5 Pointz Legacy Murals
The 5 Pointz Legacy Murals are much more than painted walls in Long Island City, Queens: they are the pulsating heart of New York street art, a vibrant tribute to the graffiti mecca that was once 5 Pointz. Known for its colorful large-scale murals created by artists from around the world, this outdoor space keeps the creative and community spirit of the original alive. 🎨
Located near the original site, now occupied by luxury apartments, the legacy murals are an essential visit for anyone wanting to experience the city’s authentic urban art. They represent the resilience of the artistic community and offer a fascinating window into the world of graffiti and contemporary mural art, keeping the memory of 5 Pointz alive.
Why Visit the 5 Pointz Legacy Murals?
Visiting the 5 Pointz Legacy Murals means immersing yourself in a dynamic open-air art gallery. It’s a unique place in New York that celebrates freedom of expression, collective creativity, and the rich history of street art. Diverse styles, powerful messages, and overflowing artistic talent converge here, transforming the urban landscape.
Its cultural importance lies in being a symbol of resistance and memory. After the controversial demolition of the original 5 Pointz in 2014, these murals emerged as a way to honor that lost legacy and continue offering a space, albeit different, for artists to express themselves. It is a testament to the importance of public art.
The murals are also a reflection of the vibrant art scene in Queens and New York. They represent the evolution of street art and its growing acceptance in the contemporary art world. If you want to feel the creative energy of the city beyond traditional museums, this is your place. ✨
How to Get to the 5 Pointz Legacy Murals by Subway?
Main Stations
The nearest subway stations providing access to the 5 Pointz Legacy Murals area in Long Island City are primarily Court Sq-23 St and Hunters Point Av. These stations are important hubs connecting Queens with Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Subway Lines to the 5 Pointz Legacy Murals
The area is well-served by the New York City subway. The lines that take you directly there are:
- 7 (Purple line) – Stop at Court Square or Hunters Point Av
- E, M (Blue/Orange lines) – Stop at Court Sq-23 St
- G (Lime Green line) – Stop at Court Square or 21 St
How to Get to the 5 Pointz Legacy Murals From:
Central Park / Columbus Circle
From the Columbus Circle area or the south end of Central Park, you can take the E or M line towards Queens from 5 Av/53 St or 7 Av and get off at Court Sq-23 St. Another option is to take the 7 line (towards Flushing) from Times Sq-42 St or Grand Central to Court Square or Hunters Point Av.
Lower Manhattan (Wall Street / World Trade Center)
From the World Trade Center, the most direct way is to take the E line (towards Jamaica Center) and get off at Court Sq-23 St. From Wall Street, you can take the 4 or 5 line to Fulton St and transfer to the E line.
Brooklyn (DUMBO / Williamsburg)
From DUMBO, you can walk to York St and take the F line to Jackson Hts-Roosevelt Av, and there transfer to the E or M line to Court Sq-23 St. From Williamsburg, the easiest option is to take the G line (towards Court Square) from Metropolitan Av/Lorimer St or Nassau Av and get off at Court Square or 21 St.
Queens (Flushing)
If you are coming from Flushing or nearby areas in Queens, the 7 line (towards Manhattan) takes you directly to the Court Square and Hunters Point Av stops. It’s a very direct route.
Harlem
From Harlem, you can take a southbound subway line (such as the A, B, C, or D) to a station with a transfer to the E or M line (e.g., 42 St-Port Authority or 7 Av) and continue towards Queens to Court Sq-23 St. You can also go to Times Square and take the 7 line.
Airports (JFK / LaGuardia / Newark)
From JFK Airport, take the AirTrain to the Sutphin Blvd-Archer Av station and transfer to the E line (towards Manhattan/World Trade Center) to Court Sq-23 St. From LaGuardia, take the Q70-SBS bus to Jackson Hts-Roosevelt Av and transfer to the E or M line (towards Manhattan) or the 7 line (towards Manhattan) to Court Square. From Newark (EWR), take the AirTrain and then NJ Transit to Penn Station (NY), and there take the E line (towards Queens) to Court Sq-23 St.
What to Do at the 5 Pointz Legacy Murals?
