What to do and see in Upper Manhattan (Uptown), New York (NY): The Best Museums

August 30, 2021 Alida England

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. American Academy of Arts and Letters

633 W 155th St, New York City, NY 10032-7501 +1 212-368-5900 http://www.artsandletters.org/
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

American Academy of Arts and Letters

3. 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
Excellent
73%
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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.

4. Hispanic Society of America

613 W 155th St at Broadway, New York City, NY 10032-7501 +1 978-374-5010 http://www.hispanicsociety.org/
Excellent
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4.5 based on 97 reviews

Hispanic Society of America

Museum filled with paintings by El Greco and Velazquez, as well as many other Hispanic cultural artifacts.

Reviewed By 694kristyb

Sorolla's commissioned Vision of Spain is a must see if you are a fan of Spanish masters or Spanish culture. It is currently undergoing a major renovation, but the murals are on exhibit on a limited basis. Our visit was overseen by a knowledgable young scholar and he provided much insight about the paintings. Highly recommend! The location is right at a subway stop, so don't let the distance persuade you not to visit.

5. 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

7. Morris-Jumel Mansion

65 Jumel Ter Washington Heights, New York City, NY 10032-5360 +1 212-923-8008 http://www.morrisjumel.org/
Excellent
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4.0 based on 100 reviews

Morris-Jumel Mansion

Manhattan's oldest house, somewhat of an aberration in the modern neighborhood of Washington Heights, served as a command post for George Washington.

Reviewed By zoffany - Ware, United Kingdom

It might look a bit sad and run down from the outside, but step inside and it's another story. Really interesting to hear the history of the house and the story of Aaron Burr (with his connection to Hamilton) and the amazing Madame Jumel/Burr. The house also is reported to have up to 4 ghosts and holds a number of guided evening ghost tours. The staff were amazing, really helpful and informative

8. The Studio Museum in Harlem

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

9. The Africa Center

1280 5th Ave, New York City, NY 10029-8405 +1 212-444-9795 [email protected] http://www.theafricacenter.org
Excellent
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4.0 based on 8 reviews

The Africa Center

10. The National Jazz Museum in Harlem

104 E 126th St between Lenox and 5th Aves., New York City, NY 10035-1621 +1 212-348-8300 http://jazzmuseuminharlem.org/
Excellent
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4.0 based on 31 reviews

The National Jazz Museum in Harlem

Reviewed By carole0223 - New York City, United States

Wow! Even though I live in Harlem, I had no idea this great museum was here! But yesterday, I was early to a meeting at Lenox Coffee (right next door and a place you should also visit for great coffee and vibe) and noticed it. It is a small museum but I loved that about it. I learned something about jazz the instant I walked through the door--all about James Early--bandleader and composer of the first African American orchestra to play Carnegie Hall in 1919. You can hear his music, see and hear the rest of the musicians in the band, and learn about his influence on the musicians who followed. And there is so much more--instruments, annotated sheet music from jazz greats, sections on Ellington and Armstrong and many other important figures in jazz history, a library of old recordings and artifacts, and even an interactive exhibit that lets you improvise along with the musicians. It's fun and it's informative and will not take up a great deal of time because it's a small museum but will leave you better informed about the history of jazz; best of all, for a little while, you will be filled with the energy and beauty of the art form--it left me happy for the rest of the day! Please NOTE: The address above is incorrect. The Museum is located at: 58 W. 129th St. between Lenox and 5th Aves.

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