The 5 most iconic legal graffiti walls
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.
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.
3. Venice Beach (Los Angeles)
The world famous Venice Beach is one of the main tourist attractions in Los Angeles. This definitely makes the Venice Beach art wall one of the most prominent legal graffiti spots to visit. You can get a permit and paint in sunny California, with your feet in the sand right next to the ocean.
4. Sydhavnen (Copenhagen)
The Copenhagen harbor was the home of a true hall of fame, full with pieces by European writer idols. The overall quality of the pieces was outstanding. Sydhavnen was of great importance to the Scandinavian graffiti scene. Some say more than 50.000 pieces have been painted here before the walls were torn down in 2013.
5. Tumblingerstrasse (Munich)
This one earns a place in the top 5 because it’s one of the oldest officially legal graffiti walls we know of. It runs along the Tumblingerstrasse in Munich. Treat yourself with a Mass of local beer after painting here.
Let us know if we missed an important hall of fame that deserves to be listed here. Please always verify with local authorities before painting a wall. Enjoy exploring epic places!
