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Street Art whale cover

Street Art: Exploring Rochester’s Murals & Graffiti

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.

cobbs hill inside water tower cover
Cobbs Hill Murals aliens
Cobbs Hill Jack-elope
Cobbs Hill Murals skull
Cobbs Hill Water Tower
Cobbs Hill water tower octopus
Cobbs Hill Water Tower
Cobbs Hill Water Tower Justin Suarez
Justin Suarez / AEROSOL KINGDOM

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

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Cobbs Hill + Washington Grove

The peaceful view from Cobbs Hill, along with the friendly people walking and taking it all in, make it a unique Rochester experience.

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Martin Luther King Jr Park mural
Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Park wall art
Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Park wall art

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

Next to The Strong National Museum of Play, the five-acre Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Park hosts various annual events.

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south wedge
Wall Art Shining Star
wall art south wedge
public wall art garden south wedge

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 scattered among restaurants and cafes.

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Public Market Rochester graffiti
street art public market house of guitars
street art american hawk public market
public wall art mermaid public market
public wall art gauze public market
public wall art elephants public market
public wall art owls public market
graffiti around Rochester Public Market
Look up!

City of Rochester Public Market

Keep your eyes open as you shop—art can be found all around.

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Rochester Public Market

The Rochester Public Market is the best place to find the freshest locally grown produce, seafood, beef, cheese, bread, and beverages.

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El Camino Trail Wall Therapy street art woven blanket
El Camino Trail
El Camino Trail Wall Therapy wall art mask
El Camino Trail Wall Therapy wall art face
El Camino Trail Wall Therapy wall art MC
El Camino Trail Wall Therapy wall art elephant
El Camino Trail Wall Therapy wall art lucha
El Camino Trail Wall Therapy wall art fish
El Camino Trail Wall Therapy wall art knockout
El Camino Trail Wall Therapy wall art bold mask
El Camino Trail Wall Therapy wall art dragon
El Camino Trail Wall Therapy wall art bike

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.

Quintessential Rochester: Street Art
the world is yours
public wall art omen
public wall art face
public wall art nova
Street Art Rochester
Atlantic Ave

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
Fedder

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.

under broad street
Under Broad Street

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.

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Newark
Newark

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.

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Mount Morris
Leicester
Leicester

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.

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Explore Livingston County

Take a drive through the Livingston County countryside to explore charming village Main Streets, historic districts, nature trails and lakes.

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More Personal Favorites

Rochester Street Art John Lewis State Street cover
I Am Speaking
St. Paul Street
wall art abeline
Liberty Pole Way
Wall Art - Joywave Album Cover
Joywave Album Cover
wall art arnett branch library
Arnett Library
wall art new hope
Union St

Google Map of Locations

View the map separately here.

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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A post shared by todd stahl (@todd_stahl_art) on

Todd Stahl

 

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Salut (Bradd Young)

 

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dellarious

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Explore Rochester

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.

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Museums Around Rochester

Rochester is home to world-renowned museums and thought-provoking galleries. You can spend weeks exploring our rich cultural heritage.

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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.

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Which street art pieces are your favorites?

Your insights and experiences are valuable. Please share them in the comments.

Debi Bower, Day Trips Around Rochester NY

Debi Bower is the founder and creative director of daytrippingroc.com and author of the award-winning book Day Trips Around Rochester, New York.

People often ask me if I get free access to places while exploring. The answer is no unless I’m invited to previews or granted behind-the-scenes access as part of my media role. Generally, I don’t mention my project, Day Trips Around Rochester, NY, because I want the same experience you would have. I create and share content simply because it brings me joy. I would appreciate your support—a cup of coffee or two to help fuel future field trips—if you have found valuable information here that has helped you explore the Rochester area.

12 thoughts on “Street Art: Exploring Rochester’s Murals & Graffiti”

  1. 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

    1. 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!

  2. @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.

  3. 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!

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