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Culture in Greater Harlem

1. The Poets Den Theater

7.3
309 E 108th St, New York, NY
Performing Arts Venue · East Harlem · 4 tips and reviews

Harlem A.Harlem Ambassador: Don't blink or you'll miss this cultural destination that has hosted film festivals, readings and openings for East harlem culturals and those that follow them. Always a hip and multi ethnic group.

2. La Maison d'Art - Art Gallery

7.4
259 W 132nd St, New York, NY
Public Art · Central Harlem · 3 tips and reviews

Harlem A.Harlem Ambassador: This gallery is the best kept secret in Harlem! It is under a b&b and across the street from a jazz bar with. Great garden in the rear for sipping Pinot grigio when the mood arises.

Studio Museum in Harlem is one of Culture in Greater Harlem.

3. Studio Museum in Harlem

8.7
144 W 125th St (Between Lenox and Adam Clayton Powell Boulevards), New York, NY
Art Museum · Central Harlem · 56 tips and reviews

Harlem A.Harlem Ambassador: Forget plans and visit on Target Sundays where you get the crowd without the crowds price. The gift store, while pricey, is superb and fun. A place is in serious need of a cafe. Dance Friday is a must

4. Art for Change

New York
Art Gallery · East Harlem · 2 tips and reviews

Harlem A.Harlem Ambassador: If you find this out the way gem, you have met half the battle. Art here is always out of the box and progressive.Openings draw a mix of characters. Bring extra $$$ in case of donation/charge on wine.

Casa Frela Gallery is one of Culture in Greater Harlem.

5. Casa Frela Gallery

47 W 119th St, New York, NY
Art Gallery · Central Harlem · 2 tips and reviews

Harlem A.Harlem Ambassador: Whenever the curator has an event it's well attended by the art types that don't often make the uptown "trek". Avant garde. Look for local artists. Likely Harlem's best brownstone art curator.

Apollo Theater is one of Culture in Greater Harlem.

6. Apollo Theater

9.0
253 W 125th St (btwn 7th & 8th Ave), New York, NY
Theater · Central Harlem · 142 tips and reviews

Harlem A.Harlem Ambassador: A walk of fame, tourists, & celebs make this the draw of w.125th st. Someone is always hawking something out front, so always talk them down. Wed amateur night packs them in. Get in line 4 tix early!!

Julia De Burgos is one of Culture in Greater Harlem.

7. Julia De Burgos

106 Lexington Ave, New York, NY
Bar · Rose Hill · 1 tip

Harlem A.Harlem Ambassador: Community artists express their talents on the canvas inside of this cultural mecca located on the populated Lexington cultural strip. Works that give the MOMA a run for it's money. Surly pm guard?

8. Essie Green Galleries

419 Convent Ave, New York, NY
Art Gallery · West Harlem · 1 tip

Harlem A.Harlem Ambassador: Private and pristine. The operators of this cultural mainstay have been at it for some time. Events are well attended usually worthy enough to draw the Martha's vineyard set, students and art types.

El Museo del Barrio is one of Culture in Greater Harlem.

9. El Museo del Barrio

8.2
1230 5th Ave (btwn E 104th & E 105th St), New York, NY
Art Museum · Central Park · 55 tips and reviews

Harlem A.Harlem Ambassador: Free admission 3rd Saturdays have allowed El Museo to attract the masses. Art combines carib, latin, and American styles with soulful interpretations. Def not the Whitney. Enjoy the cafe and theaters.

Museum of the City of New York is one of Culture in Greater Harlem.

10. Museum of the City of New York

8.8
1220 5th Ave (at E 103rd St), New York, NY
History Museum · East Harlem · 148 tips and reviews

Harlem A.Harlem Ambassador: Cultured and telling. Pieces here have great range and depth. Gets a bit pretentious at times. Many 5th avenue types assume it as their own. Avoid admission by saying that you live in East Harlem.

Hunter College School Of Social Work is one of Culture in Greater Harlem.

