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El Museo del Barrio: A Celebration of Latin American Art and Culture

Explore 800 years of Latin American, Caribbean, and Latino art at New York City's El Museo del Barrio.

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El Museo del Barrio, located in East Harlem, New York City, is a leading museum dedicated to Latin American and Caribbean art. Founded in 1969, the museum showcases a diverse collection spanning over 800 years, from pre-Columbian artifacts to contemporary installations, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Latino community.

A brief summary to El Museo del Barrio

  • Thursday 11 am-5 pm
  • Friday 11 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 11 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 11 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on Wednesdays when admission is free for seniors.
  • Check the museum's website for information on current exhibitions, events, and virtual programs.
  • Take the 6 subway to 103rd Street for convenient access to the museum.
  • Admission to El Museo del Barrio also grants you entry to the Museum of the City of New York.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    To reach El Museo del Barrio via public transport, take the 4, 5, or 6 train to the 103rd Street station. Walk north to 104th Street, then three blocks west to Fifth Avenue. A single subway fare is $3.

  • Walking

    From the Museum of the City of New York, walk north across 104th Street to reach El Museo del Barrio. The walk is short and direct.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services can drop you off directly in front of El Museo del Barrio at 1230 5th Ave, New York, NY 10029. A short trip from the Upper East Side may cost between $10 and $20.

  • Driving

    If driving, take the FDR Drive to the 96th Street exit and proceed west. Turn right on Madison Avenue until you reach El Museo on 104th and Fifth Avenue. Parking garages are available near the museum, with hourly rates ranging from $18 to $26. Street parking is also available.

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Discover more about El Museo del Barrio

El Museo del Barrio, often simply called El Museo, stands as a vibrant cultural cornerstone in New York City's El Barrio (East Harlem). Founded in 1969 by artist and educator Raphael Montañez Ortiz and a coalition of Puerto Rican parents, educators, artists, and activists, the museum emerged from a need to recognize and celebrate Latino artists, who were largely ignored by mainstream museums. Since its inception, El Museo has been committed to preserving and promoting the art and culture of Puerto Ricans, as well as all Latin Americans in the United States. Its extensive permanent collection of over 8,500 objects encompasses more than 800 years of Latin American, Caribbean, and Latino art. Visitors can explore a wide array of artistic expressions, from pre-Columbian Taíno artifacts to modern and contemporary drawings, paintings, sculptures, textiles, prints, photography, and video installations. The museum's collection is organized into several categories, including Urban Experiences, Expanded Graphics, African and Indigenous Heritages, Craft Intersection, Women Artists, and Representing Latinx. El Museo also hosts a variety of exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing both established and emerging artists. In addition to its art collections, El Museo offers bilingual public programs, educational activities, festivals, and special events, making it a valuable resource for the community and visitors alike. El Museo is located on Fifth Avenue's Museum Mile, near the Museum of the City of New York.

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