Muurschildering van Keith Haring Mural

Hidden in plain sight, the Muurschildering van Keith Haring Mural whispers a story of rediscovery. This vibrant mural, a gift from Keith Haring to Amsterdam, has a tale as colorful as the artwork itself. Keith Haring, an international icon, painted this mural in 1986. It was during his first solo museum show at the Stedelijk Museum. He generously offered this artwork to the city. The mural found its home on the wall of a Stedelijk Museum warehouse. The Muurschildering van Keith Haring Mural depicts a whimsical, thick-lined sea creature, a signature Haring motif. Just two years later, the building underwent renovations. Aluminum siding was installed. The mural was inadvertently concealed. The neighborhood, once a modest area, transformed into the bustling Markt Kwartier, Amsterdam’s Food Market. The mural remained hidden for 30 years, a forgotten treasure. The building, unknowingly housing a Haring original, faced demolition. Then entered Mick La Rock, a renowned Dutch graffiti artist and a devoted Haring fan. She questioned the mural’s fate. Her research at the Stedelijk Museum library led to a crucial discovery. The Muurschildering van Keith Haring Mural was still there, preserved beneath the siding. A passionate initiative, Save Our Haring, emerged. Through collaboration with the Keith Haring Foundation, the local government, and various stakeholders, the mural was finally uncovered in June 2018. The Muurschildering van Keith Haring Mural, Haring’s largest in Europe, was once again visible. This 40-foot tall artwork stands as a testament to Haring’s generosity and artistic vision. It also highlights the power of curiosity and perseverance in rediscovering hidden gems.