11. Hunter College School Of Social Work

2180 3rd Ave (119th St.), New York, NY
College Academic Building · East Harlem · 4 tips and reviews

Harlem A.Harlem Ambassador: Clean and airy. You can't go wrong if you are here for one of the many seminars, open to the public, or visiting the art gallery. Bring id,PLEASE, as the guards may be lacking in interpersonal skills.

Faison Firehouse Theater is one of Culture in Greater Harlem.

12. Faison Firehouse Theater

6 Hancock Pl (at W 124th St), New York, NY
Theater · Central Harlem · 2 tips and reviews

Harlem A.Harlem Ambassador: The creator of this conceptual theater has a long Broadway history. (The Wiz is one mention) These connects though are bringing them uptown. Shows are of the extraordinary when they do happen.

Frederick Douglass Circle is one of Culture in Greater Harlem.

13. Frederick Douglass Circle

6.6
Frederick Douglass Circle (W 110th St and Frederick Douglass Blvd.), New York, NY
Plaza · Central Park · 12 tips and reviews

Harlem A.Harlem Ambassador: A great space to visit with it's dominant Frederick Douglass sculpture as long as rush hour hasn't approached. If so, Getting there will require risk, skill, and sheer luck to avoid oncoming traffic.

Riverside Church is one of Culture in Greater Harlem.

14. Riverside Church

490 Riverside Dr (btwn W 120th & W 122nd St.), New York, NY
Church · West Harlem · 26 tips and reviews

Harlem A.Harlem Ambassador: Is it a church or a mall? With a vintage store, cafe, bookstore, library, and theater, perhaps it's the latter. There is ALWAYS something happening inside. Ask for group tours to the bell tower.

Abyssinian Baptist Church is one of Culture in Greater Harlem.

15. Abyssinian Baptist Church

132 Odell Clark Pl (New York), New York, NY
Church · Central Harlem · 23 tips and reviews

Harlem A.Harlem Ambassador: Getting past the bodyguards on a Sunday will require the "Love of Christ" in patience. Locals get first dibs on seating as everyone else waits. Tourists come for gospel and leave. (NOT recommended)

Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine is one of Culture in Greater Harlem.

16. Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine

1047 Amsterdam Ave (at W 112th St.), New York, NY
Church · West Harlem · 112 tips and reviews

Harlem A.Harlem Ambassador: Find just about any tourist aboard a doubledecker bus trying to disembark or take photos of this 100 yr old never to be completed colossus. Known for superior architecture and phenom acoustics. art

NYPL Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture is one of Culture in Greater Harlem.

17. NYPL Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

9.2
515 Malcolm X Blvd (at W 135th St), New York, NY
Library · Central Harlem · 45 tips and reviews

Harlem A.Harlem Ambassador: The museum, galleries, theaters and gift store make this a cultural "must" when in Harlem. The lower level features research materials that are rare and worthy. Have pen & paper handy to take notes.

Symphony Space is one of Culture in Greater Harlem.

18. Symphony Space

8.3
2537 Broadway (at 95th St.), New York, NY
Theater · Upper West Side · 23 tips and reviews

Harlem A.Harlem Ambassador: A theater, indie cinema and concert venue make this a destination for uptown's cultured set. There are prime annual performances so having membership is highly suggested, lest your wallet will suffer

19. imagenation soul cinema

2031 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd (120-121st), New York, NY
Indie Movie Theater · Central Harlem · 1 tip

Harlem A.Harlem Ambassador: Art meets gift store meets film at this meet and greeter. Look for future expansion and more programming soon!

20. Maysles Cinema

7.3
343 Malcolm X Blvd (127th Street), New York, NY
Movie Theater · Central Harlem · 8 tips and reviews

Harlem A.Harlem Ambassador: If it's on film, at some point, it will be shown here. Lots of festivals and talks. Comfy and hip. Nice to mingle without festival 'tude. First Mondays are known for all the above, cheese, and wine.

