Graffiti Hall of Fame is on 106th Street and Park Avenue (look for the Metro-North train tracks). The nearest subway is the 6 train to 103rd Street; you can also take the 2 or 3 to Central Park North (at 110th Street) and walk east from there.
When to get there
While the Graffiti Hall of Fame is always open, keep in mind that parts of the complex can only be reached through the schoolyard, so consider visiting on a weekday when school is in session. Avoid coming in the evening, when it’s harder to see the artwork. For a full lineup of performances, catch the Graffiti Hall of Fame festival, which takes place each summer, typically in August.
Other NYC hot spots for street art
With a little know-how, you can find impressive large-scale murals and graffiti throughout the five boroughs. Bushwick and Williamsburg in Brooklyn are known for their street-art events and colorful paintings—many walking tours are offered for anyone looking for a guided experience. Astoria in Queens hosts the Welling Court Mural Project, which aims to transform public space with street art, and local artists have also used walls as canvas at the First Street Green Art Park in the East Village.
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