Hidden Street Art in Delhi: Discover the City's 6 hidden Canvas

When you think of Delhi, your mind may rush to its centuries-old forts, bustling bazaars, or spicy chaat. But walk a little slower. Turn a few forgotten corners. Peek behind an old metro pillar or down a graffiti-covered alley. You’ll discover a very different side of the city—one that’s expressive, bold, colorful, and, at times, rebellious. Welcome to the world of hidden street art in Delhi.

It’s not just art—it’s emotion sprayed on walls, stories told in stencils, and cultural identity painted where least expected. From political commentary to dreamy portraits, Delhi’s street art scene is a whisper for some, a shout for others.

So grab your camera, put on your comfiest shoes, and come explore the capital’s secret urban gallery.

🎨 Why Delhi’s Street Art Scene is Unique

Unlike curated galleries, Delhi’s best street art lives and breathes in the everyday. Artists here use crumbling walls as canvases, metro corridors as sketchbooks, and rooftops as storyboards. What makes it special? It’s raw. Real. Often unsigned. And incredibly powerful.

It’s more than just beautifying walls—it’s about reclaiming public space and telling stories that don’t always make it to the mainstream.

🖌️ 1. Shahpur Jat – Hipster Lanes with Painted Walls

Nestled behind the trendy fashion stores of Shahpur Jat, lies a hidden world of color. The narrow alleys here aren’t just lined with designer boutiques but also massive murals that wrap around buildings.

From dreamy women staring out of floral frames to wild elephants thundering across cracked walls, every mural tells a tale. Most of this art was created by independent artists and collectives during informal street art projects.

📍 Location: Shahpur Jat, South Delhi
🧭 Best Time: Late mornings when the sun lights up the alley walls
📷 Perfect For: Instagram backdrops with boho vibes

🚇 2. Arjan Garh Metro Station – Delhi's Underground Art Tunnel

Blink and you’ll miss it—but Arjan Garh Metro Station, located on the Yellow Line, is a true hidden gem. This quiet corner of South Delhi is transformed into a psychedelic art tunnel thanks to the work of St+Art India and local painters.

The entire station is painted in vibrant graffiti and comic-book-style characters. It’s possibly one of the only metro stations in India that feels like an art museum.

📍 Location: Arjan Garh Metro, Yellow Line
🎨 Theme: Fantasy, abstract, and urban dreams
🚆 Fun Fact: This station has been featured in several indie music videos

🧱 3. Lodhi Art District – Not So Hidden, But Still a Must

While Lodhi Colony is now somewhat famous for its open-air murals, most tourists still don’t know it exists. Between Khanna Market and Meherchand Market lies India’s first public art district.

Over 50 walls have been painted by international and Indian artists—some from Brazil, Poland, and Singapore. The murals here are monumental and often political, reflecting themes like climate change, identity, and hope.

📍 Location: Lodhi Colony, near Jor Bagh Metro Station
🖼️ Must-See: The "Time Changes Everything" mural by Daku (uses shadows to display messages)
🧭 Pro Tip: Visit during early morning for crowd-free exploration

✨ 4. Hauz Khas Village – Graffiti Meets Grunge

Known more for nightlife and cafes, Hauz Khas Village hides layers of edgy street art in its quieter lanes and broken walls. Look beyond the main market—towards the Deer Park entrance and the backsides of abandoned buildings.

You’ll find everything from rebellious quotes, black-and-white stencils, to massive wall faces staring right back at you.

📍 Location: Inner lanes of Hauz Khas Village
🎭 Vibe: Artistic rebellion with a grunge twist
🧃 Pit Stop: Kombucha and coffee from one of the local organic cafes

🐘 5. Tihar Jail Wall Murals – Transformation Through Art

Yes, you read that right. Even the outer walls of Tihar Jail—one of Asia’s largest prison complexes—have become a canvas. As part of a rehabilitation initiative, inmates and artists painted murals focusing on peace, change, and unity.

The colors are bright, the messaging is clear, and the irony of a prison wall telling stories of freedom is not lost.

📍 Location: Jail Road, Janakpuri
🎨 Themes: Transformation, peace, and introspection
👮‍♂️ Note: Murals are on the outside walls; no entry required

🤔 What People Also Ask (AEO Format)

Q: Is it legal to do street art in Delhi?
Street art on public property without permission is technically illegal, but many works are part of authorized initiatives like St+Art India Foundation projects.

Q: Can I take photos of street art in Delhi?
Yes, and in fact, many of these areas are popular among photographers and influencers. Just be respectful of local residents and don’t deface the art.

Q: Are there guided street art tours in Delhi?
Absolutely. Several walking tours in Lodhi Art District and Shahpur Jat are organized monthly. Some are even led by the artists themselves.

Q: Is it safe to explore these places solo?
Yes. Daytime visits to these areas are safe. Stick to public zones and avoid secluded alleys after dark.

Final Brushstroke: The City is the Gallery

There’s something beautiful about stumbling upon hidden street art in Delhi. You weren’t looking for it. You weren’t expecting it. And yet, it finds you—bursting in color, thought, and raw emotion.

It’s like the city’s subconscious has found a way to express itself. So next time you’re out and about in Delhi, take the long way home. You never know what’s waiting on the wall around the corner.