Cultural Institutions
The days when the Harlem Renaissance flourished with the likes of Langston Hughes, Zora Neal Hurston, and W.E.B. Dubois may have passed but its traces are still very alive through the cultural institutions and historic sites still in place. The Harlem YMCA, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, the Studio Museum, the Harlem Hospital Murals, the Countee Cullen Library, the City College of New York, Strivers Row, Sugar Hill Historic District, are some to name a few.
The history lives on with the burgeoning art scene and critically acclaimed music and theater performances that can only be experienced Uptown. When compared to the expenses of New York City, the quality is incomparable with many cultural institutions offering reasonable ticket prices to locals and visitors alike. Especially during the summer and seasonal months, the calendar is brimming with a caliber of outdoor performers, artists and programs by the Parks Department as the streets outdoors come alive. Many emerging cultural museums and art institutions have found their new home in Harlem after moving from downtown locations.
Harlem’s rich immigrant history is also reflected in cultural institutions such as el Museo del Barrio, The Hispanic Society, The Museum City of New York, Julio de Burgos Center.
The Studio Museum
For emerging Black art and to explore contemporary artists from around the world, the permanent collection at the Studio Museum rotates to feature the finest in Black art. The institution curates work from selected artists in residence, and fosters an environment for art in society.
The National Black Theater
Empowerment, economic freedom, cultural integrity are the ideals behind this historic venue, founded by visionary Barbara Ann Teer in 1968. the venue showcases critically-praised productions authentic to the African-American experience.
The Apollo Theater
“The Apollo has probably exerted a greater influence on popular culture than any other venue in the world,” are the words of Ted Fox and with James Brown and countless others that have graced the stage it still holds true. From the days of the Harlem Renaissance, historic theatre is the venue for fresh talent and continues to be the stage for world-renowned performances.
The Museum of the City of New York
For timeless scenes of many of New York’s cultural movements and artistic moments, MCNY works to preserve an evolving city. From activism to architecture, the essense that makes for a city so diverse and distinct is reflected in the work exhibited at MCNY
The Schomburg Center for Black Culture and Research
As an extension of the New York Public Library, it is a landmark center revolving around the history of the African diaspora. With an impressive archive of historically recorded documents, a wealth of rare books, manuscripts and prints, the institution is the only of its kind in the world and serves as a reference to the global community.
El Museo del Barrio
The institution celebrates the diversity of art and culture that has evolved over the decades across Puerto Rico, Latin America, New York, other parts of the United States. By disseminating culture, history, the institution serves to share in ideas and foster cultural exchange.
The Hispanic Society
The museum and library chronicles the art of early Spain, Portugal and Latin America. Paintings from artists like Joaquin Sorolla are on display as well as art from the Golden Age leading up to the present.
