Geoffrey from New York
Gustav Klimt New York
Klimt in New York
There are two portraits by Gustav Klimt---the most famous Vienna Secessionist, and the subject of a good film starring John Malkovich---on display at the Met Museum, in Gallery 829: Serena Pulitzer Lederer (1867–1943) and Mäda Primavesi (1903–2000).
But another, more famous, hangs in the Neue Galerie alone on permanent display, Adele Bauer Bloch I, the 'woman in gold'. (The Neue is a showcase of Vienna Secessionists, especially Egon Schiele and drawings by him are regularly shown). The Neue has a good collection of erotic drawings by Klimt, Schiele, Kokoshka and others.
You can get quite close to her. She is smaller than I expected and at first I was disappointed that her gold did not glitter, but in time I saw through my disappointment (as one must) to see the influential woman who so mesmerized Klimt, and who himself so mesmerized the rest of Vienna. In fact, if you feel the need for some Klimt ‘mojo’, you can buy a beautiful replica robe just like the one he wore to work, in the tchotchke filled gift shop. It’s not cheap, but it is cool.
Mrs Altmann, Klimt’s niece, lived in Los Angeles when she won the right to sue the Austrian government in the USA for the Klimt pieces that had been stolen from her family by Nazis during WW2. She won. Through her friendship with Lauder, founder of the Neue Galerie, the portrait now hangs there on permanent exhibition. He paid $135 million dollars so that you can now go see her.
About this spot
Our New York City Guide
Find your way with 308 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Join as a Spotter?
Loved this Spot? And love your city? Join your local team. 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
Johannes Vermeer
At the Met & Frick
You can see eight of the thirty-six paintings by "Johannes Vermeer" in New York City. There's a ninth one, but it's behind closed doors...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
35 Times, Toby Buonagurio
Subway art 10
"35 Times - Toby Buonagurio" in New York are small artworks in the Times Square subway station, maybe even 16 inches square, lit on the inside. Jazzy!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
The Pythian Temple
R&R Shrine
"The Pythian Temple" in NYC was designed in 1927 for the movie 'The Knights of Pythias'; today, it's remarkable for much more than its beauty...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
A Gathering, 2001 - Muñoz & Martin
Subway art 13
"A Gathering, 2001" by Muñoz & Martin in the Canal Street train station in NYC 'enlivens the space & provides respite from the busy commercialism above'...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Saiguette
Vietnamese counter/takeout
I first returned to the Vietnamese restaurant "Saiguette" in NYC for its light, rich, rejuvenating soups, but I also recommend the pork shoulder sandwich.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Rucker Park
NBA caliber street basketball
"Rucker Park" in New York City is where big men and children come to play basketball, strut, defy, dominate make a name for themselves. You have to see it.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Whirls and Twirls (MTA), Sol LeWitt
Subway art 3
The Subway Art in Columbus Circle New York City by Sol LeWitt is one of the pieces that make me feel I need to stop to take it all in...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Subway Portraits, Chuck Close
Subway art 1
I took the Q train in New York and reached the 86th Street station, where twelve Chuck Close mosaic mesmerizing portraits adorn the walls...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Music Inn
Instruments, custom & stock
"Music Inn" in New York City is run by musician, instrument designer & inventor Jeff Slatnick. There are musical instruments just everywhere in the shop...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
The Return of Spring, Jack Beal
Subway art 7
"The Return of Spring - Jack Beal" in New York is a mosaic mural in the Times Square station in the IRT West Side Lin mezzanine. Is it really Wayne Gretzky?
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Di Fara, Brooklyn
Pizza 1
"Di Fara" in New York is the best pizza pilgrimage one can go on. This local favorite makes a time-capsulized pizza restaurant. Its crust sets it apart...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Sal & Carmine's, Upper West Side
Pizza 2
"Sal & Carmine's" makes real New York pizza. It's a small place, the pizza boxes are stacked 15 high, the lineup look like locals - all good signs.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
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:
