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

Street art and graffiti in New York: Where to go and who to see

New York has a storied history of street art and graffiti. Find out where to see the best pieces, and go behind the scenes at the making of a mural in Brooklyn.

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One of NYC’s many pleasures is turning a corner to find a street-art mural taking up an entire wall, or spotting a piece by your favorite artist. Enjoy more of these moments with our guide to the best places to see street art and graffiti—from the best curated walls to art galleries, alternative spaces and walking tours. Plus, gain a new understanding of what you’re seeing with our breakdown of common styles of street art, a brief history of the discipline in New York and a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of a giant mural in Brooklyn.—Edited by Jonathan Shannon

RECOMMENDED: Complete outdoor art guide

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.

More street art coverage

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