Street art: showcasing some of the best graffiti and murals in Poland
July 15, 2025
Poland in recent years has become a real mecca for street art lovers. Murals, which adorn the walls of buildings in many cities, are not only a decoration of urban space, but also an important cultural element, often telling stories and conveying important messages. In our tour of the best murals in Poland, we will discover extraordinary works of street art that delight not only locals, but also tourists from all over the world. Street art in Poland is not just colorful paintings on walls - it is a living chronicle of modern times, reflecting social, political and cultural changes. Murals have become an integral part of the urban landscape, transforming gray facades into real open-air galleries. In our journey we will visit the largest Polish cities where street art flourishes most exuberantly, showing how the creativity and talent of artists can change the face of public space. Our trip will begin in Lodz, known as the capital of Polish street art, where there are countless murals, including one of the oldest and largest in the country. Then we will move to Warsaw, where in Żoliborz we will discover a mural dedicated to the legendary David Bowie. Poznan will surprise us with an illusionist masterpiece, and Krakow will delight us with an anti-regime message by an Italian artist. Finally, we will visit Lublin, where the past meets the present in the form of a moving mural about the city's history.
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Lodz and Warsaw - cities of murals
Our journey begins in Lodz, a city that has rightly earned the title of the capital of Polish street art. Particularly noteworthy is the 'Lodz' mural, located at 152 Piotrkowska Street. It is a true giant among Polish murals, covering an impressive 600 sq m. This mural, completed in November 2001, was the largest mural in the world at the time of its creation. The work depicts the most characteristic elements of Lodz's urban space: Liberty Square with the Tadeusz Kosciuszko monument, the Pentecostal Church, the City Hall and a historic tramway. The authors of this impressive work are members of the Design Futura group.
To reach the mural, it is best to head to the pedestrian area of Piotrkowska Street. The mural is located on the northern wall of a tenement, at the end of the pedestrian part of the street. It is an easily accessible place for tourists, located in the heart of the city. It is worth planning a visit during the day to admire all the details of this impressive work. There are many cafes and restaurants in the area where you can relax after sightseeing.
From Lodz we move to Warsaw, where there is a mural dedicated to the legendary David Bowie in Zoliborz, at 1 Maria Kazimiera Street. This work of art commemorates the artist's brief but significant visit to Warsaw on April 21, 1976. The mural, unveiled exactly 40 years later, on April 21, 2016, depicts Bowie's distinctive portrait against the background of Warsaw's skyline with the Palace of Culture and Science.
To get to the mural, it's best to take the subway, getting off at Wilson Square station. From there, it's just a few minutes' walk. The mural is available for viewing year-round, 24 hours a day, as it is located on the outside wall of the building. However, it is worth visiting during the day to admire all the details and colors. There are many cafes and restaurants nearby where you can relax and discuss your impressions.
Both the 'Lodz' mural and the David Bowie mural in Warsaw are excellent examples of how street art can enrich urban space and become a tourist attraction. These works of art not only beautify cities, but also tell stories - about Lodz and its landmarks, and about the world music star's ties to Poland. These are places that are sure to delight both adults and children, providing an excellent starting point for conversations about art, history and culture.
Poznan and Krakow - illusion and controversy in street art
Our journey on the trail of Polish street art now takes us to Poznań, where one of the most recognizable murals in Poland - the Śródka Mural - is located at 4 Śródka Street. This extraordinary piece of street art, which delights not only locals, but also tourists from all over the world, is a true masterpiece of optical illusion.
The Srodka Mural, although somewhat faded by the passage of time, still looks impressive. It is located in the heart of the Srodka district, near the Bishop Jordan Bridge. To reach it, it is best to use public transportation - streetcars and buses regularly run to the area. Car parking can be problematic during the day, but in the evening finding a spot is easier.
The artwork is a fascinating example of an illusionistic mural that can capture attention for long minutes. It depicts a three-dimensional scene from the life of the old neighborhood, creating an illusion of depth and reality on the flat wall of the building. It's the perfect place to show children how art can 'trick' our senses and create fascinating illusions.
