Forget about East London: the southern suburb of Penge is the place to go if you love genuine community street art projects. Exploring Penge street art was high on my London street art bucket list, and I was thrilled that in my first week in London, there was a viewing day of the Penge Rooftop Gallery, a hidden gem in the London street art scene.
This gave me the perfect opportunity to explore the incredible murals from the SprayExhibition20 Penge, a project passionately managed by Steve, the founder of London Calling Blog. They have invited hundreds of street artists to paint in the streets of Penge and the neighboring Anerley (street code SE20, hence the name).
But London Calling Blog’s ambitious Penge murals project doesn’t stop at street level! They have brought street art to new heights inside (and above) a parking lot on Penge High Street. Open only on a few selected days (check their Instagram page for info), the Penge Rooftop Gallery stands out as one of the most authentic and exciting street art spots in all of London!
On the latest viewing day of the Penge Rooftop Gallery, I organized a trip to South London with my friend and fellow street art blogger, Stuart. Stuart had already covered the Penge Rooftop Gallery on his blog, but he was thrilled to join me because every time the gallery opens for a viewing day, there are new artworks to see.
Artists are constantly giving a fresh look to this unique 2-storey project (one level is covered, and the other is the actual rooftop, open to the sky), offering visitors the chance to discover new pieces each time.
This dynamic and ever-changing collection ensures that each visit to the Penge Rooftop Gallery offers a fresh and exciting experience, reflecting the ever-evolving nature of street art.
Moreover, the Penge Rooftop Gallery stands out because it’s not used as a parking lot anymore, giving visitors a rare “car-free” experience. As street art photographers, we all know the annoyance of having cars parked in front of our favorite pieces. Street art projects in parking lots are usually a nightmare because of all the cars blocking the view. But at the Penge Rooftop Gallery, you won’t find a single car, just street art fans, art lovers, and families soaking in the art, chatting, and connecting over a shared passion. It’s a breath of fresh air and a truly enjoyable experience without the usual car chaos.
My Favorite Pieces at the Penge Rooftop Gallery:
A treasure trove of ever-evolving street art, the Penge Rooftop Gallery is a majestic collective masterpiece, offering much more than the sum of its individual artworks. Each mural contributes to a vibrant atmosphere that transforms this former parking lot into a living, breathing entity of street art. With artists continually refreshing and adding new works, the Penge Rooftop Gallery remains in a perpetual state of renewal, inviting visitors to discover something new with each visit. This continuous evolution not only showcases the diverse talents of the street artists involved but also underscores the gallery’s role as a hub for creative expression and community engagement.
Penge Street Art Map
Find Penge murals in my London google map, featuring not only street art, but also off-the-beaten path spots, alternative cultural venues and not-touristy places to eat and drink like a local.
Street Art in Penge, South London
After visiting the Penge Rooftop Gallery, Stuart and I headed to the lovely Southey Brewery for a slice of pizza and a couple of pints of their locally brewed beer (highly recommended). After refueling and discussing our upcoming collaboration on YouTube videos, we set out to explore the vibrant Penge street art scene.
There are dozens of murals scattered throughout the South London suburb of Penge, with many concentrated around the Penge Rooftop Gallery. The vibrant Penge street art scene extends up and down Penge High Street and on both sides of it, showcasing a rich array of murals, painted shutters and smaller stencils.
My Favorite Street Art Murals in Penge, South London:
Dive into Penge’s Street Art Scene
Penge’s street art scene offers an unparalleled experience for art lovers and urban explorers. From the ever-changing murals at the Penge Rooftop Gallery to the community street art lining Penge High Street and beyond, this South London suburb is a hidden gem for anyone interested in contemporary art and cultural expression.
Penge Street Art Map: Where to Find Murals in Penge, London
Find Penge murals in my London google map, featuring not only street art, but also off-the-beaten path spots, alternative cultural venues and not-touristy places to eat and drink like a local.
