El Museo del Barrio is the leading institution dedicated to preserving the cultural and artistic heritage of New York’s Latino, Caribbean, and Latin American populations. Its mission is to spread awareness of these cultures and their significance to the broader cultural landscape of North America, and to foster a greater sense of pride and cultural tradition within New York’s Latin American communities.
The permanent collection at El Museo contains approximately 6,500 objects of art, with four areas of strength: Modern and Contemporary Art (particularly post-War artwork), Graphics (especially Puerto Rican, Nuyorican, Chicano and Mexican fine prints from the 20th & 21st centuries), Taino & Pre-Columbian art and artifacts, and Popular Traditions (including Santos de palo from Puerto Rico, artifacts from Santeria and other worship traditions, and objects relating to the celebration of Dia de los Muertos).
El Museo presents a frequent series of exhibitions, examining themes and artists from the permanent collection, as well as artwork on loan and traveling exhibitions from similar institutions worldwide. It also offers a wide variety of programs including lecture series, film screenings, a book club and hands-on workshops in the creation of art, and is one of New York’s premiere gathering places for many Latin American traditional celebrations.
El Museo del Barrio Information
- Public Transportation: Very Good (easily accessible by subway line 6 at 103rd Street; lines 2 and 3 at Central Park North; buses M1, M3, M4 or M106 at 104th Street and the M2 at 101st Street)
- Handicapped Accessibility: Good
- Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 11 a.m.–6 p.m., Wednesday 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m.–5 p.m., Closed Mondays, as well as New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
- Admission: By suggested donation; Adults $9, Students/Seniors $5 (Seniors free on Wednesdays), Members/Children under 12 free
- Free Day: Free admission every third Saturday of each month and every Wednesday from 6–9 p.m.
- Group Tours: To schedule a group tour contact Group Visits via phone at 212-660-7113 or email groupvisits@elmuseo.org
- Membership: Available at a number of levels. Individual membership (‘Amigo’) is $50, Family membership (‘Familia’) is $75. Benefits include free gallery admission, invitations to exhibit openings, preferred seating at select performances, discounts at the Museo’s shop (La Tienda) and eatery (El Café), and more.
