Toronto has many museums and art galleries, but one of the most interesting venues for
showcasing contemporary art cannot be found in any Toronto guidebook, but by walking
through the city. Many Toronto neighbourhoods are full of street art, and some of the most beautiful and eclectic work appears on the side of a wall, under a bridge, down a laneway or in an alley.
One such place known to many locals is called Graffiti Alley, or as Google Maps calls it, “Rush Lane”, located half a block south and running parallel to trendy Queen Street West, it is several blocks long. Walking through the alley changes the city into a walking art gallery. Almost every surface within the area, including doors, lighting poles, fire hydrants and fire escapes, are all covered with graffiti art. And if you also want to look at art you can purchase, there are several galleries on Queen Street West just a few steps away.
Although it’s an alley, the area is perfectly safe to walk through. The space, which was originally intended for delivery trucks, is usually busy with local pedestrians, street art fans like me, photographers, and of course graffiti artists.
From Spadina and Queen Streets, walk half a block south and westbound; the lane runs several blocks all the way to Portland Street.
Google map: bit.ly/QgjDk5
* Giulia is our Been there local for Toronto. You can see her profile here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/places/canada/toronto/index.jsp and follow her tips here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/travellers/GiuliaFalsetti
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