New York City is a mecca for art lovers, attracting millions of visitors each year to its world-renowned museums and galleries. But what about the hidden gems, the secret spaces, the unexpected art that lies off the beaten path?
We’ve all heard about the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Guggenheim. But do you know about the small, independent galleries that dot the city’s streets, showcasing emerging artists and pushing the boundaries of contemporary art? Or the public art installations that pop up unexpectedly, transforming the city’s landscape into a canvas for creativity? And what about the art left over from previous eras, hidden in plain sight and waiting to be rediscovered?
When it comes to art museums, few cities can rival New York’s world-renowned institutions. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the largest and most comprehensive museums in the world, housing over 2 million works of art spanning 5,000 years of human history. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in Midtown Manhattan, is home to a vast collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by iconic artists such as Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, and Andy Warhol. And the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, located on the Upper East Side, boasts a stunning collection of modern and contemporary art housed in a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed building that’s as much a work of art as the pieces it contains.
But let’s get away from the commonplace, to art that hasn’t become a tourism cliché. Not the Studio Museum in Harlem or the Neue Galerie New York, but to truly obscure art museums that even many New Yorkers may not know about. Did you know that the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art on Staten Island, the Poster House, that features the art and history of posters from around the world, the Africa Center?
| By creating works that reflect the culture and history of the area, street artists help to create a sense of place and identity. |
The city’s art galleries might seem off the beaten track, since they are smaller, more intimate spaces than the art museums, offering a chance to get up close and personal with works by up-and-coming artists and established names alike. The most well-known galleries like the Gagosian Gallery and the Pace Gallery with diverse rosters of well known artists have more obscure cousins that many visitors and locals alike may not have heard of. One such space is the Bureau of General Services—Queer Division, a small bookstore and gallery in the East Village that showcases queer art and literature. The Postmasters Gallery in TriBeCa is known for its cutting-edge exhibitions that push the boundaries of what art can be, while the Cuchifritos Gallery in the Lower East Side offers a platform for emerging artists working in a variety of media.
But even that isn’t obscure enough for this adventure.
There is a thriving scene of public art that adorns the city’s streets and buildings. From massive murals to whimsical sculptures to the free spirit of informal street art, the public art of New York City offers a chance to experience art in a unique and accessible way.
Of course, some of the most famous examples of public art in the city are the ones that have become iconic symbols of the city itself, such as the Wall Street Bull and the Statue of Liberty. But for those interested in exploring the lesser-known public art of the city, there are plenty of options, from the bas-relief of the Fireman’s Memorial to the half-forgotten statues of once-famous men in the city’s parks.
And while public art in New York City often takes the form of officially sanctioned murals and sculptures, the city is also home to a thriving scene of street art that is constantly evolving and changing. From graffiti to wheatpaste posters, street art can be found on walls, doors, and sidewalks throughout the city. While some of the most famous street art pieces in the city have gained international recognition, there are countless hidden gems waiting to be discovered by those willing to explore.
Some of the most well-known examples of street art in the city include the works of Banksy, whose stenciled pieces have popped up in various locations throughout the city, and the Bowery Mural, a rotating mural on the corner of Houston Street and Bowery that has featured the work of numerous acclaimed artists over the years. Another iconic street art location was the 5 Pointz graffiti mecca in Queens, which was covered in vibrant murals until it was controversially whitewashed in 2013.
That impermanence is a big reason why street art is so fascinating. Even if it is left untouched by the property owners and somehow evades being defaced by the next artist, it’s almost always exposed to the elements, It can’t be moved, it can’t be mass produced, and it can’t even be claimed by the artist without risk of punishment. From the most basic of wall scrawl to the complex works showing masterly talent, it’s the artist’s statement of a specific time and place. “I am here”
For the artist, street art is a way to create without constraints, to express themselves freely, and to share their art with the world. Unlike traditional art forms, it is a direct way to communicate with the public.
For some artists, street art is a form of activism, a way to challenge the status quo and bring attention to issues that are often ignored.
For the audience, street art is a way to experience art in a new and exciting way. Unlike traditional art forms that are displayed in museums or galleries, street art is often unexpected and surprising. It can be found in unexpected places, transforming ordinary
buildings and streets into vibrant and colorful works of art.
Street art often provides a sense of connection to the local community. By creating works that reflect the culture and history of the area, street
artists help to create a sense of place and identity. For tourists, street art provides a unique way to experience the local culture and get a glimpse into the lives of those who live there.
The Bushwick Collective, located in the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn, features a constantly changing array of murals and street art pieces by local and international artists. The Freeman Alley street art gallery in the Lower East Side is a hidden gem that showcases the work of up-and-coming artists in a small alley-way. And the street art installations on the High Line, an elevated park built on an old railway line, offer a unique and ever-changing perspective on the city and its artistic expression.
Viewing street art can be an exhilarating experience, but to fully appreciate it, you need to know how to look. Here are some tips on how to best view street art:
Take a walking tour: Many cities including New York City offer guided walking tours of their street art scenes. These tours are a great way to see a lot of street art in a short amount of time and get insights from local experts.
Get off the beaten path: Some of the best street art can be found in less-touristy areas. Venture off the beaten path to explore neighborhoods that aren’t on the typical tourist route.
Look up and down: Street art isn’t just on walls. Look down for stencils on the pavement or up for murals on the sides of buildings.
Be respectful: Re-member that street art is often created illegally, so be respectful of the artwork and the artists. Don’t touch or deface the artwork, and don’t reveal the location of hidden pieces.
Bring a camera: You’ll want to capture the stunning street art you come across. Be sure to bring a camera with you, and consider taking a photography tour to learn how to take better photos of street art.
Street art has become an important part of the artistic landscape, providing a platform for artists to express themselves freely and engage with the community, while also providing a unique and exciting way for audiences to experience art.
But you are very unlikely to take street art home, so seek out one of the city’s art fairs for your own piece of New York City art.
-The Armory Show, which takes place annually in March, features a wide range of contemporary and modern art from galleries around the world, and Frieze New York, which presents cutting-edge contemporary art in a stunning water-front location on Randall’s Island. The Affordable Art Fair, held twice a year in Manhattan, offers a more accessible option for those on a budget, with works priced between $100 and $10,000.
And since we are looking for the obscure and lesser known, plan on visiting the Other Art Fair, held biannually in Brooklyn, features works by emerging artists that are both affordable and original. The Market Art + Design fair, held annually in Bridgehampton, showcases contemporary art and design from over 80 exhibitors, including many local galleries. And the Greenpointers Indie Makers Market in Brooklyn offers a chance to meet and buy directly from local artists and makers in a fun and festive atmosphere.
However you end up exploring New York City’s art scene, the world of art can be a deeply personal and rewarding experience, and discovering the hidden gems of the NYC art scene can make it even more special. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or just starting out, there is always more to discover and appreciate. The art world is vast and constantly evolving, with new artists, galleries, and exhibitions emerging all the time. So take the time to seek out the obscure and the unexpected, and make your art journey truly
unique and personal.
