We have been curating a directory of legal graffiti spots for over 10 years now. Reminiscing about our journeys around the world, there are some places that clearly stood out. This is a tribute to the most iconic walls we know. Some have great importance to the graffiti culture and helped to shape today’s scene.
1. 5pointz (Queens, NY)
Curated by Meres One, 5pointz was the mecca for graffiti artists. Its name is a reference to the 5 boroughs of New York, the birthplace of graffiti. It was the largest mural space in the US and possibly the world. Thousands of artworks were lost in 2013 when the building was whitewashed overnight. It was torn down for good one year later.
Photo of the 5pointz public art space by Mathieu Cartoixa
2. Mauerpark (Berlin)
Not all of the famous Berlin wall has been demolished. Years after the German reunification, the remaining parts are official monuments. Some of it runs along the Mauerpark, which attracts huge crowds on weekends. The wall facing the park is free to paint. This is easily the most historically important graffiti spot you can find.