The twenty-two blocks between 82nd and 104th streets on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, contain nine museums. A half mile south from 82nd street on this avenue are two other notable galleries. Not all of these museums are famous. Each, however, contains important works and historical displays, worth visiting.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The most notable and famous museum in this mile is the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It is located at 82nd street and Fifth Avenue, by the edge of Central Park and is the largest museum in the western hemisphere, containing over two million works of art spanning the Stone Age to the twenty-first century. It has an endless number of world-class exhibitions that include Roman and Greek Galleries, an amazing Egyptian collection, numerous costumes, arms and armor, a collection of European paintings that include works by Cézanne and Monet, as well as collections of Byzantine and Chinese art. One will need several days to peruse the entire museum. In addition to art, numerous concerts are given on the premises between September to June.
The Guggenheim Museum
The Guggenheim Museum, on 89th street and fifth avenue, not only contains a large collection of surrealistic and abstract paintings, but also houses Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, early Modern,German, Expressionist, Minimalist and other contemporary works of art. In addition, the private works of Peggy Guggenheim are housed in this museum. The building itself, is worth a visit just by itself. The building, shaped as a spiral. It's wider at the top than the bottom. Taking an elevator to the top and walking down is the best way to see the exhibits.
Other Museums on Museum Mile
Some other interesting museums located here include the:
- Museum of the City of New York, which contains a massive collection of prints, photographs, paintings and memorabilia that involve the history of New York City. It also houses a very good collection covering the New York Theater from the late 18th century to present.
- The Cooper-Hewitt National Museum of Design is the only museum in the United States devoted totally to historic and contemporary design.
- The Jewish Museum houses drawings, photos and artifacts that depicts over 4000 years of Jewish culture.
- El Museum del Barrio, a museum that exhibits Latino history and culture
- the National Academy Museum containing 19th and 20th century art
- the Goethe House German Cultural Center, which contains many paintings from German artists
- the Neue Galerie New York which houses early 20th century Austrian and German art and design.
The Whitney Museum and Frick Collection
Not located on museum mile, the Whitney Museum of Art and Frick Collection are worth a visit. The Whitney Museum houses many works of art from neglected American artists, including works by Edward Hopper and Georgia O’Keefe. The Frick Collection houses many European masters in an intimate atmosphere. Works by Rembrandt, Holbein, El Greco and Goya are highlights.
New York City houses many museums. The Museum Mile is a concentrated example of this. The mile contains many unique museums that cater to all interests. Visiting any one of these fine institutions will enhance any person’s visit to New York City. The museum mile represents 5280 feet of culture, history and art.
References
Schultz, Patricia. 1000 Places To See Before You Die. Workman Publishing, NY.2003
