Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Street Art Fans in SoHo
Top Things to Do in New York City for Street Art Fans in SoHo
1. The Wall (SoHo)
Forrest “Frosty” Myers’ 8‑story facade of turquoise bars on a periwinkle wall marks the gateway to SoHo and the moment street art, sculpture, and commerce began to mingle along Houston Street.
✓ Why Go:
It’s SoHo’s most recognizable outdoor artwork and a perfect starting point for a self-guided street art walk anchored in the neighborhood’s 1970s art history.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early morning to photograph without crowds or late afternoon for soft side light on the facade.
✓ Insider Tip:
Cross to the northeast corner of Broadway and Houston to frame the full piece against SoHo’s cast‑iron skyline.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors call it an eye‑popping urban landmark and a must‑see threshold into SoHo’s art scene.
2. Richard Haas Mural
A five‑story trompe‑l’oeil painting recreating a cast‑iron facade wraps the side of a Prince Street building—freshly restored and rich with playful details in its “windows.”
✓ Why Go:
It bridges street art and architectural illusion, showing how murals converse with SoHo’s historic ironwork.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mid‑morning when the facade is evenly lit and colors read true.
✓ Insider Tip:
Stand at Greene St and Prince St and scan for the painted pets peeking from the windows.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Admired as a photogenic classic; travelers love the restoration’s crisp detail and neighborhood context.
3. D*Face Mural (Broome Street)
A high, comic‑book‑style mural by British street artist D*Face crowns a Broome Street rooftop—bold color and pop iconography meeting SoHo’s old brickwork.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a rare rooftop piece in SoHo, linking the area’s gallery roots with today’s global street‑art stars.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Midday to early afternoon when the sun reaches the upper wall.
✓ Insider Tip:
From the northwest corner of Lafayette St and Broome St, look up and bring a zoom lens for the cleanest shot.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Street art fans rave about the graphic punch and the thrill of spotting a rooftop mural in the wild.
4. Ken Hiratsuka Sidewalk Carving
Look down at the northwest corner of Prince and Broadway to find a secret: a single continuous line chiseled into the granite sidewalk in 1984 by Ken Hiratsuka.
✓ Why Go:
It’s guerrilla street art turned beloved neighborhood detail—easy to miss, unforgettable once you see it.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early morning before foot traffic gets heavy.
✓ Insider Tip:
Start at the Prada entrance and trace the carving’s maze with your eye to find where the one line begins and ends.
✓ What Visitors Say:
People call it a hidden gem that rewards those who slow down in a fast‑moving corner of SoHo.
5. The New York Earth Room
Walter De Maria’s long‑term Dia installation fills a loft with 250 cubic yards of soil—an iconic SoHo pilgrimage that pairs beautifully with street‑art exploration.
✓ Why Go:
A counterpoint to murals outside, this tranquil, free site shows SoHo’s experimental art spirit that nurtured today’s urban art.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Arrive soon after opening for the quietest experience.
✓ Insider Tip:
Admission is free and photography isn’t allowed—give yourself a few meditative minutes to let the scent and stillness sink in.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Described as unexpectedly moving and very “SoHo”—simple, radical, and memorable.
6. The Broken Kilometer
Another Dia landmark by Walter De Maria: 500 polished brass rods arranged with mathematical precision in a luminous West Broadway storefront.
✓ Why Go:
Its minimalist rigor and street‑level visibility feel like a gallery‑meets‑sidewalk moment—pure SoHo energy for design and street‑art lovers alike.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon for warm interior light and fewer visitors.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pair it with The New York Earth Room the same day—they’re a short walk apart and free to visit.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Praised for its hypnotic symmetry and the surprise of finding a major artwork right off the street.
7. Eden Gallery
A four‑level SoHo space showing splashy pop and urban‑influenced art—neon color, sculptural statements, and editioned works that photograph beautifully.
✓ Why Go:
Street art fans find familiar aesthetics—bold palettes, graphic lines, and pop culture riffs—inside a polished gallery setting.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings or rainy days when the gallery glows and crowds thin.
✓ Insider Tip:
Head to upper floors for wide sightlines that frame big pieces against SoHo’s windows.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors call it vibrant and Instagram‑ready, with staff who are welcoming to casual browsers.
8. Martin Lawrence Galleries
A long‑running West Broadway gallery where pop and urban‑adjacent icons—Warhol, Haring, Murakami—often headline, connecting street sensibility with blue‑chip names.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a chance to see editioned works and originals that shaped the visual language inspiring today’s muralists.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday afternoons for relaxed viewing.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask about current pop and contemporary releases—rotations often feature pieces street‑art fans recognize.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Considered a friendly, approachable doorway into collecting art influenced by street culture.
9. Broome Street Art Gallery
A compact, street‑savvy gallery on Broome that champions contemporary artists with urban and graphic vocabularies.
✓ Why Go:
You’ll catch emerging voices and fresh shows that echo the energy of SoHo’s murals just outside.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Saturday afternoons—often when new exhibitions open.
✓ Insider Tip:
Chat with staff for tips on the latest nearby walls and wheatpastes along Broome and Crosby.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests appreciate the intimate scale and discoverability—great art without the fuss.
10. Banksy Museum
A large, immersive Canal Street space with life‑size recreations of Banksy’s famed murals—perfect for fans who want context, scale, and photo‑friendly scenes.
✓ Why Go:
Even though works are reproductions, it’s the most comprehensive way in SoHo to experience the scope of Banksy’s street interventions under one roof.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings to beat lines; allocate 60–90 minutes.
✓ Insider Tip:
Enter hungry—West Broadway and nearby streets are lined with cafes ideal for recapping favorites after your visit.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors call it fun, informative, and unexpectedly expansive—a crowd‑pleaser for street‑art devotees.
