With Banksy unveiling nine new artworks around London this month, the world’s fascination with street art has reached new heights. As urban landscapes transform into open-air galleries, street art installations captivate, inspire and breathe new life into public areas. From the colourful murals of Sydney to the expression of artistic culture in French Polynesia, here are 10 must-visit destinations for street art this year.
Valparaiso: The street art capital of Chile
Artists from around the globe have left their mark on Valparaíso’s vibrant street art scene, with rumours even suggesting that Banksy might have a piece hidden somewhere in the city (though it’s never been confirmed). Three of the most renowned local street artists, Inti Castro, Charquipunk and Teo, have created iconic murals that are instantly recognisable to those familiar with the street art scene. Charquipunk is celebrated for his nature-inspired murals that showcase Chile’s diverse birdlife, with a special focus on hummingbirds. Visitors can explore more on a guided street art tour to learn more about the artists that make this city come to life. chile.travel/en
Nevada: Open air art in the desert
This weird and wild sculpture park sits just off the road towards Death Valley, covering almost eight acres it is home to seven huge structures created by a group of well-known Belgian artists, who were drawn to the remote location to pursue their artistic visions free from convention. Open to visitors 24/7 with no admission fee, the park’s sculptures are permanent fixtures of the Mojave Desert, including a 25-foot pink woman and a 24-foot steel prospector and a penguin. One of the park’s most famous sculptures is a ghostly recreation of Leonardo Davinci’s The Last Supper, originally created to last two years, the piece was created in 1984 but has stood the test of time. The artist, Albert Szukalski, was attracted to the Mojave Desert due to its resemblance to the deserts of the Middle East, and its proximity to Death Valley – a not so subtle reference. travelnevada.com
Newtown: Sydney’s vibrant street art suburb
Newtown, a vibrant inner-city suburb of Sydney, is renowned for its dynamic street art scene, which reflects the area’s rich cultural diversity and progressive spirit. The streets are lined with colourful murals, graffiti, and public art that tell the stories of the community. One of the most famous pieces is the “I Have a Dream” mural on King Street, a powerful tribute to Martin Luther King Jr., symbolising the suburb’s commitment to social justice. Another iconic work is the “Welcome to Newtown” mural on the railway bridge, greeting visitors with a bold and eclectic display of local culture. sydney.com
Aspen: Murals in the mountains
One of the most iconic pieces of street art in Aspen, is a colourful mural painted by Shepard Fairey, the renowned artist behind the “Hope” poster from Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign. Located in downtown Aspen, this burial blends Fairey’s signature style of bold colours and political messaging, adding a striking modern element to the town’s landscape. Aspen has long been a hub for the arts, which helped establish the town as a budding cultural destination, particularly in the summer months. Over the decades, Aspen has continued to embrace artistic expression, from world-class galleries to public art installations, making the town come alive against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. aspenchamber.org
French Polynesia: A painted paradise,
The allure of French Polynesia has long attracted artists, including renowned figures like Paul Gauguin and Henri Matisse, who found inspiration in the islands’ natural beauty and cultural richness. The artistic legacy continues today, with the streets of Papeete, Tahiti’s capital, transformed into an open-air gallery, particularly during the annual Ono-u Festival. Here, local artists create stunning murals that reflect both the heritage and modern life of the islands. For example, a striking mural of a Tahitian woman surrounded by tropical flora on Rue Paul Gauguin and a vibrant depiction of marine life near the Papeete Market are must-see examples. These artworks, influenced by the same landscapes that captivated Paul Gauguin and Matisse, are an expression of the vibrant artistic culture that continues to flourish in The Islands of Tahiti. tahititourisme.uk
Colorado: Discover immersive art at Denver Walls
A city widely known for its street art, Denver showcases some of the most talented artists in Denver and the surrounding areas. Inspired visitors can take in the colourful streets of Denver’s creative RiNo District and discover the artists behind the works whilst also engaging with the historical, political and social contexts of the city. The RiNo Art District is set to host DENVER WALLS as part of the globally renowned WORLD WIDE WALLS in October. This weekend promises incredible murals, engaging events, and a vibrant community spirit. denver.org
Pittsburgh: Explore 90 painted neighbourhoods
Pittsburgh pays homage to legendary late artist Mac Miller in the Etna neighbourhood, a studio where the rapper used to record his music. The mural shows Miller during different eras of his life, from childhood to one of his final photoshoots. Pittsburgh is home to a diverse arts and culture scene, which includes an eclectic collection of fantastic murals throughout the city’s 90 unique neighbourhoods. Ranging from powerful tributes, like Kyle Hoolbrook’s John Lewis Mural or Jeremy Raymer’s Roberto Clemente, to community messages, like James “Yaya” Hough’s A Gift to the Hill District and Monika McAndrew’s Bridging the Generations of Bloomfield, countless colourful, creative and meaningful murals can be found all over the city. visitpittsburgh.com
Seattle: New mural project to bring streets to life
Home to Kurt Cobain and Jimi Hendrix, Seattle is a city built on culture. The vibrant destination holds remnants of the famous artists who hailed from here. The city features iconic landmarks like the Jimi Hendrix statue by Daryl Smith in Capitol Hill and the Sound Garden art installation on Lake Washington, which creates musical sound when wind passes through them and inspires the band Soundgarden. The streets of Seattle are set to come alive with even more colour, thanks to the Office of Arts & Culture’s Hope Corps Downtown Seattle Mural Project which aims to revitalise the heart of Seattle with over 30 stunning murals, spanning from SODO to Belltown. Each mural, planned and produced by a diverse group of local artists, will serve as a vibrant canvas that celebrates the city’s rich culture and creativity. visitseattle.org
Houston: A vibrant festival tells the story of Space City
Houston, Texas, has become a vibrant hub for street art tourism, drawing visitors from around the world to experience its dynamic urban canvas. The city’s street art scene, especially in neighbourhoods like EaDo (East Downtown), has flourished over the past decade, transforming blank walls into stunning murals that reflect Houston’s diverse culture and creative spirit. This artistic renaissance has been fueled by local artists and initiatives like the Houston Urban Experience (HUE) Mural Festival, which have helped establish the city as a must-visit destination for street art enthusiasts. With styles ranging from abstract and surreal to photorealistic, Houston’s street art not only beautifies the urban landscape but also tells the story of the city’s evolving cultural identity. visithoustontexas.com
Méribel: Art in the Alps
Visiting Méribel now offers not only world-class skiing but also a unique cultural experience with the new land art installation by Franck Blériot at the Roc de Fer ski run. Blériot has transformed the tunnel beneath the famous competition track into a vibrant street art masterpiece, with bold designs covering both its exterior and interior. This striking artwork contrasts beautifully with the surrounding Alpine scenery, blending urban creativity with natural beauty. The installation is part of a larger initiative to infuse art into Méribel’s landscape, making the area a captivating destination for both sports and culture enthusiasts. meribel.net/en