The tense yet inspiring bond between London’s street art and public transport is currently being shaken by a new wave of excitement. On this floor of our apartment today, we’re bringing the dark, damp, graffiti-filled atmosphere of 1980s New York subways right into the heart of London. Starting mid-March, Moco Museum London is introducing us to one of the most iconic figures of modern art: Keith Haring, through the exhibition “Voice of the Street: Keith Haring’s Subway Drawings.”
Why should you see this exhibition? Because this is far more than framed paintings hanging in a pristine gallery. The show recreates Haring’s instantly recognisable faceless figures—drawn in chalk on empty advertising panels in the NYC subway between 1980 and 1985—within a specially constructed metro station environment that feels true to their original setting. What began as a hobby for Haring eventually evolved into a form of social responsibility; these lines stand as the most tangible proof of how street art can become an act of resistance and communication.
From a “Hobby” to Public Responsibility
Haring started using the blacked-out advertising panels as canvases during the brief moments he waited for trains on his way to work—effectively taking a major step toward the democratisation of art. “People wished me so much luck and told me to keep going that stopping became impossible,” he later recalled.
To capture this spirit, Moco Museum transforms its gallery space into a recreation of 1980s New York subway tunnels. While the claim of being “fully immersive” might sound like bold marketing language, experiencing the rebellious and instinctive art of that era in this constructed station setting—rather than a sterile white cube—is a far more accurate way to understand Haring’s genius.
Erased Memory: From Chalk Traces to Immortality
Back then, Haring’s subway drawings were usually wiped away by transit workers within hours, making each one a temporary performance. Fortunately, some of these ephemeral works survived. The 30 original chalk drawings featured in the exhibition shed light on the roots of Haring’s career—the pure, rebellious period before mass production took over.
As residents of Apartment No:26, we hold stories like these—where art spills out of museum walls and into the streets, into the hands of the people—especially dear. Even though Haring’s lines now appear on T-shirts and bags everywhere, seeing them in these reconstructed tunnels reminds us of the artist’s sincere effort during that time.
This new addition to London’s art itinerary is the perfect excuse to welcome the spring of March.
Venue: Moco Museum London
Dates: 18 March 2026 – June 2026
Tickets: Exhibition entry included with standard Moco admission.
Editor’s Note: Don’t expect to see the famous subway rats of New York, but for anyone who wants to breathe in the retro atmosphere of the 80s, this new stop near Marble Arch should definitely be on your list.
