El Museo del Barrio

Overview

El Museo del Barrio is a museum of Latino, Caribbean, and Latin American art and culture situated at the northern end of Museum Mile, at the gateway to East Harlem (El Barrio). It bridges contemporary art with traditional Caribbean and pre-Columbian works.

Highlights

• The Collection: Over 8,000 objects spanning pre-Columbian Taíno artifacts to contemporary Latino art, including works by Jean-Michel Basquiat and Rafael Ferrer.
• Día de los Muertos: The museum's annual Day of the Dead celebration is one of New York's most vibrant cultural events.
• Community Connection: Founded by Puerto Rican artists and activists, the museum maintains deep ties to the East Harlem community.

History

Founded in 1969 by artist and educator Raphael Montañez Ortiz and a coalition of Puerto Rican educators, artists, and activists, El Museo began as a community museum in a public school classroom before moving to its current Fifth Avenue location.

Visitor Tips

• Third Saturday Free: Free admission on the third Saturday of every month.
• Combine With: Adjacent to the Museum of the City of New York and the Conservatory Garden in Central Park.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.