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5 Pointz: the Graffiti Mecca of New York

5 Pointz: the Graffiti Mecca of New York

5 pointz is an exhibition space dedicated to Street Art located in Long Island City, Queens.

Five Pointz is considered the “Graffiti Mecca” of the world but unfortunately; it’s vowing to disappear soon.

First of all, Five Pointz is also called “5 Pointz”, “5 Pointz Aerosol Art Center, Inc” or “5 Pointz The Institute of Higher Burnin”.

5 Pointz refers to New York City’s 5 boroughs united as one. In fact, that also means that NYC’s artists could express themselves here. At the end, it rapidly became an international scene with artists presenting their work from all over the world.

5 Pointz: the Graffiti Mecca of New York

What’s the history of Five Pointz?

The space was created for a project called Terminator Graffiti in an effort to discourage graffiti vandalism while encouraging artists to present their work in an official manner.

In 2002, Jonathan Cohen, a graffiti artist with the nickname of “Meres One”, considered to be the pioneer due to his age and great talent, transformed the Five Points into an art gallery. Then, he decided to save 200,000-square-foot factory building walls into Five Pointz and not let everyone graffiti on.

5 Pointz: the Graffiti Mecca of New York

Nowadays, in order to tag at Five Pointz, you’ll need to ask for an official authorization to Meres One by email (meresone@5ptz.com).

It’s also stated (as you can see on the photo above) that every pictures or videos taken should be submitted to Meres One or Marie by email.

Ok… I must admit, I didn’t ask for any permission.. 🙂

5 Pointz: the Graffiti Mecca of New York

Who did participate in tagging Five Pointz?

The world’s biggest Graffiti stars came to Long Island City including: Stay High 149, Tracy 168, Cope2, Part, SPE and Tats Cru.

In the last couple of years, 5Pointz walls brought a number of people from the Hip Hop and R&B scenes like Doug E. Fresh, Kurtis Blow, Grandmaster Kaz, Mobb Deep, Rahzel, DJ JS-1, Boot Camp Clik, Joan Jett, Joss Stone and Jam Master Jay.

5 Pointz: the Graffiti Mecca of New York

Why and when Five Pointz will disappear?

Unfortunately, the world of Graffiti is mourning its New York Mecca since the countdown for Five Pointz has started.

It was announced on March 2011 that the actual owner of the building Wolkoff, made plans to convert the space into a residential building and inevitably destroy all the graffiti at Five Pointz.

It is reported that the demolition will start in September 2013. I have to say, it’s really sad news. A campaign is being launched to gather signatures from the general public in an attempt to declare Five Pointz a landmark.

Here’s the link for the application: http://www.birthplacemag.com/images/5-pointz-landmark-application.pdf

5 Pointz: the Graffiti Mecca of New York

Is there an entrance fee to Five Pointz?

No, it’s a really great tip since it’s totally free. You can just pass by on your way or from MoMA PS1 since it’s just few steps away. 🙂

5 Pointz: the Graffiti Mecca of New York

Five Points contact details:

Address: 45-46 Davis St, Long Island City, NY 11101

View 5Pointz in a larger map
Official website: http://5ptz.com/

5 Pointz: the Graffiti Mecca of New York

Can you take pictures at Five Pointz?

Yes, for sure! Please yourself and snap a maximum of pictures.

That’s what my friend and I did under this beautiful blue sky including posing in the streets of New York 🙂

5 Pointz: the Graffiti Mecca of New York

5 Pointz: the Graffiti Mecca of New York

5 Pointz: the Graffiti Mecca of New York

5 Pointz: the Graffiti Mecca of New York

5 Pointz: the Graffiti Mecca of New York

Additional pictures to enjoy:

5 Pointz: the Graffiti Mecca of New York

5 Pointz: the Graffiti Mecca of New York

5 Pointz: the Graffiti Mecca of New York

5 Pointz: the Graffiti Mecca of New York

5 Pointz: the Graffiti Mecca of New York

5 Pointz: the Graffiti Mecca of New York

5 Pointz: the Graffiti Mecca of New York

5 Pointz: the Graffiti Mecca of New York

Memo

My fist trip to New York was in 2007 when I was working for an airline company. I was born in the US, I lived in Mexico, in Europe in between Belgium, Spain and France… Well, let’s say I know about travelling! I bring my experience of NYC to the blog, to provide the best travel tips you could imagine!

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5 Pointz: the Graffiti Mecca of New York

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