We’re excited to announce that the redesigned website graffiti-database.com is now live. What began as a personal archive by graffiti enthusiast Mateo van Ginkel has grown into a unique digital platform celebrating graffiti culture as a form of cultural heritage.
Mateo started documenting graffiti in the 1980s, roaming the streets of Amsterdam with his camera, capturing the most iconic pieces. Over the years, his archive expanded into a massive collection of over 48,000 works by internationally renowned graffiti writers. Today, graffiti-database.com brings that archive to the world, offering a powerful and inspiring look into a vibrant and evolving culture.
Supported by Dutch Graffiti Library and made possible by a contribution from Cultuurloket DigitALL, the platform has undergone a complete transformation. The new website offers a fresh visual design, advanced search tools, and an intuitive browsing experience. Whether you’re searching by tag, artist, location or style, exploring the collection is now easier and more engaging than ever.
A key new feature is an interactive world map that allows visitors to discover graffiti from across the globe. Like buttons, social sharing options and smart filters make the platform both modern and accessible for creatives, students, researchers, and fans alike.
More than a visual archive, graffiti-database.com is a storytelling platform. It highlights graffiti as a vital expression of identity, rebellion, and creativity. By making this rich heritage accessible to a wider audience, the site offers insight into a culture that often exists outside the boundaries of traditional art institutions.
The launch of graffiti-database.com is a shared commitment to preserving, showcasing, and celebrating graffiti as an essential part of our urban history and cultural identity. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just curious, we invite you to dive into the world of graffiti—explore, connect, and be inspired. Check it out