21. Mist Harlem Cinema

7.0
46 W 116th St (5th Avenue & Malcolm X Blvd), New York, NY
Indie Movie Theater · Central Harlem · 7 tips and reviews

Harlem A.Harlem Ambassador: A restaurant, wine bar, recording studio and we haven't even gotten to the cinema yet! State of the art retractable seating. Retractable walls. The epitome of cool, when it's actually open. Who knows?

The Sol Studio is one of Culture in Greater Harlem.

22. The Sol Studio

2073 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd (7th Ave.), New York, NY
Event Space · Central Harlem · 6 tips and reviews

Harlem A.Harlem Ambassador: One owner of this gallery works for a well established fashion brand. The other knows finance. Art and finance usually mix well when done properly and things are done proper at this funky gallery.

23. ArtsHorizons Leroy Neiman Arts Center

2785 Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York, NY
Art Gallery · Central Harlem · 1 tip

Harlem A.Harlem Ambassador: A bit off the beaten cultural track, this space gives children a chance to get their hands wet, while adult creative types discuss art relativity and common commercial access. Community integrated

24. Studio 323

323 E 108th St (Between 1st and 2nd Ave), New York, NY
Art Gallery · East Harlem · 1 tip

Harlem A.Harlem Ambassador: A rarity to see the gallery open. With a recent expansion, it seems the resident artist is in high demand. it features his, and other, local art... supporting local causes. Furniture is hand treated.

25. Gallery M

123 W 135th St, New York, NY
Art Gallery · Central Harlem · 1 tip

Harlem A.Harlem Ambassador: Operated by a non profit that employs the underemployed is reason enough to pop in. A small space w| progressive prints and media works. Openings are usually wine free, but at least art is affordable

Knox Gallery is one of Culture in Greater Harlem.

26. Knox Gallery

129 W 129th St (Lenox), New York, NY
Art Gallery · Central Harlem · 3 tips and reviews

Harlem A.Harlem Ambassador: I don't know when it's open, so don't ask. But when it is...Harlem's cultural and creative elite make an appearance. On the upper floors of a grand Harlem townhouse. Many exhibition rooms to view.

Rio Gallery is one of Culture in Greater Harlem.

27. Rio Gallery

573 riverside Dr., New York, NY
Art Gallery · West Harlem · 1 tip

Harlem A.Harlem Ambassador:  Passing by this address, one would never realize there is a gallery showcasing local artists. You do need to sign in and take an elevator. The space is open, & airy and usually gets worthy pieces.

28. Art In Flux

1961 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd (118th St), New York, NY
Art Gallery · Central Harlem · 1 tip

Harlem A.Harlem Ambassador: Clearly the best curators find their way to this gallery in transit that to takes over former empty spaces. Not having a permanent spot doesn't detract from super bold pieces & edgy works! unhoused.

The Harlem Wine Gallery is one of Culture in Greater Harlem.

29. The Harlem Wine Gallery

752 Saint Nicholas Ave, New York, NY
Food and Beverage Retail · West Harlem · 2 tips and reviews

Harlem A.Harlem Ambassador: It's not quite a galley, but it does have plenty of wall space and they do SELL wine. Openings don't happen often, keep an ear to the pavement. Works are usually local & higher end. Needs a schedule

30. RFA

2075 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd, New York, NY
Art Gallery · Central Harlem · 1 tip

Harlem A.Harlem Ambassador: The curator here is a genius has a long term relationship working with sculptor Osmane Guyere. His works are present with the better known scenesters and those that will be. Openings are a scene full.

United Palace is one of Culture in Greater Harlem.

31. United Palace

8.5
4140 Broadway (at W 175th St), New York, NY
Music Venue · Washington Heights · 40 tips and reviews

Harlem A.Harlem Ambassador: A Washington Heights version of the Apollo with better acoustics and seating. It's a shame that this space is underutilized. Bjork has performed here in the past. New programming is long overdue!

