Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Street Art Fans in Little Italy
Top Things to Do in New York City for Street Art Fans in Little Italy
1. Audrey Hepburn Mural
Tristan Eaton’s patchwork portrait of Audrey Hepburn splashes color across the Mulberry–Broome corner. It’s the emblem of Little Italy’s mural district, with patterns and typography woven into Hepburn’s silhouette.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the neighborhood’s most photographed wall and a perfect intro to the L.I.S.A. Project’s open‑air gallery concentrated on Mulberry Street.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early morning for soft light and fewer crowds; late afternoon golden hour adds warmth to the colors.
✓ Insider Tip:
Stand across Mulberry by the curb to frame the full mural without signboards; grab a pastry nearby and linger as traffic clears for clean shots.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors call it “iconic” and “unmissable,” praising the vivid detail and easy selfie setup.
2. Temper Tot
Ron English’s hulking green toddler towers above Mulberry, a tongue‑in‑cheek mash‑up of innocence and superhero strength that helped kickstart the area’s mural momentum.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a Little Italy landmark and a cornerstone of contemporary NYC street art history.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Midday for even light on the tall facade; evenings give dramatic shadows for moodier photos.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use a wide‑angle lens from across the street to capture the full height; then look around the lot walls for companion pieces that rotate over time.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Frequently described as “epic” and “so NYC,” with families and art fans equally wowed by the scale.
3. Liberty
Tristan Eaton’s kaleidoscopic Statue of Liberty anchors the south end of Mulberry with layered collage textures, typography, and star‑spangled motifs.
✓ Why Go:
Pairs perfectly with Temper Tot just up the block—two heavy hitters facing the flow of Canal Street.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon when the wall glows and traffic thins for wider street shots.
✓ Insider Tip:
Shoot from the Canal Street corner to include street life in the frame; a step stool helps avoid parked cars blocking the base.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Seen as “bold” and “patriotic without cliché,” with praise for Eaton’s layered details.
4. Cursum Perficio
Beau Stanton’s immigrant‑era steamship, gears, and Art Nouveau flourishes nod to the journeys that shaped Little Italy, titled in Latin for “My journey is complete.”
✓ Why Go:
It connects the mural walk to neighborhood history—street art with real context.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Morning light grazes the wall and brings out the greens and grays; weekdays are quieter.
✓ Insider Tip:
Frame the ship with nearby fire escapes for a classic downtown feel.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Called “thoughtful” and “unexpectedly moving,” especially by travelers tracing family roots.
5. Iconic Magazines Wall
On the Kenmare corner, Solus and other L.I.S.A. Project collaborators have painted striking pieces over the years—an ever‑evolving canvas at a beloved print shop.
✓ Why Go:
You’ll often catch fresh work or remnants of past layers—a peek at how the scene changes.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Anytime, but mornings avoid delivery trucks along the curb.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pop inside for global magazines on graffiti, design, and photo books—the shop is a mini‑destination for print lovers.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans love the “constant refresh” and the shop’s old‑school New York vibe.
6. Buff Monster Scoops
Playful ice‑cream characters and Neapolitan colors brighten the Mulberry–Broome crossroads—Buff Monster’s signature candy‑pop energy suits Little Italy perfectly.
✓ Why Go:
It adds a light, graphic counterpoint to the neighborhood’s more monumental works.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning to early afternoon when colors pop and storefront shadows are minimal.
✓ Insider Tip:
If a car blocks part of the wall, shoot from a slight angle and crop to the character cluster.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Described as “pure joy” and a must for families and whimsical feeds.
7. Love Wall
James Goldcrown’s heart‑strewn “Love Wall” spills across a side wall near Kenmare—simple, colorful, and made for portraits.
✓ Why Go:
It’s one of downtown’s most recognizable heart murals—an easy add to a Little Italy/Nolita loop.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early morning for an empty sidewalk; after rain, the wet pavement adds reflections.
✓ Insider Tip:
If the main hearts are partially covered, look nearby—mini hearts often appear on doors and columns along the block.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Labeled “feel‑good” and “insta‑gold,” especially for couples’ shots.
8. Elizabeth Street Garden
A leafy sculpture garden tucked just north of Little Italy, filled with classical figures, columns, and curios—an open‑air art respite amid murals and markets.
✓ Why Go:
Street art fans appreciate the contrast: weathered stone, community vibes, and a calm place to edit photos or picnic.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon light filters beautifully through the trees; weekends host community events.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a book and stay a while—benches and tucked corners make this a rare pocket of tranquility downtown.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Regulars call it “magical” and “a hidden gem” that feels worlds away from Canal Street.
9. FDNY Engine 55 Doors
The landmark firehouse’s bright, artful doors and historic facade create a striking streetscape—often paired with close‑by murals for a vintage‑meets‑modern photo set.
✓ Why Go:
It’s quintessential downtown texture: Beaux‑Arts stonework, bold red doors, and Little Italy history in one frame.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays between calls when the doors are shut; mornings avoid delivery trucks.
✓ Insider Tip:
Mind the driveway and crews; shoot from the opposite curb to respect operations and get the full elevation.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Called “picture‑perfect” and a “classic New York backdrop” that complements the mural trail.
10. Crying Girl Rooftop
Look up at Broome Street for D*Face’s pop‑art “Crying Girl” on a rooftop wall—graphic lines and comic‑book drama peeking over the street scene.
✓ Why Go:
It rewards keen eyes and adds a vertical twist to the mostly street‑level art crawl.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Clear afternoons for crisp contrast; use a longer lens to compress the scene.
✓ Insider Tip:
Step back on Broome for a clean sightline above parked vans; combine with nearby cafes for a sit‑and‑scan break.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans love the “hidden‑in‑plain‑sight” reveal and the graphic punch against the skyline.
