Johannes Vermeer New York
At the Met & Frick
Geoffrey from New York
I’ve written about going to sit in the spacious pre-war apartment of Majorie Eliot to listen to her play jazz with her friends. There are a few ways to observe the other end of the economic spectrum including one of Fifth Avenue’s most formal private houses, The Frick Mansion on the corner of 70th and Fifth Avenue.
Now called The Frick Collection, it contains the tycoon’s preciously curated collection. But nothing Frick himself acquired---about ⅔ of the collection---can be loaned, so I advise going at least once, to see for yourself. There is no other way.
Binge on such riches by simplifying: use this visit to begin your pilgrimage to see eight of the thirty-five paintings attributed to Vermeer, eleven of which reside in American public collections. If you schedule your time you can see eight of the nine that are in New York, only about nine blocks apart.
There are four here; five others are in The Metropolitan Museum at 80th and Fifth Avenue. The mansion is closed for a two year renovation. PLease check its website for updates.
At the Frick:
Officer and Laughing Girl, Mistress and Maid, Girl Interrupted in her Music
At The Metropolitan Museum of Art:
Study of a Young Woman, The Allegory of Faith, Young Woman with a Water Pitcher, A Maid Asleep, Woman with a Lute.
Finally, the one you cannot see, in a private collection:
A Young Woman Seated at the Virginal, pictured.
Plus: The Frick is Marvel Comics' Avengers Mansion !
New York Spotter Geoffrey
About this spot
Our New York City Guide
Find your way with 308 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in New York
Silvana
Live music, café, boutique
"Silvana" is a large cafe, boutique, shawarma and falafel bar in NYC that also offers live music performances on their downstairs stage. Great acts!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Mo's Famous Burgers
Hamburger Food Truck
The menu is simple: hamburgers, French fries & toppings. No over-the-top ingredients, no superfluous adjectives, and high-value food at rock-bottom prices.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Elizabeth Street Garden
Sculpture garden NoLita
"Elizabeth Street Garden" New York: formerly the site of a large, important school house, it was reclaimed in the '90s and turned into a sculpture garden.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
UWS Phone Booth
Last payphone booth
One block away from a 21st century LinkNYC WiFi tower on Broadway sits one of three West End Avenue working telephone 'booths', the last in NYC...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Anthony & Son
Old-school sandwich shop
After, "Anthony & Son" Panini Shoppe's Italian-style super-sandwiches, no regular New York sandwich will ever taste as good again...
by
Nick
Papa
Dutch Kills
Upholding cocktail culture in Queens
"Dutch Kills" in New York isn't hiding it's one of the best bars in the city, but it isn't publicizing the fact, either. No password to enter, however!
by
Nick
Papa
Montero's
Quirky Brooklyn dive bar
"Montero's" (est. 1939) in New York is one of the weirdest bars I've ever visited, in the best way possible; it takes you back to working-class Brooklyn...
by
Nick
Papa
Bund on Broadway
Soup dumplings
"Bund on Broadway" is one of the most popular restaurants on Astoria's restaurant row in New York. I always go straight fo the famous pork soup dumplings.
by
Paula
Ryszkiewicz
Conference House
Pre-Revolutionary history
The "Conference House" in New York is a perfect place to escape modern life if you're interested in what life was like in the 1600s...
by
Paula
Ryszkiewicz
Vite Vinosteria
My special occasion spot
"Vite Vinosteria" in New York is the Italian restaurant where, ever since I moved to Astoria, I've celebreated nearly every birthday & anniversary...
by
Paula
Ryszkiewicz
Hunter's Point Library
Waterfront reading room
"Hunter's Point Library" in New York, on Long Island City's waterfront, is definitely for you if you're a fan of books, architecture and skyline views!
by
Paula
Ryszkiewicz
House of Yes
Uninhibited fun
"House of Yes" is a colorful, eclectic space in New York that houses everything from roller skating to trapeze artists. Free entry on Fridays before 11pm!
by
Victoria
Yang
Heading to New York?
308 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to New York?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 308 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves New York
Get to know our other Spotters from New York
As featured on:
