4 Of The Best Cities with Hidden Street Art Gems
This article was written by guest author Briana Hilton.
While New York has been synonymous with street art for decades, the global canvas for this vibrant form of expression has expanded far beyond the colorful graffiti that once adorned its subway cars in the 1920s. Today, cities across the world have made indelible marks on the street art scene with their remarkable contributions. From the stirring London canvases of Banksy to Philadelphia’s anticipatory rise as the 2023 street art hotbed, evidence of this thriving art subculture’s vibrant pulse is everywhere. In continuing our globe-trotting journey to uncover the planet’s most impressive graffiti hubs, strap in for another exciting showcase of locations where street art transforms urban landscapes into captivating open-air galleries.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Kicking off with the top pick for the best city for street art in 2023, the streets of Philadelphia were officially announced as the winner in the 2023 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. With thousands of murals and outdoor public art pieces, the accolade comes as no surprise to followers in the street art circle.
According to Angela Val, president and CEO at Visit Philadelphia, “Philadelphia’s vibrant street art scene quite literally paints a picture of our great city’s diverse people, history, and culture, bringing its rich stories to life in a visually intriguing way.Philadelphia’s public and street art offerings have become international icons and can’t-miss attractions. This recognition is a tremendous moment to celebrate our public art, the artists who create it, and shine a light on the broad range of art experiences visitors and residents can have in Philadelphia.”
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
A surprising addition for some, Oklahoma City won the award for best city for street art in 2022 by USA Today. If you want to find street art in Oklahoma City, start with ‘The Womb’ in Automobile Alley. Here you will find a plethora of creative and vibrant murals alongside a buzzing nightlife and restaurant scene.
There is also the Plaza District and Western Avenue, which have been known for their unique wall murals. Many will remember Western Avenue for its link to the Graffiti Bridge, which was built in the 1930s and demolished in 1991. The bridge went on to have a second life as local artist, Randy Powers used the bridge’s rubble to produce stunning art, showcasing how the historical use of cement can be taken into the future and repurposed to show our artistic expressions.
Peckham, London
The city of London has been on the must-visit lists for thousands of street art enthusiasts for years. Although street art is still prohibited, the art form has developed a cult following and is widely celebrated across the capital. However, it is the up-and-coming trendy neighborhood of Peckham in South London that has been captivating audiences with its bright and vibrant wall murals and street art pieces. As you head down Rye Lane, you will stumble across multiple examples of this.
One good example can be found at the Prince of Peckham pub in Clayton Road, Peckham where graffiti artist Mr. Cenz has put his talent on display with a vivid wall display titled The Princess of Peckham. In Bellenden Road, a large scale monochromatic mural of a dog by Roa is another must see. The Belgian street artist has become renowned for his animal murals with several pieces scattered around South London, and in particular Peckham.
Cape Town, South Africa
The diversity and eclectic nature of Cape Town has been celebrated by its people over the years. Now, people are using their creativity in the form of street art to showcase their wide spectrum of talent. One such person is Falko One whose iconic bright elephant pieces can be found around Cape Town. You can also find the works of Sonny Sundancer who champions endangered animals through his work, and Urbanski, whose street art pieces around Woodstock highlight Cape Town’s diversity.
These are just a handful of the growing list of cities where you can find hidden street art gems. Whether you go looking for it with a guide like this in hand or happen to stumble upon a new addition to the street art world, take the time to enjoy its beauty- and understand what it stands for.
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