General Grant National Memorial is one of Culture in Greater Harlem.

32. General Grant National Memorial

8.4
701 W 122nd St (at Riverside Dr), New York, NY
Historic and Protected Site · West Harlem · 47 tips and reviews

Harlem A.Harlem Ambassador: The rotunda houses the general AND his wife. This place rates high just for the granite and marble architecture alone. In the summer look for a multiple of cultural events on the plaza

33. Hamilton Grange National Memorial

8.4
414 W 141st St (at Hamilton Ter), New York, NY
Historic and Protected Site · West Harlem · 18 tips and reviews

Harlem A.Harlem Ambassador: Built, and moved, and moved again. Sitting on a slope in St. Nick park is a once grandiose estate that has (13) gum trees to imitate the original. The tour is intriguing. Al Hamilton is part black???

34. Freedom Hall

113 W 128th St, New York
Event Space · Central Harlem · 1 tip

Harlem A.Harlem Ambassador: A socialist haven off the traveled path. Come here for screenings, books, and talks which get quite progressive. Occasional rant is expected. Can't afford the meal? Work off the cost by volunteering!

Dwyer Cultural Center is one of Culture in Greater Harlem.

35. Dwyer Cultural Center

258 Saint Nicholas Ave ((Entrance on 123rd st.)), New York, NY
Theater · Central Harlem · 5 tips and reviews

Harlem A.Harlem Ambassador: Why this place is not full time is a testament to a lack of funding, management and the like. Strong culture component makes up for inconsistent programming. Can someone please fix the front door???

National Black Theatre is one of Culture in Greater Harlem.

36. National Black Theatre

8.2
W 125th St. (at 5th Ave.), New York, NY
Theater · East Harlem · 21 tips and reviews

Harlem A.Harlem Ambassador: A building with landmark status and Yoruba architecture should be booming with presentations. It's underutilized and in need of attention. Family run and it shows. Black shows are quite good when here

Harlem Stage Gatehouse is one of Culture in Greater Harlem.

37. Harlem Stage Gatehouse

7.8
150 Convent Ave (Amsterdam Ave), New York, NY
Theater · Manhattanville · 11 tips and reviews

Harlem A.Harlem Ambassador: A former water treatment plant, located at Aaron Davis Hall and City College, these folks tend to fill the calendar with some well curated shows. They disassociate with Aaron Davis which is too bad.

Aaron Davis Hall is one of Culture in Greater Harlem.

38. Aaron Davis Hall

7.1
150 Convent Ave (135th St), New York, NY
College Theater · Manhattanville · 6 tips and reviews

Harlem A.Harlem Ambassador: (3) theaters and an art gallery gives this Harlem institution it's main draw. The place could be on the level of BAM with some much needed repairs. Always activity, with some new places to eat nearby.

CCNY Compton Goethals Hall is one of Culture in Greater Harlem.

39. CCNY Compton Goethals Hall

160 Convent Ave (St. Nicholas Terrace), New York, NY
College Arts Building · West Harlem · 1 tip

Harlem A.Harlem Ambassador: At City college. When there is an event of epic proportions, it usually has space done here. Gothic architecture gives it an ivy feel. Book well in advance if you plan to host space. Large and airy.

Oberia Dempsey Center is one of Culture in Greater Harlem.

40. Oberia Dempsey Center

7.5
127 W 127th St (btw Lenox & 7th), New York, NY
Theater · Central Harlem · 7 tips and reviews

Harlem A.Harlem Ambassador: A school auditorium that has been hijacked now does double duty as a gospel theater mecca that attracts busloads of big hat church goers that are likely to dine at Sylvia's after. Base of "Mama I">..

Taller Boricua is one of Culture in Greater Harlem.

41. Taller Boricua

1680 Lexington Ave (East 106th), New York, NY
Event Space · East Harlem · 2 tips and reviews

Harlem A.Harlem Ambassador: This is the nucleus of the arts district in East Harlem. Once it showcased various mediums including cultural performances and openings. It appears to presently be in limbo. Well attended by art types

Duke Ellington Memorial by Robert Graham is one of Culture in Greater Harlem.

