Puerto Rico, Street Art

Exploring San Juan’s Incredible Santurce Street Art

santurce street art depicting the children of puerto rico

What’s a girl to do with a few days by herself in San Juan, Puerto Rico? Find some cool things to do. And what better thing to do than engage in one of my all-time favorite travel hobbies, right? That’s rightโ€”I tracked down The Art Walk PR for some serious mural hunting. And we explored all the incredible Santurce street art. Huge thanks to Georgie for showing me around!

NOTE: THIS POST HAS BEEN SPONSORED AND/OR CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THROUGH WHICH I EARN A COMMISSION AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU. SUPPORT A WOMAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS (LIKE MINE!) TODAY. (P.S. ALL VIEWS EXPRESSED ARE MY OWN. OF COURSE.)

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This image shows a narrow alleyway with walls covered in vibrant, colorful graffiti art. The artwork features various abstract designs and characters, blending multiple colors like blue, red, and green. Overhead, there are wires and barbed wire adding an urban, gritty feel to the scene, contrasting with the lively street art below.
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Calle Cerra: The Home Of Santurce Street Art

Whileโ€”technicallyโ€”Santurce includes the entire San Juan peninsula, most people consider it the working-class barrio tucked away between Miramar and Condado, Puerto Rico’s major resort area. But don’t let that fool you! Home to the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico, the Museo de Arte Contemporรกneo, and the Santurce Es Ley street art festival, the arts scene is taking Santurce by storm. As a result, it’s quickly becoming the next hip “place to be” in San Juan.

It wasn’t so long ago that Santurce was considered a major “no-go” zone for tourists. But after a multi-million dollar renovation to the area market and a massive influx of street art, the up-and-coming neighborhood is transforming into the cultural hub of San Juan. And with the largest concentration of Santurce street artโ€”some murals as tall as 50 feetโ€”Calle Cerra is the heart of it all.

This image features a large, striking mural painted on the side of a building. The artwork depicts a close-up of a face, focusing on oversized sunglasses reflecting a cloudy sky and waves, with bright yellow hair and bold red lips. The lower part of the mural is tagged with graffiti, adding an additional layer of urban texture to the scene. The vibrant colors contrast sharply against the clear blue sky.
This image depicts a vibrant mural in santurce san juan puerto rico, of a man with a blue beard and red robe, set against a background of diagonal red, white, and blue stripes. The man's expression is solemn, with detailed facial features, and there is a small hashtag "#oopf" in the lower right corner of the mural. The artwork appears to be painted on the side of a building.
This image captures an outdoor scene featuring a large sculptural installation of a bird perched in a nest, made from what appears to be wood or metal. The sculpture is centrally located in a small open space surrounded by buildings with colorful murals, including one of a person with a halo-like effect around their head on the right side. A bright blue sky with scattered clouds provides a vibrant backdrop, and there are strings of lights hanging across the area, adding a festive atmosphere.

Themes of Santurce Street Art

Of San Juan’s annual festivals, two of them invite artists from around the world to contribute to the Santurce street art. There’s the previously mentioned Santurce Es Ley, founded by artist and curator Alexis Busquet. And then there’s Los Muros Hablan, or “The Walls Speak,” which has been held twice thus far. And boy, do those walls ever speak. The majority of the murals expressed very pointed messages, circling a few key themes. For example…

Climate Change & Environmental Conservation

Whether it’s Fintan Magee’s “Glass Half Full” or Ana Marietta’s regal cranes, preserving our planet is one of the top messages you’ll see when touring the Santurce street art. (Of particular importance to my Old San Juan B&B, too!)

Fintan Magee’s mural shows a young boy (his son, actually) carrying the weight of a glacier on his back. The glacier, meanwhile, melts around him and begins to submerge everything. On the other hand, the “noble birds” below, by Ana Marietta, are often referred to as “humanoid animals” with anthropomorphic features. She painted them with the specific intent of creating empathy for Earth’s creatures and portraying them in an elevated light. Meanwhile, Danae Brissonnet’s vibrant mural explores the interconnectedness of Earth’s ecosystems and people within it.

