Get the Kids Interested in Art History with Graffiti

Art history may seem dull to some children and getting them to a museum may be a challenge. Try peaking their interest with graffiti and murals in this list of top street art destinations.

Philadelphia, Pa.

Take a tour with the Mural Arts Philadelphia program and get a bit of history and culture. Learn all about how the program was established as an anti-graffiti movement in the city while traversing the incredible works spread out in nearly every neighborhood.

Miami, Fla.

Formerly known as an industrial district, Wynwood climbs the ranks as an up-and-coming street art location. The large, monochromatic buildings are the perfect canvas for some amazing and powerful art. Recently the neighborhood became the unofficial art district in Miami with an annual art fair, Art Wynwood, showcasing works from all over the world.

Brooklyn, N.Y.

Head to Brooklyn, N.Y., for a variety of graffiti-clad walls produced by renegade artists. From Williamsburg to Bushwick, Brooklyn boasts an array of famous street art by C215, Faile, Nick Walker and Judith Supine.

Berlin, Germany. Photo: Pablo Hidalgo | Dreamstime

Berlin, Germany

Before the Berlin Wall was demolished in 1989, the western-facing side famously boasted graffiti on every square inch. Now, nearly 30 years later, the last surviving piece of the wall remains in Friedrichshain still covered in spray paint and stenciled art. Incredible street art pieces full of political power and artistic expression can be found in Berlin neighborhoods Mitte, Kreuzberg around Falckensteinstrasse and Schlesische Strasse. Look for famous murals by Collin Vandersluijs and Mr. Super A, Case McClaim and Os Gêmeos.

Barcelona, Spain

Between Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter and Poblenou to the city’s only graffiti park, The Three Chimneys Urban Park, this city is a street artist’s paradise. Keep your eyes peeled in the city’s historic neighborhood, the Gothic Quarter, for unique canvases such as electrical boxes, doorways and road signs. Head to Carrer de la Selva de Mar in Poblenou for vibrant murals and check out the La Carbonería in Sant Antoni. This abandoned coal factory, evicted in 2014, displays an incredible mural and is protected by the city.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Street art is supported and even encouraged in Buenos Aires, allowing for some of the most detailed and impressive urban art in the world. With the government funding street art and public murals, artists are free to work and create with support and artistic liberty.

Paris, France

Take a street art walking tour in Paris, showcasing the best works in the city. The kids can get a look at incredible stencil posters on vacant buildings and vibrant acrylic on church steps on an Underground Art and Culture Tour — all with the Louvre close by for the parents. In a city renowned for incredible art, history and museums, the kids will love a break from the masters.

Krakow, Poland

Street art in Poland can be larger than life, literally. With local artists creating pieces on multilevel apartment buildings and taking up full walls, visitors can experience two different pieces — one from a great distance and one when they get up close.