Mysterious Street Art Emerges in Downtown Syracuse: Uncovering the Enigma of House of Hades
The streets of downtown Syracuse have recently become home to a captivating display of street art. Mosaic tiles, known as Toynbee Tiles, have been mysteriously appearing on crosswalks and busy intersections. These tiles, made from vinyl composition tile and linoleum, are pressed into the road’s surface and covered with tar paper. Over time, passing vehicles erode the tar, gradually revealing a vibrant mosaic beneath.
The artist behind these intriguing tiles goes by the name House of Hades and is associated with the distinctive brand HOH23. While their true identity remains unknown, House of Hades is believed to be from Buffalo and now based in New York City. Their work can be found in major cities along the East Coast, including New York, Boston, Cincinnati, and Pittsburgh.
The origin of the Toynbee Tiles dates back to the 1980s when they first appeared in Philadelphia. The identity of the original tiler remains a mystery, but their cryptic messages aimed at government or media caught the attention of many. House of Hades, while inspired by the original tiler, has developed a unique style and ideology that resonates with people.
Most of the tiles discovered in downtown Syracuse are simply mosaics without any messages. However, one tile located at the intersection of South Warren Street and East Fayette Street features the same message found on one of the original Toynbee tiles. The message refers to Arnold Toynbee, a British historian and philosopher, and a 2011 documentary called Resurrect Dead: The Mystery of the Toynbee Tiles.
The appearance of House of Hades’ tiles in Syracuse is no surprise to tile researcher Bancks Holmes, who tracks the artist’s movements. Syracuse serves as a convenient stop for House of Hades, given its proximity to both Buffalo and New York City. Local historian David Haas, who runs the Syracuse History Instagram page, believes that the presence of these tiles adds to the artistic environment the city is trying to cultivate.
The community’s response to the mysterious street art has been positive so far. People appreciate the artistic touch on their daily walks and see it as an opportunity to promote walkability and art in the city. While House of Hades prefers to keep a low profile, their work continues to captivate and engage the public.
As these vibrant mosaic tiles continue to emerge in downtown Syracuse, the enigma surrounding House of Hades and their mesmerizing street art deepens. Each tile invites onlookers to decipher its meaning and appreciate the artistic beauty it adds to the city’s landscape.
