Paint Louis Graffiti Wall
St. Louis's Paint Louis Graffiti Wall: the world's longest mural, a dynamic outdoor gallery showcasing global street art talent.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
New art and festival buzz
Paint Louis Graffiti Wall
Best Time
New art and festival buzz

Highlights
Must-see attractions
St. Louis's Paint Louis Graffiti Wall: the world's longest mural, a dynamic outdoor gallery showcasing global street art talent.
"The St. Louis Graffiti Wall is hands-down one of the coolest spots in the city! It’s like walking through an open-air art gallery."
Wear Comfy Shoes! :athletic_shoe:
You'll be doing a lot of walking along the wall, so comfortable footwear is a must.
GPS Can Be Tricky :round_pushpin:
Be cautious with GPS; it might lead you to railroad tracks. Aim for the flood wall south of the Arch.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Ever-Evolving Canvas
Mississippi River Flood Wall
Witness the world's longest mural, a dynamic outdoor gallery constantly repainted by global artists.

Battle for the Lou
Specific section of the wall
Experience a competitive art showdown where artists battle for recognition and showcase their skills.

Artist Process & Techniques
Various sections of the wall
Observe artists using unique techniques like the 'Doodle Grid' and learn about spray paint application.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Navigating the Wall
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfy Shoes! :athletic_shoe:
You'll be doing a lot of walking along the wall, so comfortable footwear is a must.
GPS Can Be Tricky :round_pushpin:
Be cautious with GPS; it might lead you to railroad tracks. Aim for the flood wall south of the Arch.
Capture the Colors :camera_with_flash:
The vibrant murals make for incredible photo opportunities. Go early for fewer people.
Respect the Art :pray:
Appreciate the artists' work and avoid adding tags over existing pieces.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfy Shoes! :athletic_shoe:
You'll be doing a lot of walking along the wall, so comfortable footwear is a must.
GPS Can Be Tricky :round_pushpin:
Be cautious with GPS; it might lead you to railroad tracks. Aim for the flood wall south of the Arch.
Capture the Colors :camera_with_flash:
The vibrant murals make for incredible photo opportunities. Go early for fewer people.
Respect the Art :pray:
Appreciate the artists' work and avoid adding tags over existing pieces.
Check for Festivals :fireworks:
Visit during Paint Louis for the full experience with live art and music.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Paint Louis Graffiti Wall, calling it a 'must-see' and an 'amazing idea' for its vibrant, ever-evolving outdoor art gallery. The sheer talent of the artists and the scale of the murals are consistently praised, offering an inspiring and visually stunning experience. While most find the art tasteful and the community aspect positive, some mention encountering homeless encampments and GPS navigation issues.
"⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Must-See in St. Louis!
The St. Louis Graffiti Wall is hands-down one of the coolest spots in the city! It’s like walking through an open-air art gallery that’s constantly evolving. The colors are bold, the messages are powerful, and every inch tells a different story. You can tell these artists poured their hearts into every mural. It’s a great place to take photos, feel inspired, or just soak in the creative energy. Whether you're local or just visiting, make sure you stop by—it’s a vibe! 🎨🔥 #SupportStreetArt #STLStrong"
Danielle Gardner
"Amazing art n worth it just be careful using the gps with that place it'll make u go into a rail road 😂"
Anastasia Phillips
"Absolutely amazing idea. It looks like most are trying to keep it as clean as can be. Didn’t see anything distasteful. The amount of artwork that was beyond astonishing, was mind blowing. There were artists there who are INCREDIBLE at what they do. Of course we had to add our scribbles. Lol."
Anthonie Messer (F&AM)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The wall is located along the Mississippi River flood wall, south of the Gateway Arch. While GPS can be unreliable and sometimes direct visitors to railroad tracks, it's best to head towards the riverfront area. Many visitors find it easiest to park and walk along the designated paths.
Parking can be found in the vicinity, particularly in areas closer to the Arch. However, during the Paint Louis festival, parking might be more challenging. Consider public transport or ride-sharing services if you're visiting during peak times.
The primary access and the most extensive sections of the wall are on the St. Louis side of the Mississippi River. While there might be views from the Illinois side, the immersive experience is on the Missouri bank.
While the art itself is incredible, some visitors have noted the presence of homeless encampments in the surrounding areas. It's advisable to be aware of your surroundings and stick to well-trafficked areas, especially if visiting alone or at dusk.
