MIAMI, Fla. — Often cities across America try and rid their downtown of graffiti and street art.
What You Need To Know
- Wynwood graffiti tour lets you explore Miami’s street art by buggy
- The tour will teach you the difference between street art and graffiti
- A guide will take you to see some 80 murals on the streets of Miami
- More Florida on a Tankful headlines
But one Florida city welcomes street art, has made it part of their culture and heritage and likes sharing it with everyone who visits.
Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood is known for its many colorful murals and some of the world’s best-known street artists.
It’s become so popular that it attracts people from around the world who come to see the artwork and often share their experience on social media.
The Wynwood graffiti tour takes guests by buggy to see all the street art.
Guide Keith Ivory has been giving tours for over 20 years. He wants people to know there is a difference between street art and graffiti.
“Street art is images and pictures. Graffiti is always letters and text,” Ivory said.
The buggy tour is one hour long and will take you to see some 80 murals around Wynwood.
Ivory will make stops along the way and assist guests with photos of the various artwork.
Ivory was born in the area in 1960 and knows the neighborhood well. He remembers the rise of Fidel Castro and when the Wynwood area was less than desirable, with many empty factories and warehouses.
But artists changed this over time, and their work is seen around the world, thanks to social media.
“Many artists get jobs, just by having their artwork in Wynwood,” Ivory said.
The tour guide points out to guests that there are battles (nonviolent) for open walls and space for artists to create art.
He points to a gray wall, where an artist has permission to paint, that is currently blank.
“Between now and when the designated artists come in, it can get bombed and tagged, by bombers, taggers and locals. This is a rare moment. I’m sure artists already have their eye on that,” he said.
The cost of the tour is $45. Walking tours are also available for $29.
Reservations are made online, or you can call 305-814-9290. More information about the Wynwood Graffiti Buggy Tour is available on its website.