Shoreditch Street Art and Where to Find It

Shoreditch is one of London’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, home to an impressive street art scene. This area of the city has attracted street artists from near and far, and even Banksy has left his mark in the form of eye-catching graffiti pieces. 

Holywell Lane is one of Shoreditch’s cool side streets and is completely filled with colourful graffiti. You’ll see all sorts of interesting projects here that are sure to grab your attention. Most of the street art is temporary because the walls are continuously whitewashed and repainted. This means you’ll see different artwork if you visit the street from one month to the next.  

Here, you can witness the Village Underground Wall, which has displayed the work of street artists for many years. This building is also unique because of the Tube trains that sit along the top, which were moved here in 2006 after an upgrade to the Jubilee Line.  

New Inn Yard 

New Inn Yard is another great place to spot some brilliant street art. Here, you’ll find a lot of Mr Cenz’s work. Mr Cenz is one of Shoreditch’s most prolific street artists and is known to create fascinating, eye-catching pieces. He has been an important figure on the street art scene since the 1980s and is recognised for his large-scale surrealist murals. His artistic style involves using shapes and lines to put together intricate portraits.  

Besides Mr Cenz’s artwork, there are plenty of other superb pieces to see on New Inn Yard, so it’s worth visiting this area.  

Brick Lane  

For decades, Brick Lane has been a favourite place for street artists to showcase their work. There’s a new piece of artwork just waiting to be discovered around every corner, and virtually every wall has been transformed into a spectacular canvas of colour and imagination.  

Brick Lane has become known as the epicentre of the UK’s street art scene. Keep an eye out for work by street artist Zabou, who has brought a new lease of life to Shoreditch’s streets since 2012. If you’re particularly interested in street art around Brick Lane, you can join a tour through the area lead by a knowledgeable guide. 

Great Eastern Street  

Great Eastern Street is packed with abandoned buildings, soon to be transformed into a hotel or a block of studio apartments. It’s on these buildings that street artists have showcased their work, and the entire area is alive with striking graffiti and murals. The artwork here is wonderful and ever-changing.  

Great Eastern Street is also home to an amazing urban art gallery, Jealous Gallery. It’s a great place to check out exciting exhibitions and plenty of work by talented artists.  

King John Court 

King John Court forms a small triangle with Holywell Lane and New Inn Yard, and this is where you’ll spot the biggest art mural in Shoreditch (and in the UK). This mural is made up of a variety of different images, motifs and artistic styles. It’s a truly magnificent piece, so be sure to bring your camera along to snap a picture or two.   

Ebor Street 

Ebor Street is also one of the most significant places in Shoreditch for street art. The area is awash with brilliant colours and creative works of art. One of the most impactful pieces here is the Graffiti Life Mural, which is made up of the word ‘Love’ splashed across the side of a building. This project stretches along the wall for 45 metres and was created by artist Ben Eine.   

Chance Street and Whitby Street 

Chance Street is another great place to spot some incredible art. The street runs parallel to Ebor Street and is full of all kinds of intriguing pieces. The street art here is constantly changing, however there is a permanent diagonal mural created by German artist Macd which is definitely worth taking a look at.  

After exploring Chance Street, turn left into Whitby Street, where you’ll be greeted with even more awe-inspiring street art. Here, you’ll be able to spot Pysche and Portrait of a Woman by artist Jimmy C, who uses tiny, colourful dots to create large patterns. His artistic style is very unique and easily recognisable. Jimmy C has work all over the world and played a crucial role in the development of the underground graffiti movement of the 1990s.  

Plan a Stay in London  

Planning a stay in the capital city? Whether you’re checking out Shoreditch’s street art or discovering London’s other attractions, it’s important to find a great hotel to unwind in after a busy day. 

Our NYX Hotel London Holborn has plenty to offer, from its vibrant atmosphere to its modern, spacious rooms. Enjoy delicious food and drink at the hotel’s restaurant, open from early morning to late night, and relax at the Rena Spa. One thing’s for sure – you can expect total comfort and luxury at our NYX London Hotel, located right in the heart of the city.