In the area around the mural there are many restaurants and cafes where you can relax and have a bite to eat after exploring. It is also worth noting the nearby monuments, such as the cathedral and the ICHOT (Interactive History Center of Ostrow Tumski), which can be an interesting addition to the tour.
From Poznań we move on to Krakow, where at 3 Józefińska Street in the Podgórze district there is a controversial mural by an Italian artist nicknamed Blu, titled 'Never Follow'. This work, while stirring up emotions, is also one of the most recognizable murals in the city.
The mural depicts a giant bell in the colors of the Vatican, with the papal coat of arms, leading a crowd of small, identical figures behind it. Its anti-church message provokes discussion and various interpretations, making it an important voice in the public debate.
To reach the mural, it's best to take the streetcar, getting off at the 'Podgórze SKA' stop. From there, it's just a few minutes' walk. The mural is available for viewing year-round, and is located on the corner of Józefińska and Piwna streets.
A trip with children to this place can be an opportunity to talk about freedom of artistic expression, diversity of views and respect for different opinions. However, it is worth preparing in advance for possible questions and discussions that the mural's controversial subject matter may provoke.
There are many interesting places to visit in the area, such as the Ghetto Heroes Square and Schindler's Factory. Podgórze is a district full of history and interesting corners that can make an interesting addition to a trip on the street art trail.
Both Poznan's Mural Śródka and Krakow's Blu 'Never Follow' murals show how diverse and multidimensional street art can be. From fascinating optical illusions to works that provoke discussion, Polish street art offers a wide range of experiences and emotions, providing an unusual complement to the traditional tourist offer of our cities.
Lublin - history on the walls
Our journey on the trail of Polish street art ends in Lublin, where there is a unique mural entitled 'Lublin, my holy city' at 2 Unii Lubelskiej Avenue. This unusual piece of street art not only decorates the urban space, but most importantly tells the fascinating story of old Lublin.
This mural, stretching along the Czechówka River, depicts the life of the Jewish community in pre-war Lublin. It is a kind of time travel, allowing one to see what the city and its residents looked like in the interwar period. The work is not only an aesthetic addition to the cityscape, but above all a history lesson and a reminder of the city's multicultural past.
To reach the mural, it is best to use public transportation - buses regularly run to the area. The mural is located in the city center, so getting to it should not be a problem. It is available for viewing all year round, 24 hours a day, as it is located on the exterior wall of a building. However, it is worth scheduling a visit during the day to be able to take a closer look at all the details.
A trip with children to the site can be an excellent opportunity to talk about Polish history, multiculturalism and the tragic fate of the Jewish community during World War II. The mural can serve as a starting point for a broader discussion about tolerance and respect for diversity.
There are many interesting places to visit near the mural. Lublin's Old Town, with its charming streets and historic houses, is just a few minutes' walk away. It's also worth checking out the Krakow Gate or Lublin Castle to get a better idea of the city's history.
The mural 'Lublin, My Holy City' is not only a work of art, but also an important part of historical and cultural education. It shows how street art can combine aesthetics with historical and social messages, thus becoming a tool for learning about and understanding the past.
Summing up our journey on the trail of street art in Poland, it is worth noting how diverse and rich this phenomenon is in our country. From monumental murals in Lodz, to controversial works in Krakow, illusionist masterpieces in Poznan, to historical frescoes in Lublin, Polish street art offers an extraordinary range of experiences and emotions.
Street art in Poland is not only an adornment of cities, but above all a living chronicle of modernity, a commentary on reality and a way to bring back the memory of the past. It is also an excellent way to get to know Polish cities from a completely different perspective, discovering their hidden histories and contemporary problems.
We encourage you to embark on your own trail of Polish street art. It's a fascinating adventure that will allow you not only to see beautiful works of art, but also to better understand Polish culture, history and modernity. Whether you're an art lover, a history enthusiast or simply a curious world traveler, Polish murals are sure to give you unforgettable impressions and inspiration.
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