Where is the Baltimore Graffiti Alley?

What once was a seedy alley in Baltimore, Maryland, is now home to colorful graffiti art. And it may surprise you to learn it’s even legal.

Gone are the days when unsavory activities went down in this alleyway. After a local studio focusing on street art bought the adjacent office space, Graffiti Alley was born.

Join us as we learn more about this legal urban space for graffiti artists.

Let’s explore!

About Baltimore’s Graffiti Alley

Graffiti Alley is where artists can freely and legally paint the walls to their hearts’ content. As long as the artwork remains within the L-shaped alley, Baltimore graffiti writers are safe from arrest. 

Before 2005, drug users and hookers used the alley for their purposes. It certainly wasn’t a safe place in the city. But everything changed when Graffiti Warehouse decided to locate their art studio headquarters adjacent to the alley. 

Now it’s an ever-changing outdoor art gallery available free to the public to visit. As artists finish their latest work, they take pictures and videos to document their pieces. They may not be there the next day, so they need to record their creations. 

And all the graffiti writers who put their work up in the alley are cool with someone else covering their pieces. They’d rather use the space provided to legally do their art than face possible jail time and a hefty fine. 

Graffiti Alley also helps Baltimore save money on removing illegally painted graffiti. It spends over $300,000 annually to clean walls throughout the city. Since the artists have this legal space, it keeps them from painting in other places that could lead to arrest.

Walking into this Baltimore alley with graffiti covering every inch of wall and ground space is awe-inspiring, especially if you love street art. It can also be a place for those not as aware of the art form to learn a new appreciation for it. 

What Is the Graffiti Warehouse?

Graffiti Warehouse is a 14,000-square-foot art gallery primarily used by photographers, filmmakers, and graffiti artists. For a fee, the space is available to rent by people wanting to use the gallery for an eye-catching background. 

Located in the Baltimore Art District and just around the corner from Graffiti Alley, the warehouse helps support local street artists. Not just a place to make art, the warehouse also provides space for selling artwork. 

Are There Other Graffiti Alleys Besides Baltimore?

Yes, there are graffiti alleys located throughout the United States. And even in Canada. Toronto is home to an impressive three-block-long alleyway covered entirely by colorful graffiti art. Since 2011, it’s been a legally-sanctioned place for artists to show off their skills. 

Ann Arbor, Michigan, is also the site of a colorful alleyway. Located off of East Liberty Street, it happens to land right in the middle of the city’s extensive annual art fair held in July. But since it’s in an area readily available to the public, it’s free to visit any time of the year.

But there’s more! Graffiti-covered alleys are popping up from Hawaii to the US East Coast. Venice, California, has a popular location, which you’ve likely caught sight of as a backdrop for music videos, movies, and countless photographs. 

Most of the graffiti alleys are open to any artists wanting to leave their mark. But the one located at 106th Street & Park Avenue in New York is special. Only the best of the best put their art up on the wall here. It’s inside a schoolyard, so be sure to visit during weekday school hours if you want a close-up view.

So, Where Is Baltimore’s Graffiti Alley?

Graffiti Alley is near the corner of North Howard Street and West 19 ½ Street in Baltimore’s Arts and Entertainment District. You can enter from either street since the alleyway is L-shaped with two entry points. 

You’ll find the alley behind the Graffiti Warehouse and the Motor House, another popular hub for art performances in Baltimore. 

Things To Do In Baltimore

Baltimore is an exciting city with various places to visit. In addition to multiple art centers, the historic seaport area is a great place to enjoy outdoor activities. 

Let’s check out a few of our favorite Baltimore destinations. 

American Visionary Art Museum

This may be one of the most unique art museums you’ll ever visit. They specialize in artistic exhibits combining “art, science, philosophy, humor and especially social justice and betterment.” 

The museum is open Wednesdays through Sundays. Regular adult tickets are about $16, and it offers discounts for seniors, military members, and students. Children six and under can enter for free.

Fell’s Point

Located about four miles from Graffiti Alley, Fell’s Point is one of Baltimore’s oldest neighborhoods. Jazz singer Billie Holiday and abolitionist Frederick Douglass lived in this section of town. Established in 1763, you can feel the historic nature of this neighborhood as you walk down its streets. 

You’ll find plenty of shopping and restaurants to enjoy in Fell’s Point. Baltimore’s oldest bar, The Horse You Came In On Saloon, is a great place to stop in for a drink. Rumor has it that Edgar Allen Poe visited the bar right before his mysterious death.

The Harbor and Historic Ships

For fans of historic ships, this is a must-see destination. As stated in its Mission, the museum “plays a key role in the heritage and cultural landscape within the City of Baltimore.” The ships and exhibits celebrate over 200 years of the state’s maritime history. 

Naval ships dating back to the Civil War era are available for visitors to walk through. And many educational exhibits span the grounds of the museum. Hours vary throughout the year, so check the website for current information. You can purchase tickets online or in person.

The Walters Art Museum

Located less than two miles from Graffiti Alley, the Walters Art Museum is an art lover’s and history buff’s dream. Over 36,000 objects worldwide, spanning seven millennia, are on permanent display. 

The Walters’ mission includes bringing art and people together in a space where everyone, regardless of background, can be inspired by artwork. They make this incredibly easy by offering free admission to the public. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday.

Is a Trip to Baltimore’s Graffiti Alley Worth It?

If you’re a fan of art in any form, a visit to Baltimore’s Graffiti Alley should be on your bucket list. You could easily fill a weekend trip to this seaport city with stops at multiple galleries, museums, and historical locations.

There certainly won’t be a lack of things to do after taking your pictures in the colorful alley. And who knows? Maybe you’ll find inspiration to create your own piece of art on the walls.