There is no city in the world quite like St. Louis. Many cultures have influenced the direction of the city, but so, too, have certain subcultures. A group of artists saw an opportunity to beautify the city in a super unique way back in the mid-1990s, and the cityscape has never been the same since.
Welcome to the Kosciusko Graffiti Wall!
Located on the St. Louis riverfront, this stunning work of art is perhaps the last thing you would expect to find in this neighborhood. It's right under the I-64 overpass, just south of the Arch.
The wall is nearly two miles long and fifteen feet tall.
Its entirety is lined with nearly 200 distinct images from a number of different artists.
The wall is decorated annually at Paint Louis, an urban art jam that brings hundreds of artists together.
The event dates back to around 1995.
A group of friends decided to throw a "graffiti jam" to give graffiti artists the recognition and display that they deserve. It grew in attendance and fame until 2001, when some artists showed up and bombed the city. It went on hiatus until 2012, when some original committee members teamed up with the City of St. Louis to revive the event. Since 2013, Paint Louis has become an annually anticipated event.
Much of the wall tells a story about St. Louisan culture.
As you walk along the wall, you may encounter references to the St. Louis Cardinals or images from the surrounding cityscape. There are no restriction for what can be painted, so you never know what you may encounter.
Some of it includes colorful references to pop culture, with topics ranging from music, to movies, to video games.
Though graffiti has a bad rap, much of it is incredibly elaborate and impressive. Graffiti art has even been displayed in notable galleries over the years, including Fashion Moda in the Bronx and in the Grand Palais exhibition hall in Paris.
This wall offers what is perhaps the most vibrant visual experience in the city.
And, since the artwork is updated annually, you are in for a different view year after year.
This destination helped the St. Louis art scene gain international recognition.
In 1998, the Guinness Book of World Records recognized this attraction as the longest graffiti mural in the world. That same year, a DVD documentary of the event was released.
The intricacy of much of the art is mind-boggling, and you'll definitely want to experience it in person.
So plan a trip today... and bring your camera!
When you spend your entire life in one city, its layout becomes familiar, but this one incredible work of art challenges familiarity by revamping its appearance annually. An incredible collaboration of artists from around the nation transforms the mural year after year... and it's magical. Have you ever visited this landmark? What was your favorite image? Tell us in the comments below!
This amazing work of art certainly changes the St. Louis landscape! For a look back at St. Louis' city scene of decades past, check out these vintage photos from the 1950s.
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