The wall stretches for miles, so wear comfortable shoes! Many visitors enjoy a leisurely stroll, taking in the art at their own pace. You can walk as much or as little as you like, turning back when you've seen enough.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, general access to the Paint Louis Graffiti Wall is free. It's an open-air public space. However, if you visit during the official Paint Louis festival, there might be associated events or performances with separate ticketing.
The wall is accessible year-round, 24/7, as it's an outdoor public space. However, the best experience is during daylight hours for viewing the art and for safety.
The wall itself is free to visit. The Paint Louis festival, which happens annually on Labor Day weekend, is also largely free to attend, though some specific events or performances might have associated costs.
During the official Paint Louis event, artists are invited to paint. For the general public, adding graffiti outside of sanctioned events is illegal. However, some reviews mention visitors adding their own 'scribbles,' which may refer to temporary chalk art or very minor additions.
The Paint Louis festival, held annually on Labor Day Weekend, is when most new artwork is created. Visiting during or immediately after this event will give you the freshest murals.
🎫 🎨 Onsite Experience
It's renowned as the world's longest mural and a vibrant, ever-changing outdoor art gallery. Artists from around the globe gather here to showcase their spray-painting talents.
You'll find a diverse range of graffiti art, from intricate characters and lettering to large-scale murals. The style is dynamic and constantly evolving as artists add new pieces.
Absolutely! The colorful and expansive murals provide a stunning backdrop for photos. Visiting on a weekday morning can offer better lighting and fewer people for unobstructed shots.
Many visitors highlight the 'Battle for the Lou' as a particularly exciting section. However, the entire length of the wall offers unique artistic expressions.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Consider bringing water, especially on warmer days, and your camera or smartphone to capture the art.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Directly at the wall, food options are limited, especially outside of the Paint Louis festival. However, the area near the Gateway Arch and downtown St. Louis offers a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and food trucks.
While there aren't designated picnic areas, you can bring your own food and find a spot along the riverfront to enjoy a picnic. Remember to clean up after yourself.
Downtown St. Louis boasts a diverse culinary scene, from classic St. Louis barbecue and toasted ravioli to international cuisine and casual eateries. You'll find options to suit every taste and budget.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings on weekdays are ideal for photography, offering softer light and fewer crowds. This allows for unobstructed shots of the murals.
Experiment with wide-angle shots to capture the scale of the wall, and close-ups to highlight the intricate details of individual pieces. Look for interesting compositions and color contrasts.
If you visit during the Paint Louis festival, you'll likely see artists actively painting. Always be respectful and ask permission before taking close-up photos of individuals.
Any camera or smartphone with good resolution will work well. The vibrant colors of the graffiti are the main subject, so focus on capturing their intensity.
Generally, photography is allowed and encouraged. However, be mindful of private property and avoid photographing individuals without their consent.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
🎨 Art Aficionados
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Graffiti: Techniques and Culture
Beyond the technical aspects, graffiti art carries a rich cultural significance. It's a form of self-expression, often challenging societal norms and reclaiming public spaces. The Paint Louis festival, in particular, fosters a sense of community among artists, drawing talent from all over the world to contribute to this monumental, ever-changing artwork. Understanding this context enriches the viewing experience, transforming a simple walk along the river into an immersion into a global art movement.
Paint Louis: A Festival of Creativity
This festival not only adds new layers of art but also reinforces the wall's status as a sanctioned graffiti space, a product of collaboration between artists and the City of St. Louis. It's a celebration of street art's legitimacy and its power to beautify and energize urban environments. For visitors, attending during the festival offers the most dynamic experience, showcasing the latest trends and talents in the graffiti world.
Navigating St. Louis's Riverfront
Accessing the wall requires a bit of local knowledge, as GPS can sometimes be misleading. Many visitors find it best to head towards the Mississippi River flood wall south of the Arch and then walk along the designated paths. Comfortable footwear is highly recommended, as the wall stretches for miles. Outside of the festival, weekdays offer a more tranquil experience, allowing for unhurried appreciation of the art and the river views.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit