El Museo del Barrio

What to know

El Museo del Barrio is the nation's leading Latinx and Latin American cultural institution, located at 1230 Fifth Avenue in Upper Manhattan. Founded in 1969 by artist Raphael Montañez Ortiz and a coalition of Puerto Rican parents, educators, artists, and activists, the museum was established to address the lack of representation of Latinx artists in mainstream museums. Today, the museum's permanent collection includes over 8,500 pieces, spanning more than 800 years of art from the Caribbean, Latin America, and Latinx communities. These works range from pre-Columbian Taíno artifacts to contemporary installations, providing a comprehensive view of the artistic landscape of these communities. Visitors can explore varied exhibitions, bilingual public programs, and educational activities. In May 2024, the museum received an Arts Endowment grant to support the second edition of Flow States–La Trienal, a global survey of contemporary artwork by Latinx artists. Beyond the art, the museum serves as a compelling community hub. It offers festivals, special events, and a first-floor café that serves coffee, tea, sandwiches, and pastries, making it a welcoming space for visitors of all backgrounds to discover the culture of Puerto Ricans and all Latinx communities in the United States.

Visitor tips

• New Yorkers with ID can enter for free, while general admission is a suggested $9.
• Visit the first-floor café for coffee, tea, and snacks during your visit.
• The museum is wheelchair accessible, making it easy to navigate.
• Check the museum's official website for current exhibitions and bilingual public programs.

Nearby context

Situated on New York City's historic Museum Mile, El Museo del Barrio is surrounded by world-class museums, allowing visitors to combine their visit with other major art institutions in the Central Park East side of Upper Manhattan.