There’s No Attraction In The World Like This One In St. Louis

There is no city in the world quite like St. Louis. Many cultures have influenced the direction of the city, but so, too, have certain subcultures. A group of artists saw an opportunity to beautify the city in a super unique way back in the mid-1990s, and the cityscape has never been the same since.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/

Welcome to the Kosciusko Graffiti Wall! henskechristine/Flickr Located on the St. Louis riverfront, this stunning work of art is perhaps the last thing you would expect to find in this neighborhood. It's right under the I-64 overpass, just south of the Arch. The wall is nearly two miles long and fifteen feet tall. Lori Ann M /TripAdvisor Its entirety is lined with nearly 200 distinct images from a number of different artists. The wall is decorated annually at Paint Louis, an urban art jam that brings hundreds of artists together. Kelsey B/Flickr The event dates back to around 1995. velo_city/Flickr A group of friends decided to throw a "graffiti jam" to give graffiti artists the recognition and display that they deserve. It grew in attendance and fame until 2001, when some artists showed up and bombed the city. It went on hiatus until 2012, when some original committee members teamed up with the City of St. Louis to revive the event. Since 2013, Paint Louis has become an annually anticipated event. Much of the wall tells a story about St. Louisan culture. DukeNewport Photography/Flickr As you walk along the wall, you may encounter references to the St. Louis Cardinals or images from the surrounding cityscape. There are no restriction for what can be painted, so you never know what you may encounter. Some of it includes colorful references to pop culture, with topics ranging from music, to movies, to video games. jaungren/TripAdvisor Though graffiti has a bad rap, much of it is incredibly elaborate and impressive. Graffiti art has even been displayed in notable galleries over the years, including Fashion Moda in the Bronx and in the Grand Palais exhibition hall in Paris. This wall offers what is perhaps the most vibrant visual experience in the city. velo_city/Flickr And, since the artwork is updated annually, you are in for a different view year after year. velo_city/Flickr This destination helped the St. Louis art scene gain international recognition. Yuefeng D/Flickr In 1998, the Guinness Book of World Records recognized this attraction as the longest graffiti mural in the world. That same year, a DVD documentary of the event was released. The intricacy of much of the art is mind-boggling, and you'll definitely want to experience it in person. kylesteed/Flickr So plan a trip today... and bring your camera!

When you spend your entire life in one city, its layout becomes familiar, but this one incredible work of art challenges familiarity by revamping its appearance annually. An incredible collaboration of artists from around the nation transforms the mural year after year… and it’s magical. Have you ever visited this landmark? What was your favorite image? Tell us in the comments below!

This amazing work of art certainly changes the St. Louis landscape! For a look back at St. Louis’ city scene of decades past, check out these vintage photos from the 1950s.