Urban Art and Graffiti: A Guided Tour of Lavapiés

On February 14th and 17th, 2º ESO A and B students took part in the guided tour “Street Art and Graffiti, an Open Book”, exploring the streets of Madrid to discover street art as a form of artistic, cultural, and social expression. Throughout the tour, they observed different types of urban art, from murals and graffiti to sculptures and mosaics, realizing that street art is not limited to painting on walls but can take many forms and techniques.

Students also reflected on the legality of urban art, learning that some pieces are authorized and part of cultural projects, while others are spontaneous interventions that challenge regulations. This led to discussions about the boundaries between art and vandalism, as well as the impact these expressions have on public spaces and society.

Beyond admiring the artworks, students developed a critical perspective on the meaning of art in urban environments. The experience encouraged their curiosity, creativity, and analytical thinking, allowing them to see Madrid from a fresh perspective and appreciate street art as a powerful tool for communication and social transformation.