Best Brooklyn Street Art and Murals

Malcolm is a lifelong blogger and a New Yorker who currently lives in Brooklyn. His mission is to share his world travels and his love of Brooklyn with you! Check out his blog at: malcolmtravels.com

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Come Along For A Brooklyn Street Art Tour

Welcome to Brooklyn, where the walls and streets become a canvas for some of the coolest street art you’ll ever see. Walk through the colorful streets of Brooklyn and discover the fantastic murals that make this New York City borough unique.

There are many reasons to visit Brooklyn, but the street art scene is near the top of the list. Brooklyn’s street art tells a story of change and expression. It’s more than just pretty pictures; it’s about the people, the history, and the vibrant culture that makes Brooklyn unique. From the famous murals in Bushwick to the hidden gems in DUMBO and Williamsburg, every piece of art has its tale.

Explore places like the Bushwick Collective, where art turns streets into open-air art galleries, and JMZ Walls, where creativity meets the city’s hustle and bustle. Each neighborhood in Brooklyn shows off its style and flair through street art.

Get ready to view Brooklyn in a whole new way. Join us as we discover the best street art and murals that make Brooklyn a fantastic place to explore. Let’s go on an art adventure together!

History of Brooklyn Street Art

The Early Days: Graffiti’s Arrival (Late 1960s – 1970s)

In the late 1960s and 1970s, graffiti artists from Philadelphia brought their vibrant art to Brooklyn.

The borough’s large warehouse buildings and subway trains became their canvas, transforming the urban landscape into a moving art exhibit and one of the largest street art projects.

Hip Hop and Graffiti Merge (1970s)

During the 1970s, graffiti intertwined with the emerging hip-hop culture, creating a unique and bold urban art form. Brooklyn became home to this exciting new cultural blend.

Transition to New Canvases (1980s)

The 1980s saw a shift as the city’s anti-graffiti efforts pushed artists from subway trains to the walls of Brooklyn’s industrial areas. These new spaces became popular for graffiti, continuing the borough’s artistic legacy.

Rise of the Bushwick Collective (2013)

In 2013, Joseph Ficalora initiated the Bushwick Collective, transforming Bushwick into an open-air art gallery. This project attracted artists globally and revolutionized the neighborhood.

The annual Bushwick Collective Block Party highlights this transformation, celebrating street art’s vibrancy and community impact.

Brooklyn Street Art Today

Brooklyn’s street art scene is a diverse and vibrant display of creativity, boasting everything from bubble tags to grand murals and innovative wheat pastes and stencils.

Despite some neighborhoods undergoing gentrification, the borough remains a treasure trove of authentic works by international street artists.

This variety of street art styles beautifies the borough and reflects Brooklyn’s rich culture. For street art enthusiasts, Brooklyn remains an essential destination, offering a vivid and ever-evolving urban canvas that captivates and inspires.

Top Places for Brooklyn Street Art and Murals

1. Bushwick Street Art Collective

In Brooklyn’s Bushwick neighborhood, something special is happening. The Bushwick Street Art Collective has turned this area into an amazing open-air art gallery.

Started in 2011 by local Joe Ficalora, it’s now where fantastic street art created by artists worldwide comes to life.

Bushwick was once a prominent industrial neighborhood, and now it’s a colorful and exciting spot for tourists and art lovers. Artists like Blek Le Rat, Case Ma’Claim, and Pixel Pancho have left their mark here, making the streets a visual feast.

The Collective hosts a block party annually to celebrate art and the community. Artists paint new murals amidst music, food, and a vibrant atmosphere.

Bushwick is a must-visit spot in Brooklyn for anyone interested in street art. It’s not just about the murals but also how art can unite a community.

2. JMZ Walls Along Bushwick & Bed-Stuy

JMZ Walls is a cool street art project along the J/M/Z subway lines in Brooklyn’s Bushwick neighborhood. Started in 2014 by Alberto Mejia and the JMZ Walls group, the goal was to make the subway lines and streets around them more colorful and artistic.

The art stretches along the JMZ train tracks on Broadway, especially around Myrtle Avenue and Broadway. Walking around here, you’ll see many amazing murals and artworks.

JMZ Walls involves the community, with residents offering their spaces for artists to paint. Both local Brooklyn artists and artists from all over the world get to show off their art right here in the neighborhood.

JMZ Walls is yet another Bushwick street art gem that you must see. It’s all about adding beauty to the city’s everyday spaces, one wall at a time.

3. Bed-Stuy Street Art 

Bed-Stuy in Brooklyn is a neighborhood where street art is a big deal. It’s not just about cool pictures; it’s about showing the rich culture and history of African-American, African, and Caribbean communities.

The murals here often feature famous people and local heroes, like the rapper Biggie Smalls, who was from Bed-Stuy.

What’s great about the street art in Bed-Stuy is how it brings everyone in the neighborhood together. A project called BedStuy Walls gets everyone involved in creating and enjoying art. They even have block parties and events that make painting walls fun for the whole family.