42. Duke Ellington Memorial by Robert Graham

8.3
5 Avenue A (Duke Ellington Circle), New York, NY
Outdoor Sculpture · Central Park · 9 tips and reviews

Harlem A.Harlem Ambassador: If you are on the top of an uptown tour bus....This is likely to be one of the stops. It's a hard one to view otherwise, unless you are across the street. It's a bronze sculpture worth a discussion.

43. Casa Puebla

2710 Broadway Fl 2, New York, NY
Office · Upper West Side · 1 tip

Harlem A.Harlem Ambassador: It's a landmark gallery created from a former Automat. The gallery is seriously underused and in need of attention. This creative space allows lots of lighting during the day. Mexican events draw lots

44. West Side Arts Coalition

Upper West, New York, NY
Art Gallery · Upper West Side · 1 tip

Harlem A.Harlem Ambassador: In the middle of Broadway. Not the block, but the actual street! Local artists display whatever stokes their fancy. Some art is worth a second look. Those open houses get a bit much from the UWS folk!

The Jewish Museum is one of Culture in Greater Harlem.

45. The Jewish Museum

9.3
1109 5th Ave (at E 92nd St), New York, NY
Museum · Carnegie Hill · 73 tips and reviews

Harlem A.Harlem Ambassador: Somehow the folks that run this spot haven't a clue of how much Jewish culture this is ABOVE 96th street. That is, after you've went through Fort Know security to get in! At least it's in proximity.

Walls-Ortiz Gallery is one of Culture in Greater Harlem.

46. Walls-Ortiz Gallery

New York, NY
Art Gallery · Central Harlem · 1 tip

Harlem A.Harlem Ambassador: It always looked like a gallery but didn't operate quite as one. Now that biz operations have been moved across the street, there is room for exhibitions and programming in relation to City Seminary.

47. world series stick hall of fame

230 E 123rd St (2nd avenue), New York, NY
Museum · East Harlem · 1 tip

Harlem A.Harlem Ambassador: You'd have to REALLY wander out of your way to find this place. Even with a map you may have trouble. Unusual collectables give homage to those that gather annually at East 109th from years past.

Raw Space is one of Culture in Greater Harlem.

48. Raw Space

7.4
2031 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd ((121st & 122nd St.)), New York, NY
Art Gallery · Central Harlem · 2 tips and reviews

Harlem A.Harlem Ambassador: The gallery may be transformed to a screening room or party space on any given day. Beware if the space is rented after, you may be rushed mid-reception. Excellent curation. Expect a cafe very soon!

49. the project space

176 E 106th St (2nd ave), New York, NY
Art Gallery · East Harlem · 1 tip

Harlem A.Harlem Ambassador: Created by Julio Valdez to feature other artists that are emerging to the masses. Surrounded by other private galleries, this one is no different in that you need to make an appointment. Glad its here

The Butcher's Daughter is one of Culture in Greater Harlem.

50. The Butcher's Daughter

318 W 142nd St (Edgecombe Avenue), New York, NY
Art Gallery · Central Harlem · 1 tip

Harlem A.Harlem Ambassador: So instead of the notable eating establishment, we get the gallery. Am I in Noho? On one of the worst blocks that is being inundated with the trendier than thou set. (see Manhattanville coffee). chic!

51. julio valdez studio\Project Space

176 E 106th St (2nd ave.), New York, NY
Art Gallery · East Harlem · No tips or reviews

Harlem A.Harlem Ambassador: A stone's throw off East Harlem's cultural corridor, Art and events feature some work that could rival the Chelsea and Williamsburg galleries. Special Events are common, but do call as hours fluctuate

52. CCNY Art Gallery

160 Covent Ave. Compton-Goethals 130 (136h St), New York, NY
Art Gallery · West Harlem · 2 tips and reviews