This image features a mural painted on a large cylindrical structure, depicting a young boy walking confidently with a backpack that seems to carry an iceberg, symbolizing climate change and our children's future. The boy is shirtless, wearing blue shorts, and appears to be wading through water, as indicated by the ripples at his feet. The background is a bright blue sky, adding to the sense of openness and possibility. The name "Magee" is signed at the bottom, likely the artistโ€™s signature.
This image displays a striking mural of two intertwined royal cranes, their necks and bodies forming a symmetrical and somewhat abstract shape. The pelicans are depicted in vibrant colorsโ€”one in shades of blue and the other in redโ€”with their beaks and eyes creating a sharp, intense look. The artwork is painted on the side of a building, with a deep blue background that contrasts with the bright colors of the birds. Below the mural, there is another artwork featuring the word "EL" in large yellow letters, but the focus remains on the intricate and captivating depiction of the pelicans above.
This image showcases a vibrant mural on the side of a building, featuring a fantastical scene with a mix of mythical creatures and nature, depicting a rally cry to save the planet. The mural includes a large central figure resembling a multi-headed creature adorned with floral patterns and surrounded by swirling, colorful elements such as snakes, a large bird, and other abstract shapes. The artwork is set against a yellow background, which contrasts with the vivid blues, purples, and greens of the figures. Below the mural, several cars are parked in a lot, giving a sense of scale to the expansive and detailed artwork. The scene is framed by a bright blue sky and lush green trees in the background.

Historical & Current Social Issues

As you walk Calle Cerra, you can learn not only about some of Puerto Rico’s history, but its current social issues.

For instance, the massive 1442 mural depicts the journey of the Niรฑa, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria… and the bodies of all the slaves left in their wake. After that, Josue Pellot’s “Nothing Is True” mural addresses the “lie” that is tourism: the juxtaposition between the world tourists see and how things actually are. Meanwhile, Luis Alejandro Rodrรญguez’s mural of a young girl eyeing dimensions, paintbrush in hand, points to the defunding of the island’s arts programs and the effects that will have on children.

This image shows a large mural on the side of a building, depicting a historical scene of the journey to puerto rico, with three sailing ships approaching land, accompanied by a mass of human figures that seem to flow like waves onto the shore. The scene appears to reference the year "1492," which is prominently displayed in the upper right corner, likely alluding to the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas. The artwork is rendered in shades of beige and purple, with intricate details in the figures and waves, creating a dramatic and powerful visual narrative. The mural covers the entire side of the building, with some portions wrapping around corners, emphasizing the expansive and immersive nature of the scene. The deep blue sky contrasts sharply with the muted tones of the mural, making the artwork stand out even more.
This image features a mural with the large, bold text "NOTHING IS TRUE" painted over a vibrant, sunset-colored background. The background includes hues of orange, yellow, purple, and black, resembling a tropical sunset with palm trees silhouetted against the sky. The text takes up most of the wall, with the words "NOTHING" and "TRUE" in stark white, making a strong visual impact. Below the mural, the Instagram handles "@josuepellot" and "@marquesina" are visible, likely crediting the artists. A hammock is also strung across the mural, adding an element of contrast between the permanence of the art and the temporary, relaxed nature of the hammock. The scene is set in an urban area with some debris in the foreground, suggesting a blend of art and everyday life.
This image depicts a colorful urban scene dominated by a large mural of a young girl on the side of a building. The mural shows the girl intensely focused as she carefully pours liquid from one container into another, her expression and the detailed painting capturing a moment of concentration. The mural is set against a bright blue background, with the word "ENTRADA" (meaning "entrance" in Spanish) visible on a sign nearby, indicating the entrance to a parking area. The foreground includes several parked cars, with other vibrant murals visible on adjacent buildings, including a hummingbird and an abstract creature, contributing to the lively and artistic atmosphere of the area. The bright, clear sky adds to the vibrant, energetic feel of the scene.

Cultural Reverence & Paying Homage

A third larger theme observed on the tour was that of cultural reverence. While Santurce’s market has been renovated and new restaurants and clubs are opening, there’s an homage to be paid to the original roots of the neighborhood. It shows a deep appreciation for Puerto Rico’s culture.

