Nicholas Roerich Museum New York
Painter of mountains
Paula from New York
If you are looking for a unique, intimate museum experience that is off the beaten path, the Nicholas Roerich Museum is a great spot to check out. This independent museum is dedicated to the artwork of Nicholas Roerich, a painter from Russia whose worldwide travel made him an advocate for world peace, a Buddhist spiritual writer, and of course a painter of incredible landscapes. The museum is located in a brownstone on the Upper West Side, founded by the artist himself.
If you are not familiar with the artist and his work, I recommend starting with the photo hallway on the ground floor. The photos, along with descriptions, will give you context to Roerich's fascinating life. From there, you may ascend the steps to the 2nd and 3rd floors, where about 150 paintings are displayed. Folk sculptures and antique furniture adorn the rooms as well, giving the impression of souvenirs collected during Roerich's worldwide travel.
Roerich's art has a surreal, spiritual quality, using glowing color palettes to depict stark landscapes of the Himalayas, American West, and Europe. My favorite room is on the 3rd floor, where nearly all the paintings are of the Himalayan mountains. I love Roerich's use of vibrant color, and the sensitivity he brings to the mountains. If you look closely, there are few hard lines; many of the edges are blurred, allowing the painting to move within its own frame.
Every Friday at 7pm, the museum hosts free classical music concerts. Registration on the website is required.
New York Spotter Paula
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
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
Jajaja Plantas Mexicana
Vegan Mexican food
"Jajaja Plantas Mexicana" in New York is a creative joint that has vegan versions of traditional Mexican food. It's delicious, affordable & healthy!
by
Victoria
Yang
Star Polish Bakery
Best mak
"Star Polish Bakery" in New York makes the best Polish desserts and cakes, especially the makowiec. Here they make it exactly the way I like it...
by
Paula
Ryszkiewicz
Art Gallery Hopping
A cultural way to explore NYC
New York City is ideal for Art Gallery Hopping, and opening & closing receptions occur frequently. Here are my go-to spots when I'm thirsty for some art...
by
Victoria
Yang
Brooklyn Heights
Promenade views
"Brooklyn Heights" in New York along Montague. I love going there for a stroll after a visit to my dentist. Just relax, soak in the ambience and history...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Harlem Shake
Old school/new idea
"Harlem Shake" in New York is a small, nondescript, inexpensive burger place. It makes a difference though by employing mainly local Harlem residents...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Icon Style
Second-hand estate jewelry
"Icon Style" is an antique jewelry and vintage fashion boutique located in New York's historic Upper West Side. For me it is a museum of the city's finery.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Widow Jane Distillery
Whiskey distillery
"Widow Jane Distillery" in Red Hook, New York is housed in what used to be a cocoa factory. There are many 150-year-old factories housing businesses here.
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
✓ 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:
