New York City street scenes in the late 1970s capture a raw, gritty, and vibrant era. The city was alive with energy—graffiti-covered subways, bustling sidewalks, neon-lit storefronts, and a mix of cultures that defined its unique character.
Amid economic hardship and rising crime, there was also an undeniable creative pulse, with punk, hip-hop, and street art beginning to take root. These fascinating photos, taken by
Nick DeWolf, reflect both the struggles and the spirit of a city on the edge of transformation.
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| Lower Manhattan, New York City, summer 1978 |
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| 5th Avenue, near Central Park, New York City, summer 1978 |
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| “Adult Sex Show 24 Hours”, Midtown Manhattan, New York City, summer 1978 |
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| Alley, SoHo, New York City, summer 1978 |
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| Arts and crafts fair, New York City, summer 1978 |
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