Society of Illustrators New York
Art museum, bar
This museum is a favourite for two reasons: its size charms without overwhelming (no crowds) and if one does feel overwhelmed, the delightful third floor bar with dappled terrace is open to gallery visitors and non-visitors alike and is less expensive than uptown museum offerings. It's also convenient for an afternoon's break during an east side stroll.
Exhibits/shows, often with a conscience, can be pithy, frothy or both. For example:
1. "The Art of March [a graphic novel]: A masterpiece (think Art Spiegelman's Maus), depicts USA Congressman John Lewis's (d. 2020) experience in the civil rights movement as depicted by March trilogy illustrator Nate Powell. This landmark exhibition of Congressman Lewis's celebrated graphic novel memoir (co-written with Andrew Aydin), takes visitors on a visceral tour of the movement, illuminating pivotal moments, people, and philosophies through the display of over 150 pieces of original art, interactive materials, and new exhibition essays…".
2. "Shawn Martinbrough, the author of How to Draw Noir Comics: The Art and Technique of Visual Storytelling. He is an acclaimed creator/artist whose DC, Marvel and Dark Horse Comics projects include "Batman: Detective Comics", "Luke Cage Noir", "Captain America", "The Black Panther" and "Hellboy: Secret Nature"."
3. American Patriots: The Tuskegee Airmen and the Harlem Hellfighters (upcoming), the illustrators' role in depicting the World War Two segregated Afro-American air arms.
Above the bar hangs The Dover Coach, a large Norman Rockwell oil, and the staircase walls are populated with charcoal/graphite portraits of members in a characteristic style, arrestingly staged.
About this spot
Find your way with 304 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
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
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
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
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
New York in Transit, Jacob Lawrence
Subway art 8
"New York in Transit - Jacob Lawrence", I've been passing this piece a lot lately. Nearby is a spot where musicians hang out, so it's nice to pause here...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
The Revelers, Jane Dickson
Subway art 6
"The Revelers by Jane Dickson" in New York's Times Square Subway Station is mostly located in the transfer corridors between the BMT and IRT Flushing line
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Heading to New York?
304 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
✓ 304 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:
