Banksy's Hammer Boy Mural

Banksy's Hammer Boy is a thought-provoking piece of street art located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Created by the anonymous British artist Banksy as part of his month-long New York City residency, 'Better Out Than In,' in October 2013, the mural has become a beloved landmark. The artwork depicts a child with a hammer, seemingly playing a high striker carnival game using a fire hydrant pipe as the game's pole. Banksy cleverly incorporates the existing urban infrastructure into his art, transforming mundane objects into a whimsical and engaging scene. The signs next to the pole, reading 'Siamese connection for the fire dept.' and 'Sprinklers throughout building' become the 'point levels' of the game. Like many of Banksy's works, the Hammer Boy mural carries a layer of social commentary, inviting viewers to contemplate themes of innocence, urban life, and the repurposing of public spaces. The mural is located on the outer wall of a DSW store on 79th Street and Broadway. The owner of the building has encased the artwork in protective plexiglass, preserving it for public viewing. This act reflects the community's appreciation for the mural and its significance as a piece of contemporary street art.