Where is the Roa mural at 2 Havemeyer Street located?

The mural is located at 2 Havemeyer Street in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, on the side of a local music venue called Muchmore's. It can be seen on the corner of North 9th Street and Havemeyer Street.

What is the mural known for depicting?

The mural depicts a dead parakeet. It serves as a tribute to a friend of the artist, ROA, who lived near the spot by the Lorimer Street subway station and passed away two years before the mural was created in 2017.

Who is the artist and what is their style?

The mural was created by Belgian street artist ROA. He is internationally known for featuring animals in his work to convey the constant struggle between humans and nature, often using a grim appearance as a metaphor for this message.

Are there any other details to look for at the site?

Visitors can find 'pet bird' stickers placed all around the piece as part of the artwork's theme.

What is the current condition of the mural?

As of February 2021, the mural had been heavily tagged by other artists.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Roa mural at 2 Havemeyer Street in New York City

What to know

This striking piece of public art is located at 2 Havemeyer Street in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, situated on the side of Muchmore's, a local music venue. The mural was created by Belgian street artist ROA, who is internationally recognized for his large-scale animal depictions that explore the struggle between humans and nature. Completed in 2017, the artwork depicts a dead parakeet. This grim appearance is an intentional metaphor for ROA's message about the relationship between human civilization and the natural world. The piece serves as a specific tribute to a friend of the artist who lived near the Lorimer Street subway station and passed away two years prior to the mural's creation. Visitors can find 'pet bird' stickers placed around the mural as part of the broader thematic elements of the artwork. While the piece remains a significant marker of Williamsburg's street art scene, it was reported as being heavily tagged by other artists as of February 2021, reflecting the evolving and often chaotic nature of urban street art. Williamsburg is a global hub for street art, hosting works by other established figures such as JR, Invader, and Banksy. ROA's contribution at 2 Havemeyer Street remains one of the most emotionally charged pieces in the area, blending personal grief with a broader ecological commentary.

Visitor tips

Look for the 'pet bird' stickers placed around the mural to find the full thematic experience.
Combine this stop with a walk to the Lorimer Street subway station to understand the context of the artist's friend's residence.
Be aware that the mural may have significant tagging over the original work, as is common in Williamsburg street art.

Nearby context

Located at the corner of North 9th Street and Havemeyer Street, this mural is part of a dense concentration of street art in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, where artists like Banksy and Invader have also left their marks.