Juan Ramรณn Gutiรฉrrez of The Stencil Network makes references to all-original Santurce restaurants and the music scene it’s so well-known for. Further down Calle Cerra, you’ll find a black-and-white mural of people playing dominoes. On a pop-up table with plastic lawn chairs. (Which people were literally doingโ€”exactly like thatโ€”when we were walking past.) In addition, Dominican muralist Evaristo Angurria shows two women hugging. One woman is red and one is blueโ€”to represent the bond between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

This image showcases a series of vibrant, pop art-inspired murals on a wall, featuring bold colors and graphic designs. The murals include a variety of elements: on the left, there are bright green grasshoppers on a purple background with the word "SKY" in bold blue letters, a stylized image of a woman's face, and an orange background. The central mural depicts a figure, likely a musician, singing into a microphone, painted in shades of red and purple against a yellow and blue background, with the text "#SEL" and "km 0" in the lower section. The mural to the right includes botanical elements on a green and pink background with the text "SAN EX," along with other abstract designs further along the wall. The artwork creates a lively and eclectic visual experience, with each piece standing out due to its vivid color palette and distinct style.
This image shows a street scene with a mural painted on the side of a building, depicting a minimalist, line-drawn illustration of four figures sitting around a table, engaged in what appears to be a discussion or meal. The mural is done in white against a dark background, creating a striking contrast that draws attention to the simplicity and focus of the design. In the foreground, a stop sign is covered with various stickers and decals, including one that reads "AZROCKRADIO.COM" and another that says "NOTHING IS TRUE." Several cars are parked along the street, and additional murals and graffiti can be seen on nearby buildings, adding to the urban and artistic vibe of the area. The bright blue sky above contrasts with the darker tones of the street and the building, enhancing the visual depth of the scene.
This image displays a vibrant mural of two women embracing, both smiling warmly at each other. The figures are painted in bold, contrasting colors, with one woman in shades of blue and the other in pink. They are depicted wearing large, colorful hair rollers, adding a playful and affectionate tone to the artwork. The background is a dark teal, which makes the bright colors of the figures pop even more. The mural conveys a sense of joy, intimacy, and connection between the two women, captured in a moment of shared happiness. The vivid colors and dynamic composition make the artwork stand out dramatically against the urban setting.

Touring Santurce Street Art With The Art Walk PR

Our Art Walk PR guide, Georgie, was just incredible. I could go on and on, but in short, she was really knowledgeable and super friendly. (We even ran into some of the artistsโ€”that she knewโ€”while we were on the tour!) While you could certainly just walk down Calle Cerra on your own and see the street art, I’m glad I chose to do a tour with someone who was familiar with the area. As a female solo traveler, I likely wouldn’t have ventured very far on my own.

Overall, the tour was excellent. The Santurce street art is truly extraordinary and, while I’ve seen a lot of arts districts in my life, I haven’t seen any quite as vibrant as this one. If you’re looking to experience Puerto Rico in a more in-depth way, Calle Cerra is definitely one of San Juan’s cultural heartbeats.

This image features two large murals painted on the side of a building. The lower mural is a close-up of a bird of prey, possibly a hawk or an eagle, with intense, piercing eyes and detailed feathers in shades of brown, white, and purple. The birdโ€™s gaze is powerful and dominates the lower portion of the building.Above this, on the upper portion of the building, is a more whimsical and surreal mural. It depicts a scene with a rabbit and a figure wearing a paper bag over their head, dressed in a pink outfit, lounging in a forested area. The figure is surrounded by green bamboo-like plants and appears to be reclining on a structure made of wooden beams. The contrast between the realistic and intense lower mural and the more playful and imaginative upper mural creates a dynamic visual experience, with both pieces making strong, distinct statements. The deep blue sky provides a vivid backdrop, enhancing the colors and details of the murals.
This image captures a building adorned with a vibrant geometric mural, featuring a mix of pink, purple, orange, and red hues. The design consists of overlapping shapes and patterns that create a sense of depth and movement across the facade. The building's curved corners and flat surfaces are seamlessly integrated into the mural, enhancing its three-dimensional effect. Below the mural, several cars are parked in a lot, and the area is enclosed by a chain-link fence. The name "Graziani" is visible on the top left corner of the building, likely indicating the artist or the buildingโ€™s name. The bright blue sky provides a striking contrast to the bold colors of the mural, making the artwork stand out in the urban landscape.
This image shows a lively street scene with colorful buildings and murals. The street is identified by a sign as "Calle Elisa Cerra." In the distance, a large mural on the side of a building features abstract, brightly colored shapes in pink, purple, orange, and blue, adding a vibrant touch to the neighborhood. Several cars are parked along the street, and utility poles are adorned with stickers and paint, contributing to the urban and artistic atmosphere. The clear blue sky and scattered clouds provide a cheerful backdrop, enhancing the colorful and dynamic feel of the area.

Contact Information

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The Art Walk PR
Santurce, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00911
P: 787-531-0805 | W: theartwalkpr.com

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Cheers, Jordan

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