Chris Papailias, best known by his moniker “Chris Wuz Here,” is a visual artist celebrated for his handcrafted miniature models of New York City street scenes. His work captures the gritty charm and layered textures of the city’s urban landscape, scaled down with extraordinary precision and artistic sensitivity.
Through his Instagram presence, @chris_wuzhere, Papailias has built a dedicated following by transforming familiar NYC streetscapes into intricate, collectible dioramas. From aging bodega signage to fire hydrants and weather-worn brick walls, his miniatures evoke the feeling of walking a city block shrunk to fit in the palm of your hand.
Each piece is a love letter to the overlooked corners of New York, celebrating the nostalgia, history, and atmosphere embedded in its architecture. With an eye for authenticity and an unmistakable style, “Chris Wuz Here” blends craftsmanship with storytelling—offering viewers a unique, scaled-down perspective of the city that never sleeps.
More info: Instagram
Brooklyn door 1/12 scale (based on real location)
Old Grocery Store 1/12 scale
Old Grocery Store 1/12 scale
Stand alone rolling gate
Stand alone rolling gate (detail)
Stand alone rolling gate
Brooklyn Door next to a Grocery and Deli 1/12 scale
1/12 scale fire hydrant based on the fire hydrants of NYC
1/12 scale fire hydrant based on the fire hydrants of NYC
Detail of the significant pedestrian traffic light of NYC
Construction site 1/12 scale
Construction site 1/12 scale (details)
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