The best part is that the art in Bed-Stuy is constantly changing. New murals are always popping up, so there’s always something new to see. Famous artists like Banksy have even left their mark here.

Looking for other fun ideas in Bed-Stuy? Check out my post here about my favorite neighborhood in Brooklyn: Things to Do In Bed Stuy.

2) DUMBO Walls

In Brooklyn’s DUMBO neighborhood, the DUMBO Walls project has turned the streets into an exciting outdoor art gallery. This project, which started in 2012, has brought stunning murals to a four-block area along the underpass of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway near the York Street subway station.

Big names in the art world like CAM, DALeast, Eltono, Shepard Fairey, and Faith47 have contributed their talents here. These murals aren’t just beautiful; they celebrate all kinds of artists — from street artists to studio artists and graphic designers. Each piece adds something unique to DUMBO’s vibe.

This project has done a lot for DUMBO. It’s transformed the neighborhood into a must-visit spot for anyone who loves murals. It’s not just about looking at pretty pictures; it’s about seeing a neighborhood come alive with art.

DUMBO Walls shows just how much public art can do for a neighborhood. It’s a place where the rich history of art meets the present, making DUMBO another notable spot for anyone who appreciates street art.

3) Williamsburg Street Art 

Williamsburg is a hotspot for street art in Brooklyn. This area is known for its colorful and diverse murals that bring its streets to life.

Here, you’ll find all sorts of murals. Some are quirky and full of fun, like the “Donut & Heart Mural,” while others are more famous, like “The Mona Lisa of Williamsburg.”

While you’ll find the greatest concentration of street art along Bedford Ave, you will find fascinating art on every corner, with works spanning from amateur to famous professional street artists. Local businesses also contribute their walls for artists to display their works, contributing to the abundance of murals you will discover.

Williamsburg is a true paradise for anyone who loves street art. With its dynamic and ever-evolving collection of murals, it’s a must-see for anyone visiting Brooklyn.

6. Coney Island Art Walls

Coney Island Art Walls in Brooklyn is a special place where street art comes to life. It’s like an outdoor museum with amazing murals and graffiti within an iconic New York City community.

At Coney Island Art Walls, there are 35 walls that artists from all over the world paint on. These walls get a new look with fresh, colorful art every season.

Some artists who paint here are famous in the street art scene, like Daze and Lee Quiñones. Jeffrey Deitch, another influential street artist, helps pick the artists and designs.

The space is used to host large events in the Summer, with food trucks and live music on the weekends, making it a super lively place to hang out and enjoy the art.

This whole project started to make Coney Island even more exciting and artistic. It’s worked well, turning a space into an excellent spot.

Want to learn more about all the fun things you can do in Coney Island? Check out my post here: Fun Things To Do In Coney Island

7) Underhill Walls in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn

Underhill Walls in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, is yet another trendy spot for elaborate street art. This project, by Frankie Velez and Jeff Beler, started in 2015 at St. Johns Place and Underhill Avenue. The first murals they put up were all about the theme “Urban Jungle.”

The project is a team effort with Love Heals, an organization that helps young people learn and teach others about fighting HIV/AIDS. The artists began by painting on big wooden panels that covered an old, unused building. New artists come to paint fresh murals every six months, so there’s always something new to see.

Underhill Walls is worth checking out if you’re in the neighborhood!

Final Thoughts:

I hope you enjoyed this guide to the best street art in Brooklyn. While this guide takes you to places with well-known murals by some of the best artists, you will never fail to find street art on almost any corner in Brooklyn. Be safe and have fun exploring Brooklyn’s collective canvas of art around you!

If you want more insider information from a local about all things Brooklyn, check out my blog at malcolmtravels.com.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brooklyn Street Art and Murals

Where can you find the best street art in Brooklyn?

Bushwick has Brooklyn’s largest and most concentrated collection of murals, particularly around the Bushwick Collective. Williamsburg, Bed-Stuy, DUMBO, Prospect Heights, and Coney Island also have notable street art projects and individual works.

What is the Bushwick Collective?

The Bushwick Collective is an outdoor street art project featuring large murals by local and international artists. The artwork covers walls throughout several blocks of Bushwick, transforming ordinary industrial streets into an open-air gallery—with significantly fewer guards telling you not to stand too close.

Where is the Bushwick Collective located?

The murals are concentrated around Troutman Street, St. Nicholas Avenue, Wyckoff Avenue, and nearby streets in Bushwick. There is no single entrance, ticket booth, or official starting point because the artwork is spread throughout the neighborhood.

Is the Bushwick Collective free?

Yes. The murals are visible from public streets and sidewalks, so you do not need a ticket to explore independently. Guided street art tours charge a fee but may provide valuable information about the artists, techniques, and neighborhood history.

How much time do you need to see the Bushwick murals?

Allow approximately two to three hours for a relaxed self-guided walk through the main mural area. Visitors who stop for photographs, cafés or additional artwork may want half a day—particularly if every mural requires seventeen different camera angles.

Can you take a self-guided Brooklyn street art tour?

