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
Find your way with 301 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in New York
American Folk Art Museum
Free recitals
The American Folk Art Museum in New York hosts free live jazz and eclectic concerts, with thoughtful exhibits and a folksy gift shop worth browsing.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Fall Foliage
Central Park
A walk through Central Park in New York is probably your best way of appreciating the folliage change colors. I recommend walking along the allée of elms.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Sisters
Soul/Jamaica Fusion in Harlem
"Sisters" in New York is a Jamaican restaurant. Let's put it like this: when I go to Jamaica, I don't seek a restaurant until I come back!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Patisserie des Ambassades
Senegalese/French café
"Patisserie des Ambassades" in New York has extensive opening hours and prepares dishes & desserts for every time of day. It's refreshingly old-fashioned.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Loeb Boathouse
Central Park
"Loeb Boathouse Restaurant" in New York's Central Park is in the vicinity of the Bethesda Fountain and I think it's best for a warm-weather drink...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
1166 Sixth Avenue
Lichenstein & Otterness
In the lobby of 1166 Avenue of the Americas in NYC hang some significant tapestries by Lichtenstein & a large bronze homage to capitalism by Otterness...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Subway Nostalgia
Vintage subway train excursions
The MTA in NYC offers subway "nostalgia rides" during the summer months on old cars from the '30s and '40s. Book your ticket now!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Teranga
Senegalese food at the Africa Center
"Teranga" in New York City, in the Africa Center, is a restaurant as well as a library. It feels musical and maintains a feeling of communal comfort...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
S&P Lunch
1928 Lunch Counter
S&P Sandwich Shop, opened in 1928, serves Jewish classics like matzoh ball soup and latkes in a nostalgic setting that feels like stepping back in time. A must-visit!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Dive 75
Quality trivia contests
"Dive 75" in NYC is a noteworthy sports bar for its Tuesday Night Trivia contests. Clientele is also big on board games, and the beer is relatively cheap!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Professional Baseball
April 4 opener 2025
Games of Professional Baseball in New York doesn't just mean watching the Yankees play and paying 100s of dollars: watch a Class A game for much cheaper!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Heading to New York?
301 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 301 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:
