Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Street Art Fans on Staten Island
Top Things to Do in New York City for Street Art Fans on Staten Island
1. Minthorne Street Art Walls
A compact corridor of warehouses and studios near the ferry where sanctioned murals pack vivid color into a single photogenic block. Fresh pieces cycle in alongside long‑loved works, making this a prime first stop for street art safaris.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a dense concentration of high‑impact walls, easily walkable, with coffee, breweries, and bites steps away—perfect for photographers and anyone short on time.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon for warm light and weekend early mornings for crowd‑free shoots.
✓ Insider Tip:
Start by Flagship Brewing and scan the rear lots and side alleys—several standout walls hide just off Minthorne.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers call it a mini art district with friendly vibes and eye‑popping backdrops that feel authentically local.
2. Staten Island Urby
This waterfront residential complex commissions striking murals and design‑forward graphics across garages, stairwells, and pedestrian paths, framed by harbor views.
✓ Why Go:
Curated, contemporary pieces clustered in a clean, open setting—great for pairing mural shots with skyline water vistas.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Golden hour near sunset for glowing light and reflections off the harbor.
✓ Insider Tip:
Enter via Navy Pier Court and loop the interior courtyards; don’t miss the stair towers for hidden pieces.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors praise the polished setting, easy access from the ferry, and variety of Instagram‑ready walls.
3. Empire Outlets Public Art
Beyond shopping, the open‑air complex features rotating murals and large‑scale graphics along terraces and passages, with Lower Manhattan as a dramatic backdrop.
✓ Why Go:
Street art meets skyline—capture bold pieces with ferries and skyscrapers in frame.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays just after opening for quiet walkways; sunsets for silhouette skyline shots.
✓ Insider Tip:
Head up to the upper terraces and parking levels—some of the best murals and views are above street level.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans enjoy the clean, family‑friendly feel and say the art adds character to a quick waterfront stroll.
4. Staten Island Arts Culture Lounge
Inside the St. George Ferry Terminal, this gallery space regularly spotlights urban art, zines, and community‑driven projects that speak to NYC’s street culture.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a convenient, curated taste of local street‑art aesthetics steps from the ferry—great context before hitting the walls outside.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Midday; check current exhibition hours before you go.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pair a visit here with a loop of the terminal’s exterior walkways—stickers, paste‑ups, and small pieces often cluster near entrances.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors like the approachable curation and say it feels like a locals’ window into Staten Island’s creative scene.
5. NYC Arts Cypher
A community hub founded by artists, showcasing graffiti‑influenced murals inside and out, plus events that nurture the next generation of writers and creators.
✓ Why Go:
You’ll see authentic, community‑rooted pieces and often catch artists at work—street art with a mission.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoons; look for posted open hours or event nights.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask staff about current murals and whether any indoor pieces are viewable—access can vary during programs.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests describe it as inspiring and grassroots, with welcoming energy and real neighborhood credibility.
6. Staten Island MakerSpace Murals
Around this creative workshop, exterior walls and nearby lots sport community‑made murals, stencils, and evolving collaborations tied to maker events.
✓ Why Go:
Pieces change over time—return visits reward you with new layers and process‑in‑progress views.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekend afternoons during markets or events for the liveliest scene; weekdays for quiet photos.
✓ Insider Tip:
Walk the length of Front Street—several tucked‑away walls appear behind fences and side lanes.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the DIY spirit and say the art feels spontaneous and hands‑on.
7. Snug Harbor Campus Walls
Historic brick buildings and courtyards occasionally host murals and outdoor installations, blending Staten Island’s cultural institutions with contemporary urban art.
✓ Why Go:
A photogenic mix of heritage architecture and modern visuals—unique textures you won’t find elsewhere in NYC.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Spring through fall for foliage and festival season; weekdays for serene shoots.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check the Newhouse Center area and building backsides—temporary projects and wheat‑pastes often appear between major shows.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Art lovers appreciate the calm, park‑like setting and say the contrast heightens the impact of each piece.
8. Lighthouse Point Promenade Murals
The waterfront path by the National Lighthouse Museum features nautical‑leaning murals, stickers, and rotating paste‑ups that nod to Staten Island’s maritime roots.
✓ Why Go:
Street art with harbor context—great for themed shots of ships, ferries, and painted seawalls.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Morning for soft light over the promenade and unobstructed views.
✓ Insider Tip:
Follow the path toward the ferry to spot utility boxes and retaining walls that often carry fresh work.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors call it a relaxed, breezy walk with surprising pops of color.
9. Bay Street Landing Public Art
This waterfront residential enclave and its perimeter showcase large murals and sculptural pieces visible from the public way, set against converted warehouse facades.
✓ Why Go:
Industrial textures and sweeping harbor views amplify the drama of big walls—prime for wide‑angle shots.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday daylight hours; evenings for skyline glow behind the pieces.
✓ Insider Tip:
If the gates are closed, you can still frame murals from Richmond Terrace and the esplanade just outside.
✓ What Visitors Say:
People enjoy the calm, semi‑hidden feel and say it’s a rewarding add‑on to a St. George photo walk.
10. Tompkinsville Station Murals
Around the station and stairways, shutters and underpasses host gritty, high‑contrast pieces that capture the raw energy of Staten Island’s North Shore.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a lived‑in canvas—layered tags, throw‑ups, and character pieces that evolve with the neighborhood.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early weekend mornings when shop shutters are down and painted fronts are visible.
✓ Insider Tip:
Work a loop along Victory Boulevard and Bay Street to find side‑wall gems beyond the station entrances.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Street art fans appreciate the unpolished authenticity and constantly changing mix of styles.