Yes. Bushwick, Williamsburg and DUMBO are relatively easy to explore independently if you research a starting location in advance. Remember that murals are frequently replaced, so an older online map should be treated as a general route rather than a legally binding promise.

Is a guided Brooklyn street art tour worth it?

A guided tour is worthwhile if you want to learn about individual artists, techniques, graffiti history and the communities represented by the artwork. Independent exploration is better for visitors who prefer a flexible pace, frequent rest stops, or unlimited time for photography.

Are Brooklyn’s murals permanent?

Usually not. Street art can be painted over, damaged, removed during construction or replaced with a new piece. This constant change is part of its appeal, although it can be mildly devastating when the mural you crossed an ocean to photograph has become a tasteful gray wall.

What is the best time to see Brooklyn street art?

Visit during daylight for easier navigation, better photography, and the greatest number of open businesses nearby. Weekday mornings are generally quieter, while weekends bring more visitors and walking tours. Overcast weather can be particularly good for photographing murals because it reduces harsh shadows.

What is the best season for a Brooklyn mural tour?

Spring and fall usually provide the most comfortable temperatures for exploring on foot or with a mobility aid. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter brings cold temperatures, snow, and potentially icy sidewalks. Street art is available year-round, but your fingers may have strong opinions about photographing it in January.

Is Bushwick or Williamsburg better for street art?

Choose Bushwick for the greatest concentration of large-scale murals and a more dedicated street art experience. Williamsburg combines scattered murals with shopping, restaurants, waterfront views and nightlife, making it easier to include street art as part of a broader neighborhood visit.

Where can I find the Biggie Smalls murals in Brooklyn?

Several murals honoring the Notorious B.I.G. have appeared around Bedford-Stuyvesant, the Brooklyn neighborhood where he grew up. Because individual works can be altered or painted over, confirm the latest location before planning a trip around one particular mural.

What are the JMZ Walls?

JMZ Walls is a community-centered mural project along Broadway beneath the elevated J, M, and Z subway lines in Bushwick and Bedford-Stuyvesant. The project has featured work from both local and international artists on walls provided by neighborhood residents and businesses.

Are the DUMBO Walls worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you are already exploring Brooklyn Bridge Park or the streets around DUMBO. The murals are less extensive than those in Bushwick, but they can be combined with waterfront views, galleries, and photographs of the Manhattan Bridge.

Can I still visit the Coney Island Art Walls?

Access, artwork, and events at Coney Island can change seasonally, so confirm current conditions before making a special trip. Coney Island is far from the other mural neighborhoods, making it better as a separate outing combined with the boardwalk and beach.

Can I visit several Brooklyn street art neighborhoods in one day?

Bushwick, the JMZ Walls and parts of Williamsburg can be combined during an ambitious day. DUMBO, Prospect Heights and Coney Island are in different directions, so attempting every location at once may result in a comprehensive study of subway interiors rather than Brooklyn murals.

Is Brooklyn street art wheelchair accessible?

The artwork is outdoors and generally visible without entering buildings, but the complete experience is not barrier-free. Broken pavement, missing curb cuts, construction, steep curb ramps, and crowded sidewalks can create difficulties, while DUMBO’s cobblestone streets may be particularly uncomfortable. Plan a shorter route and check the MTA Accessible Stations list before traveling.

How much walking or rolling is involved?

A Bushwick street art route can easily involve one to three miles, depending on how many side streets you explore. Murals are spread across multiple blocks, and seating is not always available exactly when your body submits a formal request for it.

How can I explore Brooklyn street art with a chronic illness?

Choose one compact mural area, schedule regular café breaks, and avoid combining several distant neighborhoods on the same day. Bring water, medication, and weather protection, and identify transportation options before your energy declines. A shorter route with enjoyable stops is better than turning an art walk into an endurance event nobody agreed to enter.

Are there accessible restrooms near the murals?

Public restrooms are limited in many street art areas. Cafés, restaurants, libraries, and larger businesses may have facilities, but access and customer policies vary. Locate a few potential restroom stops before beginning your walk rather than trusting Brooklyn to produce one precisely when needed.

Is it safe to explore Brooklyn’s street art?

Popular mural areas attract visitors and tours, particularly during the day, but normal city precautions still apply. Remain aware of traffic, protect valuables, and avoid entering private lots, alleys, or isolated areas solely to get a photograph.

Can you photograph Brooklyn’s street art?

You may generally photograph murals that are visible from public streets for personal use. Do not block sidewalks or traffic, touch the artwork, climb onto private property, or assume that a public mural is free to use commercially without the artist’s permission.

Is Brooklyn street art suitable for children?

Yes. A short mural walk can be a colorful and engaging family activity, especially in Bushwick or DUMBO. Parents should supervise children near traffic and preview specific areas if they are concerned about political, mature, or provocative imagery.

What should I bring on a Brooklyn mural tour?

Wear supportive shoes, dress for the weather, and bring water, sun protection, and a charged phone. A portable battery is useful because photography and navigation can drain a phone remarkably quickly, usually just before you need directions back to the subway.