Top 6 Art Museums in Upper Manhattan (Uptown), New York (NY)

May 18, 2022 Tynisha Seiler

Conquering New York in one visit is impossible. Instead, hit the must-sees – the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art – and then explore off the beaten path with visits to The Cloisters or one of the city’s libraries. Indulge in the bohemian shops of the West Village or the fine dining of the Upper West Side. The bustling marketplace inside of Grand Central Station gives you a literal taste of the best the city has to offer.
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1. African-American Wax Museum of Harlem

316 W 115th St, New York City, NY 10026-2308 +1 212-678-7818
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Museum devoted to Afro-American art and culture. Its offerings range from sculptures and wax mannequins to paintings and folk art.

2. The Met Cloisters

99 Margaret Corbin Drive Fort Tryon Park, New York City, NY 10040 +1 212-923-3700 [email protected] http://www.metmuseum.org/visit/met-cloisters
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4.5 based on 5,095 reviews

The Met Cloisters

Branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art that was constructed out of sections of French medieval monasteries, offers an extensive collection of statues, paintings, stained glass windows and tapestries.

Reviewed By JohnK3353 - Brooklyn, United States

If in the mood for time transportation, check out the glorious Cloisters Museum in northern Manhattan. Yes, a bit of a schlep to get there (take the A or 1 subway) but worth it. Once there, a quietly serene transportation back to the Middle Ages - like walking through an exquisite monastery - the whole 9 yards, what with winding staircases, tiny chapels, gardens, crypts, and galleries loaded with amazing Christian art. And several gorgeous gardens, with breathtaking views of the Hudson River and the Palisades (cliffs) of New Jersey on the opposite side of the river. Never mobbed with tourists (unlike its Mother Museum The Met), the Cloisters can be enjoyed on dual levels. Medieval art in a unique museum that doesn't seem like a museum, or just a quiet place for reflection and/or contemplation, in a placid environment. In manic, maddening, Manhattan.

3. Nicholas Roerich Museum

319 W 107th St, New York City, NY 10025-2799 +1 212-864-7752 [email protected] http://www.roerich.org/
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4.5 based on 42 reviews

Nicholas Roerich Museum

The major center for the exhibition of paintings by Nicholas Roerich, a Russian-born artist who increased appreciation of the value of the cultural heritage of all nations.

Reviewed By painter04646 - Sharon, United States

Nicholas Roerich's brilliant artist, and innovator, paintings fill this small brown stone building in the uppermost side. His work has a pprofound influence on my own work. Part mystic, he trenscended all style of his time (eearly 2oth century). His images of the Himalyayas are extraordinary of course, but packed in are so much more personal observations and synthesis of religion. Many times nominated for Nobel Peace Prizes. It is an honor to have this collection in NYC. This collection presents of 200 paintings presents a very rare opportunity.

1190 Amsterdam Ave. MC 5502 926 Schermerhorn Hall, New York City, NY 10025 +1 212-854-7288 http://www.columbia.edu/cu/wallach
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4.5 based on 5 reviews

Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Art Gallery

5. The Studio Museum in Harlem

144 W 125th St, New York City, NY 10027-4423 +1 212-864-4500 http://www.studiomuseum.org/
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4.0 based on 66 reviews

The Studio Museum in Harlem

Museum that focuses on historical and contemporary works of African-American artists.

6. El Museo del Barrio

1230 Fifth Ave. at 104th Street, New York City, NY 10029 +1 212-831-7272 [email protected] http://www.elmuseo.org/
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3.5 based on 59 reviews

El Museo del Barrio

Art museum displaying works of different artists from Puerto Rico, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

Reviewed By hrobinson1114 - Hopkinsville, United States

This gem, tucked away under scaffolding along museum row, is right across from the Central Park tranquility garden and right next to the Museum of the City of New York (also reviewed). First, you should know that if you visit one of these museums, both of which are great, you get free same day admission to the other. So great value and would make a wonderful day out. You could visit both the museums, walk along Central Park, grab a bite from a local street vendor. And all very affordable or free! This museum focuses on Latinx artists. The current exhibition is “La Trienial 20/21.” The art often focuses on Latinx issues, ICE/deportation, poverty, loss of culture, assimilation. COVID is featured here as well. Also a lot of queer/LGBTQIA art. So much color, so visually stimulating. Each piece is bursting with important messages, so relevant to our complicated existence in the 2020s and beyond. The space is well curated, open, full of light. Exhibits are easy to view and not too crowded. Not overwhelming. Each plaque is in English and Spanish. Not too much info, but just enough to introduce the artist and to enhance your understanding of what’s in front of you. Down the hall to the right of the main event space is a stunning segue that has tile and mosaics that are over 100 years old. This leads to a light filled space with unique windows along the back wall. The exhibits here were some of my favorites. One was a digital exhibit (video, spoken word, print) all about technology and how it is biased/racist/capitalistic. I stood and watched for a very long time, and had to tear myself away. The staff are all very helpful. Another small museum that I love and will return to over and over.

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