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ABC No Rio

A legendary Lower East Side institution founded in 1980, ABC No Rio is a volunteer-led nonprofit community center dedicated to the intersection of multidisciplinary arts and social activism.

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ABC No Rio
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What is ABC No Rio?

ABC No Rio is a volunteer-led, collectively run nonprofit community center for arts and activism located on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. It serves as a social center and performance space that facilitates cross-pollination between artists and activists committed to social justice.

How did ABC No Rio get its name?

The name 'ABC No Rio' was a playful reference to a Spanish sign for 'Abogado Notario' that had partially erased letters across the street from the building.

What is the history of ABC No Rio?

Founded in 1980 in a squat following the eviction of the 1979-80 Real Estate Show, the center evolved from an impromptu occupation of city-owned property and a critique of real estate speculation into a formal institution.

Is ABC No Rio currently open for visitors?

The center is currently undergoing construction of a new four-story multi-use arts center at 156 Rivington Street, with completion slated for fall 2026.

What will the new ABC No Rio building include?

The new four-story building will feature exhibition spaces in the basement and first floor, a flexible rear gallery that can serve as a meeting room or theater, a roof garden, operable skylights, and studios and offices on the upper levels.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

ABC No Rio is a renowned Lower East Side arts center that emerged from the rebellious spirit of the late 1970s. Founded in 1980, the organization began as an impromptu occupation of city-owned property following the 1979 Real Estate Show, serving as a critique of real estate speculation. Its unique name was inspired by a playful reference to a partially erased 'Abogado Notario' sign located directly across the street from the building. Historically, the center operated as a squat at 156 Rivington Street, providing a DIY home for the culture of opposition. It functioned as a multidisciplinary hub, featuring a zine library, a darkroom, a silkscreening studio, and a public computer lab. This collectively run social center has spent decades facilitating cross-pollination between artists and activists committed to social justice. As of 2024, the organization is transitioning into a new era with a $21 million investment from New York City. On July 16, 2024, the city broke ground on a new four-story, multi-use arts center at the original Rivington Street site. This modern facility is slated for completion by the fall of 2026. The upcoming building will significantly expand the center's capabilities. Plans include dedicated exhibition spaces in the basement and first floor, a flexible rear gallery for theater or meetings, and a roof garden with operable skylights. The upper levels will house staff offices and artist studios, ensuring the legacy of this iconic institution continues for future generations.

Visitor tips

  • Look across the street from 156 Rivington Street to imagine the 'Abogado Notario' sign that inspired the center's name.
  • Check the official website for current pop-up exhibition dates, such as the 'ABC No Rio 45' event.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes as this stop is best experienced as part of a larger Lower East Side neighborhood stroll.

Nearby context

Located at 156 Rivington Street, ABC No Rio sits in the historic core of the Lower East Side, a neighborhood defined by its history of immigration, activism, and underground art scenes.

Sources

Evidence and links