Hidden New York: 5 Pointz

5 Pointz is a year-long graffiti exhibit spread across the facades of a 200,000 square ft (18,600 square meters) factory building used for art studios. Graffiti artists need to obtain a permit to leave a mark on these walls, with more prominent artists / sophisticated art getting the most visible spots. The lifespan of a single graffiti piece at 5 Pointz ranges from 1 day to 2 years, depending on its quality, popularity (pedestrian traffic around it) and the artist's name. This ensures that, no matter how many times you visit, there will always be something new to see.

I highly recommend this free exhibit, especially if the weather is nice. Not only will you see many unique works, but the combination of so many of them on a single object makes the facades of the abandoned factory resemble an enormous technicolor mosaic. Circle the building and find the stairs to climb on top, chill and take a deep breath of Manhattan and Long Island City (or at least take some awesome photos).


Address & Directions: 5 Pointz, Jackson Avenue at Crane Street and Davis Street, Long Island City, NY 11101; take the E or V subway to 23 St/Ely Ave, 7 to 45 Rd/Court House Sq., or G to Court House Square.