Rochester has a vibrant street art culture, with dozens of murals, graffiti, and other forms of public art on display throughout the region. The art is diverse and includes commissioned works by professional artists and pieces created by community members. These murals capture historical moments and current social and political issues.
Areas mentioned here offer a high concentration of wall art but look for pops of color as you explore the region’s cities, villages, and back roads through the countryside.
Locations With Concentrated Street Art
The areas mentioned here offer a high concentration of wall art, but as you enjoy day trips, look for pops of color in the cities, along the canal, and throughout the countryside.
WALL\THERAPY is an organization that advocates for local and international artists, hosting periodic festivals to create new art around Rochester. For a map of the art produced for these events, visit wall-therapy.com.
Washington Grove & Cobb’s Hill Water Towers
The water towers in Washington Grove serve as a rotating exhibit for graffiti art. Often, you’ll find artists creating new pieces and practicing their techniques for more significant projects. There are several places to enter the grove, but the most common is on the east side of the reservoir. Look for the trailhead near the northeast part of the tree line. After walking down a steep hill, look to the left to see the water towers behind the trees. Follow the trail east of (or to the right of) the towers to head up the hill. There are also trailheads behind Tay House Lodge on Hillside Avenue and at the dead end of Nunda Boulevard. Reservoir Road
Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park at Manhattan Square
Experience the beauty of a city waterfall surrounded by vibrant walls adorned with portraits of Rochester artists Moses Rockwell, Danielle Ponder, and Mikaela Davis. 353 Court Street
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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park at Manhattan Square
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park hosts Roc Holiday Village in December when the reflecting pool transforms into an ice-skating rink.
South Wedge Neighborhood
Start exploring near Gregory Street, where you’ll find some hidden gems tucked behind and between boutiques, bars, and restaurants.
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Shop Like a Local: Embark on a Retail Expedition through Rochester’s Neighborhoods
When exploring Rochester’s residential areas, you’ll find unique boutiques, bookstores, and shops nestled among restaurants and cafes.
City of Rochester Public Market
Keep your eyes open as you shop—art can be found all around.
El Camino Trail
On the north end of the El Camino trail, close to East Ridge Road, you’ll find exquisite art created in 2013 during a Wall/Therapy-sponsored event, plus more created since.
Atlantic Avenue & Greenleaf Street
When driving on Greenleaf, near the intersection with Atlantic, you’ll see several garage bay doors and industrial walls adorned with strikingly vibrant murals.
Fedder Industrial Park
Several murals are viewable from Palmer Street, but to view the art on the tower facing East Main Street, you will need to park in the lot.
Abandoned Aqueduct and Subway
Urban explorers may be drawn to the aqueduct, but it is closed to the public and unsafe to enter. Observing the tunnel from the viewing platform behind Blue Cross Arena is a better option. Plans are currently in motion to remove the bridge deck and second level of arches to transform the original aqueduct into a community space.
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Erie Canal Aqueduct & Subway: Rochester’s Transportation Heritage
Before the canal coursed through Genesee Valley Park, it flowed through the city using the Erie Canal aqueduct to cross the river.
Erie Canal
Mural Mania boasts the longest mural trail in the world, with nearly 30 murals stretching 85 miles along the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. Lyons and Newark are home to the greatest concentration of these stunning wall art pieces.
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Unlock the Wonder: 12 Ways to Fully Experience the Erie Canal
Experience the beauty, history, and community of the Erie Canal through activities that offer a unique perspective of life along the canal.
LivCo Murals
Coordinators for this countywide public art project invited regional and international artists to paint highly visible walls in the nine villages, including Avon, Geneseo, and Mount Morris. Each village offers unique places to eat and shop, making it inviting to plan a day trip to see each mural.
More Personal Favorites
Google Map of Locations
Rochester-Area Artists
As you can imagine, many of these muralists are also tattoo and fine artists. Follow them on Instagram to see collections of exquisite creations.
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Range (Victor Zarate)
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Shawn Dunwoody
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Brittany Williams
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Thievin’ Stephen
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Aerosol Kingdom (Justin Suarez)
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Sarah C. Rutherford
Her Voice Carries
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Aubrey Roemer
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Adam Fracey
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Masiori (Nate Hodge)
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Lea Yolanda
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St. Monci (Michael Moncibaiz)
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John Perry
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Todd Stahl
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Salut (Bradd Young)
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dellarious
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A perfect day in Rochester would include a visit to one of its world-class museums, spending time in its exceptional parks, and seeing both High Falls and Lake Ontario.
Rochester is home to world-renowned museums and thought-provoking galleries. You can spend weeks exploring our rich cultural heritage.
132 Things to Do Around Rochester
We’ve pulled together a list of fun and unique things to do around Rochester, NY, within two hours of home—perfect for quick getaways.
Which street art pieces are your favorites?
I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Help Support My Work
People often ask if I get free access to the places I visit. The answer is no—unless I’m invited to a special preview or offered behind-the-scenes access through my media role. Most of the time, I don’t even mention Day Trips Around Rochester, New York when I visit a place. I want to have the same experience you would.
I create and share this content because it brings me joy—and I hope it adds value to your adventures, too.
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Enjoy the Journey Together!
I’m so impressed, these murals really make the city unique! I loved seeing Danielle Ponder …
Wouldn’t it be amazing to see Danielle perform here in the amphitheater next to her portrait?
There is one on Main St that I love. “They tried to bury us, but didn’t know we were seeds.” Next to Minq Lounge
Jennifer, I don’t know how I missed your comment until just now! Thank you for sharing, that is a great quote. Speaks volumes.
Can you add the murals “Her Voice Carries” to your links? This takes you to the website, with locations of the murals in each quadrant of the City of Rochester.
https://hervoicecarries.blog/rochester/
Joan, I apologize, I thought I had responded! I had added some info when I received you note near Sarah C. Rutherford’s section. Thank you so much for recommending it!
Thorough and wonderful compilation of wall art in Roc City! Many thanks!
You are most welcome, Mary! I’ve enjoyed researching it. I hope you have the opportunity to see them all in person!
Are the locations for your “more personal favorites” available?
Jazmin, I added captions with link to Google Maps for each of the photos. If you have any questions let me know!
@enjoy canvas, I’m thrilled you stumbled upon us! I hope you’re able to find some new places to check out around Rochester. I love being able to share new and hopefully inspiring ideas.
Admiring the commitment you put into your blog and the detailed information you offer. It’s nice to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same unwanted rehashed information. Wonderful read!