Murals and Mosaics of Spanish Harlem: Amazing Street Art
Description
The street art of Spanish Harlem (AKA East Harlem or El Barrio) tells us so much about the history, culture, & politics of this under-appreciated NYC neighborhood & its residents. Some of the colorful murals & mosaics are dedicated to accomplished citizens of Spanish Harlem, such as the writers Julia de Burgos & Nicholasa Mohr. Others honor world-famous people including Celia Cruz & Che Guevara. Many of the artworks celebrate the Latin culture of the neighborhood. They also bring into the streets the gorgeous scenery of the tropical islands which so many members of this community left behind. Visitors to Spanish Harlem are always dazzled by the street art there. Here is what one of them said: "The Spanish Harlem tour with Leigh was a great investment of 2 hours. The tour was rich in information & cultural & neighborhood significance. Leigh is a terrific guide to it all. I have done many walking tours, and this is one of the best. Not to be missed if you are visiting New York".
Tour Options
Itinerary
There are 4 outdoor murals at our meeting place, and we spend time looking at and commenting on all of them. We also discuss the church, which is nicknamed “The People's Church” for its association with the Young Lords. They were a social justice and community empowerment group in Spanish Harlem from 1969-76, and they left a great legacy in the neighborhood. We do not go inside the church.
We see one mural on the outside of this restaurant and one on the inside. This stop is one block East of our starting place.
We walk 8 blocks from North to South, zigzagging between Lexington and Third Avenues, which are only a block apart. So, not much walking, but that is because this area is chock-a-block with public art! We stop to look at about 2 dozen murals and mosaics. And, all the while, we are just North of the Upper East Side and only 3 blocks from Central Park. The mosaics are all by the brilliant artist Manny Vega, who was recently celebrated in a year-long exhibit at the Museum of the City of New York.
We talk briefly about why there is a large Greek Orthodox Church in a neighborhood which has never been associated with residents of Greek heritage. But mainly we stop here to see the final mural on our route and say farewell. And because next to the church is the East 103rd St. stop on the #6 subway train. So that is an easy way to get to your next destination.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(1)
Colorful murals and mosaics, paired with guide Leigh's insights into the artists and themes, pull Spanish Harlem together seamlessly. Two hours wonderfully spent. Highly recommend stopping at one of the authentic bakeries or restaurants along the route once the tour wraps up. It's an easy few-minute walk to Central Park or nearby museums—perfect for continuing a memorable day!
