New York Dearest
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See and do · Landmarks and history · 2026

My favorite murals in New York.

In my order, from my own visits, updated September 2026. 15 places.

In recent decades, street art in New York City has transitioned from an act of rebellion to a revered art form. Artists from around the world flock to the Big Apple, inspired by its energy, and leave their mark with some of the most creative murals in New York City. As a local continuously awestruck by these murals, I decided to show my appreciation by rounding up this list of the best murals in NYC. Let’s get to it!

Antonina PattizI went to every one · how I decide
  1. Hammer BoyOther · Upper West SideSwinging by 79th and Broadway to see Hammer Boy, one of the the most famous murals in NYC, and a really cool thing to see in the Upper West Side.
  2. Audrey HepburnOther · Little ItalyFound on the main thoroughfare of Little Italy, Mulberry Street, the striking NYC mural is known for stopping passersby by with a vibrant display of color.
  3. We Love NY2Other · ChelseaEinstein has never looked happier than in Eduardo Kobra’s beloved mural, We Love NY2.
  4. Rice TerracesOther · ChinatownRice Terraces, created in 2021 by Chilean artist Dasic Fernández in collaboration with NYC’s Department of Transportation Art, helps draw folks into the historic street.
  5. I Love NYOther · ChelseaNick Walker created one of the best murals in New York City by alluding to the iconic “I <3 NY” shirts.
  6. 2 World Trade CenterOther · Financial DistrictThere isn’t a unifying theme or direction given to the artists, but the murals are engaging and some of the best in New York City.
  7. The Braves of 9/11Other · MidtownIn one of the largest murals in NYC, he presents a firefighter kneeling over the stars of the American flag with the stripes of the flag behind him, and the stripes also double as the Twin Towers.
  8. Ruth Bader GinsburgOther · East VillageA four-story mural by Elle Street Art (in collaboration with Little Italy Street Project) in the East Village tells her life story.
  9. Mt. Rushmore of ArtOther · ChelseaIn his tribute to some of modern art’s biggest players, Eduardo Kobra painted a mural in Chelsea similar to Mt. Rushmore in South Dakota.
  10. Black and WhiteOther · East VillageOne of the most popular murals in New York City is Black and White, by Eduardo Kobra, which depicts Michael Jackson.
  11. Crack is WackOther · HarlemThe famous New York City mural is a testament to the stranglehold crack cocaine held on major cities across the U.S. and the frustrations Haring felt after a personal friend became addicted.
  12. ToleranceOther · ChelseaKobra’s portrayal of Gandhi and Mother Teresa represent the melting pot that is NYC.
  13. Comandante BiggieOther · Fort Greene, BrooklynOne of the best New York City murals pays homage to the Bed-Stuy-born rapper Christopher Wallace, better known as the Notorious B.I.G. in his home borough of Brooklyn.
  14. Rotating Murals at the High LineOther · ChelseaSome of the best new murals in New York City can be found where the High Line and 22nd Street intersect; each mural is generally up for about a year before being swapped.
  15. Bowery Graffiti WallOther · Lower East SideSince then it has brought some of the best murals in NYC, with a new piece going up every year or so.

Antonina’s favorite murals in New York, 2026

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The places on this list can show it. It links back here, so a reader sees the whole list and how it was made. No fee.

The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 15 EPIC Murals in New York City (That Are Unforgettable).