Street art lovers owe Lisbon authorities a debt of gratitude. In 2008 officials launched an initiative (Galeria de Arte Urbana) to encourage artists to create murals on the streets of the Portuguese capital – turning it into a hotspot for spray-can art. Make a tour of Lisbon’s most eye-catching street murals.
Village Underground Lisboa
This creative hipster co-working space modishly comprises a stack of repurposed steel shipping containers, many of which are inspiringly covered from top to bottom in eye-popping daubs by Portuguese-Swiss graffiti artist Akacorleone. Find it at Avenida da Índia, Edifício.
Untitled, by Fairey & VHILS
High-profile American illustrator Shepard Fairey – he’s the guy behind the ‘OBEY’ merch – teamed up with local hero Vhils to work up this thoroughly engrossing mixed-media portrait of a beautiful woman’s face. Find it at Rua Senhora da Glória.
Big Raccoon
Lisbon-born street artist Bordalo II bolts found pieces of salvaged plastic and old metal junk onto largescale murals for that all-important extra dimension. His building-sized raccoon has become a perennial pet favourite for residents of Belém. Find it at Rua Bartolomeu Dias.
Corporate Slingshot
In 2010, the Crono Project invited a cadre of street artists to cover derelict buildings with murals all along the Avenida Fontes Pereira de Melo. Surviving standouts include a bandana-clad ninja, bravely taking on the scourge of global mega-corporations with only his trusty catapult.
The Blue Wall
The perimeter wall of Júlio de Matos Hospital is splashed all over with murals by both Lisbon-based and visiting street artists – it was first used as a space to explore mental health issues through the medium of art as long ago as 2013. Find it at Rua das Murtas.
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