7 Surprising Things You Didn't Know About the Urban Art in Paris

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Montmartre Streets at Dusk

Paris is renowned for its rich history, stunning landmarks and cultural sophistication, but did you know about the exciting and ever-changing street art scene? From the colorful murals splashed across the city's walls to the intricate stencils and graffiti tags adorning its buildings, Paris street art is a vital part of the city's visual landscape.

Parisian street art landscape has a long and fascinating past, dating back to the 1960s, featuring diverse styles and themes, such as political satire, social commentary, and pop-culture references, which have transformed the city into a vibrant open-air museum of urban art.

This post delves into the fascinating world of Parisian street art, exploring 7 things that you might not know about the street artists in Paris, styles and messages behind these vibrant creations that add a touch of edge and creativity to the cosmopolitan city.

Parisian street art has a long history

While street art is often associated with the modern era, Parisian street art actually dates back to the 1960s and 1970s when artists like Blek le Rat and Jef Aérosol began to create works on the city's walls.

Enjoy little things in life, 2020 Blek le rat

Some Parisian street art is protected by law

In 2016, the city of Paris passed a law protecting street art and graffiti, as long as it is not deemed offensive or dangerous. This means that street artists can now create their work legally and even have the option to request permission from the city to paint certain areas.

Waving From Montmartre Wall

Parisian street art includes a variety of styles

From stencil art to murals, and from political statements to whimsical designs, Parisian street art encompasses a wide range of styles and themes. Including this basketball court with freshly painted lines and vibrant colors, bringing the sport of basketball to life in a unique and creative way. This is just one example of the diverse and exciting street art scene in Paris.

Technicolor Basketball Court in Paris

Street art is not limited to just the walls

While walls are the most common canvas for street artists, Parisian street art can also be found on sidewalks, buildings, objects like dumpsters and mailboxes, or even stairs.

Man Stepping on Staircase

Some of the most famous street art in Paris is hidden away

While some street art is easy to spot, some of the best pieces are hidden in alleys and other hard to find locations. Exploring these hidden gems can be a fun way to discover new artists and works.

Parisian street art is constantly evolving

As new artists emerge and old ones continue to create, the street art scene in Paris is constantly changing. This means that there is always something new to discover, no matter how many times you visit the city.

Street art has become a tourist attraction

While some locals may view street art as vandalism, many tourists come to Paris specifically to see the city's street art. In fact, there are even guided tours that focus specifically on the city's street art scene.

Distric II, Paris

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