Gyde
Open prototypeProto
Back to all New York City places

New York City, New York / Museums

The Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural & Educational Center

A vibrant Puerto Rican and Latinx multi-arts institution in the Lower East Side, housed in a historic 1897 Neo-Gothic school building designed by Charles B. J. Snyder.

Open prototype Official site Get directions
The Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural & Educational Center
www.theclementecenter.org, og_image_www.theclementecenter.org

What is The Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural & Educational Center known for?

The Clemente is a Puerto Rican/Latinx multi-arts institution and cultural anchor in the historic Lower East Side (Loisaida). It focuses on the cultivation, presentation, and preservation of Puerto Rican and Latino culture while promoting artists and events that reflect the city's diversity.

What are the hours of operation?

Known as the 'building that never sleeps,' the center is open seven days a week.

Is it free to visit?

The Clemente offers free events as well as free or discounted tickets.

What is the history of the building?

The center is housed in a six-story, city-owned building from 1897 that was formerly known as P.S. 160. It was designed by architect Charles B. J. Snyder in the collegiate neo-gothic style.

What can visitors see or do there?

The center hosts performing arts and exhibition programming and includes theaters, exhibition galleries, studios, and offices.

What should I check before going?

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

What to know

The Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural & Educational Center, often called The Clemente, is a cornerstone of the Lower East Side, known as Loisaida. It was established in 1993 by Puerto Rican poet Ed Vega Yunqué, Uruguayan actor Nelson Landrieu, and Dominican actor Mateo Gómez to serve as a vital cultural anchor for the community. Named after the Puerto Rican writer and activist Clemente Soto Vélez, the center focuses on the cultivation, presentation, and preservation of Puerto Rican and Latino culture. The institution is housed in a six-story, city-owned building at 107 Suffolk Street, which was originally constructed in 1897 as P.S. 160. The structure is a striking example of collegiate neo-gothic style, designed by the renowned architect Charles B. J. Snyder. Currently, the building is undergoing a nearly $13 million renovation project to modernize the facility and ensure it is ADA compliant, with completion projected for summer 2025. As a multi-arts institution, The Clemente provides subsidized studios, exhibition galleries, theaters, and rehearsal spaces for contemporary artists and cultural workers. It is frequently referred to as the 'building that never sleeps' because it remains open seven days a week. The center's mission is to reflect the cultural diversity of the city and the Lower East Side, operating in an inclusive manner to promote artists and performance events. Visitors can experience a wide range of programming, including free events, programs in multiple languages, and discounted tickets for various performances. By connecting and co-creating with contemporary artists, the center continues to hold its place as a beacon for all age groups to participate in the rich artistic and social diversity of the neighborhood.

Visitor tips

  • Check the center's website for free events and multilingual programs before your visit.
  • Explore the exhibition galleries to see contemporary Latinx art.
  • Allow time to explore the surrounding Loisaida neighborhood to appreciate the context of the center's center's cultural anchor role.

Nearby context

The Clemente is located in the historic Lower East Side, specifically in the area known as Loisaida, where it serves as a cultural anchor for the Puerto Rican and Latinx community.

Sources

Evidence and links