On Tuesday, October 21, 2025, city officials, members of the Basquiat family, and local community representatives gathered for the unveiling of Jean-Michel Basquiat Way, the newly renamed stretch of Great Jones Street between the Bowery and Lafayette Streets — directly outside the artist’s former loft at 57 Great Jones Street in NoHo.
🖤 A Permanent Tribute To An NYC Icon
Basquiat lived and worked in the second-floor loft at 57 Great Jones Street from 1983 until his untimely death in 1988 at age 27. The building — once owned by Andy Warhol — remains a symbolic anchor of his creative output.
In July 2016, the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation installed a plaque at the site in recognition of Basquiat’s time there.
During the ceremony, Basquiat’s sisters — Lisane Basquiat and Jeanine Heriveaux — accepted a proclamation from the city, acknowledging the artist’s profound cultural influence locally and globally.
🏛️ A Building With An Extraordinary Legacy
The loft at 57 Great Jones Street isn’t merely a former residence; it’s a site steeped in cultural history. The building’s graffiti-covered façade has long been an open canvas for visitors and fans honoring Basquiat’s legacy.
In January 2024, the space was acquired by actress and humanitarian Angelina Jolie for her creative collective, Atelier Jolie. Jolie has publicly committed to preserving the building’s artistic character, including the exterior street-art vibe synonymous with Basquiat’s presence.
🎨 Honoring A Spirit That Still Shapes NYC
For decades, artists, admirers and tourists have gathered at 57 Great Jones Street, leaving messages, murals and graffiti in tribute to Basquiat’s enduring impact.
With the new street name, Jean-Michel Basquiat Way, New York City ensures his artistic and cultural imprint remains permanently visible in the city’s fabric.