The Museum of Graffiti, hailed by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best museums in the United States, is set to mark its 6th anniversary in spectacular fashion during Miami Art Week 2025. The celebration centers on a brand-new semi-permanent exhibition titled Origins, which chronicles the birth and evolution of graffiti — from its rebellious beginnings on New York City’s streets and subways to its current status as a globally respected art form.
A Journey Back To The Roots Of Graffiti
Visitors entering the Origins exhibit will step through a meticulously recreated vintage hardware store, serving as a nostalgic time capsule that evokes the gritty, do-it-yourself spirit of graffiti’s early years. The store will also function as a fully operational paint shop, exclusively featuring Rust-O, the new spray paint line by Rust-Oleum designed specifically for artists — a symbolic bridge between graffiti’s industrial past and its professional present.
A major highlight of the exhibition includes original works by United Graffiti Artists (UGA) members PHASE2, FLINT 707, SNAKE 1, and COCO144 — pieces unseen since their 1973 gallery debut, marking one of the earliest moments graffiti entered the fine art world.
“Tracking down rare artifacts like this was always part of our mission so that the true history of graffiti can be shared in the most authentic way,” said Allison Freidin, co-founder of the Museum of Graffiti.
JonOne’s “El Tiguere” — From Harlem To Paris
The exhibit also features a powerful contemporary showcase by internationally acclaimed artist JonOne (John Andrew Perello). Born in Harlem and now based in Paris, JonOne began as a train graffiti writer before becoming a globally celebrated abstract painter. His solo exhibition, El Tiguere — named after a Dominican slang term symbolizing hustle and resilience — captures his transformation from street survivor to studio master.
In a Miami first, the Museum will include a working studio space where JonOne will create live, offering visitors an intimate view of his dynamic creative process. On opening day, attendees will witness a live painting performance as JonOne transforms the space with his signature energy and color.
“I’ve been following Jon’s artistic journey since the 1980s in New York City and marvel at what he has accomplished with his signature tag. Once vilified, we now celebrate his artistic genius,” said Alan Ket, co-founder and curator of the Museum.
Opening Schedule Highlights — December 3–5, 2025
The Museum of Graffiti officially opens its exhibitions and interactive outdoor patio on December 3 at 12 PM, connecting The Museum of Graffiti, The Art of Hip Hop, and The Private Gallery. Tickets for the full experience are $25, with the patio open daily from 12 PM to 6 PM.
Don’t miss:
-
🎨 Truist Bank’s ART ATM – Dispensing free limited-edition giclées by New York legends TATS CRU.
-
🧴 Daily Rust-O Dem-O’s – Watch top aerosol artists from around the world battle live.
-
🍺 Modelo’s Open Bar & Creative Gifting Suite.
-
👕 ASC x 4SAKN CBS Custom T-Shirt Giveaway – Exclusive 1-of-1 creations.
About JonOne
John Andrew Perello (JONONE) was born in Harlem, New York, in 1963. Immersed in the uptown graffiti movement, he adopted the tag JonOne156, co-founding the 156 All Starz collective in 1984. After moving to Paris in 1987, JonOne evolved into a painter whose style fuses abstract expressionism with street energy. His works have been showcased globally and his collaborations with brands like Air France, Guerlain, Lacoste, and Daum reflect his boundary-breaking spirit. In 2015, he received France’s Legion of Honour, with his piece Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité displayed at the French National Assembly.
About The Museum of Graffiti
Founded in 2019 in Wynwood, Miami, the Museum of Graffiti is the world’s first museum dedicated entirely to graffiti art. Through exhibitions, education, and public programming, the museum documents graffiti’s rise from subversive street culture to a defining force in contemporary art.
Source: ameyawdebrah.com/