Visiting the 5 Pointz Legacy Murals is, above all, a visual experience. It’s a place to walk, observe, and be impressed by the scale, color, and diversity of the street art. Each wall tells a story or showcases a unique style, reflecting the vibrant graffiti culture. 🚶♀️🚶♂️
Admire the Murals and Street Art
The main activity is simply walking around the area and enjoying the artworks. Pay attention to the details, the techniques used (spray paint, stencils, brushwork), and the messages conveyed by the artists. The murals change periodically, so each visit can offer something new.
Photograph the Art
It’s an incredibly photogenic place. 📸 Capture your favorite murals, the color contrasts, and the urban atmosphere. It’s ideal for both amateur and professional photographers. Remember to be respectful of the environment and other visitors while taking your photos.
Reflect on the History of 5 Pointz
Take advantage of the visit to learn about the history of the original 5 Pointz, its cultural significance, and the impact of its demolition. These murals are a tribute and a continuation of that spirit. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the value of public art and creative spaces in the city.
Explore the Long Island City Neighborhood
Don’t limit yourself just to the murals. Take a walk around Long Island City (LIC), a neighborhood undergoing transformation. Discover its mix of converted industrial buildings, modern skyscrapers, emerging art galleries, and parks with spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline.
Look for Works by Specific Artists
If you are familiar with the world of street art, it can be exciting to try and identify works by well-known artists contributing to the project. Looking for signatures or recognizable styles can add a “treasure hunt” element to your visit. 🕵️♀️
Attractions Near the 5 Pointz Legacy Murals
Long Island City, the neighborhood housing the murals, offers many other interesting attractions within a short distance. Take advantage of your visit to explore this dynamic area of Queens, which combines art, parks, and stunning views.
MoMA PS1
Very close by is MoMA PS1, one of the oldest and largest contemporary art institutions in the United States. Housed in a former school building, it hosts innovative exhibitions and cutting-edge events. A must-visit for modern art lovers.
Gantry Plaza State Park
A short walk away, this park on the banks of the East River offers some of the best views of the Manhattan skyline. With its iconic restored gantries, piers, green spaces, and play areas, it’s perfect for relaxing, strolling, and taking spectacular photos, especially at sunset. 🌇
Hunters Point South Park
Continuing south along the waterfront, you’ll find this other modern park with more fantastic views, interesting landscaping, recreational areas, and a ferry landing. It’s another great place to enjoy the outdoors and the urban panorama.
SculptureCenter
Also in LIC, the SculptureCenter is a non-profit institution dedicated to experimental contemporary sculpture. It presents works by emerging and established artists in an architecturally unique space.
Local Cafes and Restaurants
Long Island City has a growing culinary scene. In the vicinity of the murals and subway stations, you’ll find various cozy cafes, bars, and restaurants where you can grab a bite or drink and recharge after your artistic walk. ☕️🍽️
Noguchi Museum
Although it requires a slightly longer trip (by bus or a longer walk), the Noguchi Museum, dedicated to the work of sculptor Isamu Noguchi, is located in the area and is a gem for those interested in sculpture and design.
Tips for Visiting the 5 Pointz Legacy Murals
To make the most of your visit to this open-air art space, keep in mind some practical tips that will help you plan your tour and better appreciate the surroundings.
Best Time of Day to Go
The best time to visit the murals is during the day, when natural light allows for full appreciation of the colors and details of the works. ☀️ Mornings are usually quieter, while afternoons can offer a golden light ideal for photography. Weekends might be busier.
Avoiding Crowds
Although it doesn’t usually reach Times Square levels of congestion, the area can attract quite a few visitors, especially on sunny days or weekends. If you prefer a quieter experience, try going on a weekday. The space is open, making it easy to maintain distance.
Safety
Long Island City is generally a safe neighborhood. However, as in any urban environment, it’s important to be aware of your belongings and surroundings. Be respectful of the artworks (do not touch or alter them) and the neighborhood.
What to Bring and What Not To
Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking. Bring your camera or phone to capture the art. Dress according to the weather; it can be hot in summer (bring water and sunscreen), and cold in winter (coat, hat). You don’t need to bring anything special, but do bring an attitude of respect for the art and public space. 🚫🖌️ Don’t bring spray cans or try to add your own tag!
