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Popeye Bowery Graffiti Wall mural by John "Crash" Matos
Photograph: Krista SchluettaPopeye Bowery Graffiti Wall mural by John "Crash" Matos

Outdoor art: Amazing public art and street art in New York

New York is packed with dazzling public art installations, street-art murals and witty graffiti. Use our guide to plan a day out to see NYC’s best outdoor art.

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Outdoor art—both sanctioned and illicit—dots the streets of NYC. But it’s hard to fully appreciate it if you don’t know what you’re eyeing or where to look in the first place. Remedy that with our guide to these great New York attractions, from expansive graffiti murals and obscure 19th-century statues to iconic public artworks and secret New York treasures. Get outdoors and discover NYC’s stunning range of alfresco art.

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to things to do outside in NYC

Public art

New outdoor public art

New outdoor public art

Check out the best additions this spring and summer, including a cloudlike pavilion on Governors Island.

Iconic public art

Iconic public art

From the Wall Street bull to the LOVE sculpture: Make sure you’ve seen every piece of public art on our bucket list of world-famous pieces.

Hidden public art

Hidden public art

Did you know there’s a Keith Haring in a New York church? Make a point to seek out these ten stellar works.

New York statues

New York statues

Who the hell are these people? Discover the controversies and artistic vandalism behind three figurative sculptures.

Public art tours

Public art tours

Discover some of NYC's best public art in places like the High Line and the subway.

Street art

Top ten spots to see street art

Top ten spots to see street art

From storied walls to exciting new spaces, here are ten free outdoor spots to see the city’s best street art and graffiti.

Graffiti styles

Graffiti styles

LES blog Bowery Boogie and @149St's Eric Felisbret explains common styles, and recommend artists to look for in NYC.

Street art tours

Street art tours

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