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    El Museo del Barrio

    3.6 (100 reviews)
    InexpensiveMuseums, Art Galleries
    Closed 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

    By appointment only

    El Museo del Barrio Photos

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    Brian F.

    El Museo del Barrio is a museum founded by artist and educator Raphael Montañez Ortiz. It is the sister museum of the Museum of the City of New York which is what I originally bought tickets for and got free admission here. It's a building covered with scaffolding so you might not recognize it. There is a lot of art and photography here that dives into Latino, Caribbean, and Latin American cultures. There was a second exhibit down the hall that didn't have much; it was a big room with some pieces of art on the wall with a bench facing a TV. It was just an okay museum and was not my cup of tea. It's not very big and I only spent about 30 minutes here total.

    Andres A.

    I was really looking forward to visiting this museum and unfortunately the reality of the exhibits just did not live to what the expectations were. I get that art can sometimes be different and have different meanings to everyone but I just did not get the deconstructed art exhibit which was displayed. In all hones they were just filling in space. We walked through the three different galleries and it just felt like it was empty. Maybe it was just me but I just did not get it. I commend the organization for having a museum to highlight Puerto Rican/latino art but I just found it to be lacking. I just did not get all the busted up furniture. Sorry not sorry!

    Felipe Dante, Labor
    Steve A.

    A museum full of art by Hispanic and Latino painters, photographers, and a great look at culture. El Museo Del Barrio is one of the less appreciated museums. It hardly is ever crowded so you can usually get in any time it's open. Has all the exhibits listed in bilingual. This way allows you to see the real name of the paintings and sculptures. Buildings of museums often have a story and this one has an interesting history. It used to be an orphanage. This wasn't the first building the museum opened in though. Back in 1969 it opened in a school, P.S. 125 in Harlem. What only used to be a windowless storage room is now on the so called Museum Mile. Lots of local artists are on display. There's some from longer ago and some up and comers too. Amongst these are a few classics by Chico Da Silva. In the collection are mostly paintings but there's some sculptures too. At the entrance is a photography exhibit on education and labor. The admission is pay whatever. It's amazing you could get in free. They deserve to get something of course so pay at least a few bucks and not be an asshat like a few people. Getting through here doesn't take long so it shouldn't be one of those museums you're at a few hours. It also has a cafe so you can eat Latino food after walking around it. The museum also has films and performances in the theater.

    Hunter S.

    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.

    Mildred R.

    This review is for their theater. I came here to see a Three Kings Day performance. It did not disappoint. The event was run professionally, and the people here were very welcoming and friendly. Lines to get in weren't long but the bathroom lines were crazy. Gift shop was open, and food was being sold at their caferia. Overall, a worthy experience.

    Nuevayorkinos event at the museum's 50th birthday!
    Catherine T.

    I've been meaning to come here for a while, and finally had the time to do so yesterday. They were having an event honoring Latinos yesterday so it was the perfect day to go. This museum has a lot of Puerto Rican history, covered in their artwork and history timeline. I also came here to support the Nuevayorkinos exhibit which started off as an Instagram page where we would share our parents pictures and Stories, and now they would be part of the museum in the fall. I love that this museum gives a platform to the Puerto Rican community. The entrance was free but I'm not sure on how much it is on a regular day. They also have a cafe which serves drinks and lunch.

    Dominik D.

    This is a small, but nice museum. It's open only on weekend days and offers one to two exhibits at a time. It celebrates Latinx culture in colorful paintings and contrasting black and white photos.

    Kenny Rivero; Child on Sidewalk; 2015; oil on canvas
    Paul L.

    What am I looking at? Are these paintings or prints? There seems to be texture. The images everywhere are unlike anything I've seen before. I'm confused. This was my introduction to the works of Belkis Ayón, a young Havana-based artist who took her own life in 1999. It only adds to the mystery of what was on display here until earlier this month. Ms. Ayón's medium was collography, a method of printing in which materials were applied to the printing plate. That accounts for the rich texture of her cardboard works both painting-sized and large-scale. Although Ms. Ayón was an atheist, many of the images were based on Abakuá, a Cuban religion brought from Africa in the 18th century. A woman named Sikán is featured in many of the works. The narratives are complex and not all understood. That work will be left to art historians. This was probably the most memorable exhibition I've seen in New York in the past year. Photos don't adequately convey the intensity of Ms. Ayón's talents. The small exhibition book failed in its attempts to capture these images. The El Museo's consistently poor lighting didn't help visitors, either. However, if I would return for a final visit if it were still on display. Supposedly, the reason her work was displayed in the United States at all is because of the recent thaw in US-Cuba relations. Now that the door is slowly being shut again in the embarrassing politics of the current US administration, I wonder whether there will be future opportunities to again see Ms. Ayón's oeuvre.

    Kenny Rivero piece
    Carolina S.

