Exploring Krog Street Tunnel
Hey there, friends!
I'm back this week to tell you about one of my favorite spots in Atlanta, Krog Street Tunnel. This past weekend, I took a stroll to the artsy side of the ATL and got inspired not only to create, but also to share this amazing gem of my city with all of you. If you're not an Atlanta native, you may not know about Krog Street Tunnel! Krog Street Tunnel is a 106-year old tunnel that connects the Inman Park and Cabbagetown neighborhoods of Atlanta. The tunnel and surrounding areas are covered from top to bottom in colorful art that reflects the lively urban culture of Atlanta.
Built in 1912, the tunnel upholds the same railroad fought over by Union and Confederate troops in 1864. However, despite its rich history, it wasn't until the 1960's that the colorful, graffiti-covered walls we know today began to form. The tradition began with a young Atlanta artist who went by the name of Totem. Unhappy with the gentrification of Atlanta neighborhoods, Totem led the crusade of local artists filling the tunnel with murals, tags, and political quotes and commentary.
Today, the tunnel is a concrete kaleidoscope of ever-changing images, words and ideas. As artists build on top of existing artwork and cover up old work, the environment is constantly changing. It is not uncommon to come back and see new art every time! Below is a work I created at Krog Street Tunnel in 2017 that was inspired by Banksy. Today, you can still find it, but other artists have added their own unique touch to it.
Krog Street Tunnel has become an iconic part of Atlanta's art and urban culture. Today, it is a popular photo shoot destination and hip-hop music video staple. Its walls have become a canvas to famed artists such as local Peter Ferrari and Brooklyn-based artist Tatyana Fazlalizadeh.
The tunnel has become an extension of the Atlanta Beltline. For all my non-Atlanta natives, the Atlanta Beltline is a network of trails and over 1,300 miles of greenspace weaving through the city. Public art installations and iconic Atlanta destinations can be found throughout the Beltline. The Beltline Project is one of the largest, most wide-ranging urban redevelopment programs in the United States that is making Atlanta a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable city.
The best part? The tunnel is free to visit. There is lots of free street parking available surrounding the tunnel. You can walk or bike through the tunnel. If you're itching to get out of the house and enjoy the beautiful summer weather, visiting Krog Street Tunnel is a great way to enjoy the city and support local artists in a socially responsible way. And, if you're not an Atlanta-native, it's a great thing to add to your to-do list for your next visit to the ATL.
If you decide to go, feel free to tag me in the pictures you share of the art you see while you're there. I'd love to see!
See you next week. ♡
Sources: Godwin, B. (2018, March 01). We read all the Google reviews of Krog Street Tunnel. It's weird. Retrieved July 13, 2020, from https://www.ajc.com/news/local/read-all-the-google-reviews-krog-street-tunnel-weird/e9KsmzItB2jqCkpead9fnJ/ Loftin, M. (2012, September 03). Krog Street Tunnel. Retrieved July 13, 2020, from https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/krog-street-tunnel Topps, J. (2018, March 06). This is the Coolest Street Art in Atlanta's Krog Street Tunnel. Retrieved July 13, 2020, from https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/georgia/articles/this-is-the-coolest-street-art-in-atlantas-krog-street-tunnel/ Project Goals. (n.d.). Retrieved July 13, 2020, from https://beltline.org/the-project/project-goals/