5Pointz Resurrected: The Museum of Street Art (MoSA) in New York City
When we showed up at the new CitizenM Bowery Hotel for our tour of the Museum of Street Art, the chipper front desk clerk showing us the way asked, “Do you know about 5Pointz?” We excitedly proclaimed that we’d actually visited the original (which returned such a big WOW that we felt like we’d just confessed to being present when electricity was discovered). It shouldn't be surprising. The walls of 5Pointz were whitewashed not very long ago, and its loss was felt amongst street art lovers worldwide. It’s a local legend, and treated as such.
The History of the Original 5Pointz
The Neptune Meter Company was manufacturing water meters in Long Island City until 1972, when it moved its operations to Tallassee, Alabama. Real estate developer Jerry Wolkoff purchased the building, and started renting space out to emerging artists at affordable prices. In 1993, Wolkoff agreed to allow graffiti artists to use the decaying exterior as an urban canvas as part of a program to cultivate aerosol art. The program failed due to lack of participation, but it set the stage for what would later become 5Pointz. In 2001, Jonathan Cohen, a street artist who goes by the name Meres One, became the founder and curator. The rest, as they say, is street art history.
5Pointz, named for the five boroughs of New York City coming together as one, attracted graffiti artists from all over the world. But it didn’t stop there. The warehouse grew into a symbol of creative freedom and attracted famous musicians as well, including Kurtis Blow, Joan Jett and Joss Stone.
In 2012, Wolkoff announced his plan to demolish the decrepit building and redevelop the site into luxury apartments. It resulted in a face-off with the artists. With rumors swirling that 5Pointz could be on its last legs, we paid the site a visit, which is when the above photos were taken. On the morning of November 19, 2013, Wolkoff whitewashed the whole building.
MoSA Bowery and the 5Pointz Connection
Street art culture is such that it builds upon the path laid by its predecessors, so even though street art is now widely celebrated in New York City at hubs like The Bushwick Collective and The Welling Court Mural Project, it seems fitting to have a spot that pays homage to 5Pointz. Meres One used to dream of starting a school for aspiring aerosol artists, hoping to impart lessons in teamwork, art history, and entrepreneurship in addition to technique. He also had plans to turn 5Pointz into a graffiti museum. So when CitizenM offered him the space at their latest New York City location, he worked with Marie Cecile Flageul to bring 20 artists together to build the Museum of Street Art (MoSA). All artists originally displayed work at 5Pointz.
CitizenM seems like the perfect partner for the venture: its hotels feature bright pops of color, contemporary design and a passion for art. Its Bowery location even more so, as The Bowery and Lower East Side have a strong connection to the street art scene in New York City. It’s home to the Bowery Wall, of course, and many of its structures are canvases for street artists from around the world.
What to Expect at the Museum of Street Art
The street art displays begin before you even step foot in the CitizenM Bowery Hotel. A striking 5000-foot mural by Meres One provides a unique backdrop for the outdoor patio and easily catches the eye of passers by. Once you notify the front desk that you’re there for the Museum of Street Art, they’ll check your bags. From there, you’ll be directed to the elevator so that your adventure can begin.
If you think you’re stepping into a sterile art gallery, think again. Works by street artists like the dynamic duo of The Yok and Sheryo, Vince Ballentine, Damien Mitchell, Elle and Danielle Mastrion are located in the unlikeliest of spaces: the hotel’s stairwell. The truly one-of-a-kind experience starts at the 20th floor and exits into the lobby. Because it’s in a stairwell, each turn offers a surprise.
The museum is free. If you approach the hotel staff at the reception desk, just let them know you are there for MoSA. If you are not a hotel guest, they will need to provide you access to the elevator.
Conclusion
The Museum of Street Art is a unique celebration of the craft that every street art aficionado should experience. Meres One’s passion has kept his pursuit of aerosol art going for over 30 years. But his commitment to preserving its legacy and guiding each new crop of artists makes MoSA Bowery a project that’s both easy to support and enjoy.
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