    I wanted to volunteer and I decided El Museo del Barrio would be the perfect place for me. I attended "Radiance" the Wednesday event to check out the museum beforehand. i was able to see the current exhibit called LaBienal: Here is where we jump. I loved the exhibit showcasing 37 up and coming Latin artist! Radiance ended in a DJ dance party in the cafe. It was tons of fun and very family friendly. I began volunteering last Saturday for the "Super Sabados". The event is every third Thursday of the month. Free admission and jam packed with activities from morning until night. I helped with the storytelling, in the old 1920's orphanage theater. The walls were covered in original art. Beautiful! I helped the children on stage and they enjoyed dancing and hearing the story. Afterwards, I helped the kids making their own zines, cutting, pasting, drawing and collage. It was a blast! I loved being able to volunteer at an organization that is such a positive presence in the East Harlem community.

    Rich W.

    Today is Dia de Los Muertos! (The Chinese call it 9/9) And the liveliest place to celebrate "Day of the Dead" is at El Museo Museo Del Barrio and get your face painted! (Well, half your face.) I hated to eat and run from the Hester St. Grub Fair but there was only so much living people I can put up with and I can't miss Day of the Dead! (It is to die for....) This newly renovated museum which housed some great Latin artist's work had face painting today. My kids love it. Sorry, people with cameras are not allowed due to safe issues. ^_^

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    3 years ago

    Museum was okay, pretty small. Easy to get to. Staff is nice though. Id say its worth it if it is free

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    5 years ago

    The gift shop (La Tienda) will reopen on Saturday (March 13). Also, the museum's hours are now 11-5 (on Saturdays and Sundays).

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    (It is to die for....) This newly renovated museum which housed some great Latin artist's work had face painting today.

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    David Zwirner

    David Zwirner

    3.9
    (118 reviews)
    4.4 mi
    $

    Amazing venue. We saw a comprehensive Lisa Yuskavage exhibit. The paintings were something…read more Hadn't heard of her. She's a big deal. Excellent skills. The art is provocative and ambiguous. Spent some time reading about her. The exhibition focuses on a narrow range of her work. Would happily return.

    My husband and I stopped by the David Zwirner galleries on 19th and 20th Streets last Saturday, and…read moreI was really glad we did. David Zwirner is one of the prestige art galleries in NYC. They have the 19th St and 20th St galleries in Chelsea, as well as a gallery on Walker Street and another on E 69th. We stopped by the gallery on W 19th to see "The Great Unseen Collection: A Selection of Works from Joel and Carole Bernstein," which was great and included works by Milton Avery, Romare Bearden, Audrey Flack, Alex Katz, and Alice Neel! (The exhibition closes on June 13 if you want to see it.) The gallery was on the smaller side but very minimalist, clean, and beautiful. (Across the street from 525 W 19th, is another David Zwirner gallery at 533 W 19th that has an exhibit of Lisa Yuskavage, so stop by that location as well if you're interested!) After our visit, I signed up for David Zwirner's email newsletter so I can keep up with future exhibits. The gallery's shows are museum-quality, and I look forward to visiting again in the future!

    Photos
    Infinity mirror room
    Infinity mirror room
    The Great Unseen Collection A Selection of Works from Joel and Carole Bernstein
    The Great Unseen Collection A Selection of Works from Joel and Carole Bernstein
    David Zwirner

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    Eden Gallery

    Eden Gallery

    4.4
    (7 reviews)
    2.7 mi

    This gallery caught our eyes while walking by on our 5th Ave adventure. The first time going by we…read moremade plans to return since the art looked so nice. It had a good variety of art and enjoyed, the most common thing was many different forms of butterfly art. Lots of eye catching things and plenty of pieces to make you think. It is a smaller sized gallery so you can easily visit and admire the art with a short amount of time. Which I definitely recommend was a great place to get away from the large holiday crowds of 5th Avenue. There were a number of people working for the gallery who I assume could answer any questions you have about a specific piece. Not a clue on prices, but assume they are pricey. If you are a fan of art check this out!

    So many beautiful and artsy pieces!…read more Upon entering, you're greeted by a security guard, who was actually quite friendly. The art studio is two levels, but apparently, in order to peruse the second level, you have to be "somebody" in this world -- meaning, affluence, influence, ya know....you better have that paper. I don't have that kind of paper, so my humble self stayed on the lower level lol. The selections were unique, some were comical, and simply fun to look at. The pieces are definitely pricey, but it was nice to see the art and dream of a mansion with expensive pieces adoring the walls. I'd say give this place a visit if you need something to do while in the city. 10/10

    Photos
    Alec Monopoly ; Dorit Levinstein (Table)
    Alec Monopoly ; Dorit Levinstein (Table)
    Butterfly Art
    Butterfly Art
    Eden Gallery

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    El Museo del Barrio - museums - Updated July 2026

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