Once upon a time, SoHo was all about the art galleries. Larger-than-life loft spaces were ideal for showcasing art, and the art scene thrived here like no other neighborhood in New York City. But then, almost all of a sudden, the rent was too damn high and the galleries were closed and converted into condos. Chelsea then embraced these fabulous galleries with open arms and lower rents. But, having said that, there are still handful of impressive galleries – and some wonderful museums – in this trendy nabe, particularly on West Broadway. These are our top picks for not just SoHo, but TriBeCa and Lower Manhattan.
This SoHo gallery is one of the hold-outs, having opened in 1981, and it's not only stayed at its original physical roots, but most importantly it's remained true to its roots conceptually, too. Staley's first exhibit was a showcase of Horst photographs, exhibiting the work of celebrated fashion photography and to this day, it offers exhibits on fashion, still life, Hollywood portraiture and nudes. Definitely a classic gallery that's a must on every art- and photography-lover's list.
Photorealism was a term coined by Meisel in the late 1960s and its photorealism and fine contemporary realist art that steals the show at this truly beautiful and innovative gallery. You can find art in all its forms at Louis K.; classical music concerts are also featured here (Meisel is on the Board of the Music Festival of the Hamptons). Bonus: Book lovers can also purchase photorealism-based literature written by Meisel at this gallery.
This one's for all the big names: Martin Lawrence boasts a huge collection of Warhol, Picasso, Chagall, Francis and Haring, just to name a few. The gallery also features an ongoing "Artist in Attendance" series, featuring internationally renowned artists such as Mark Kostabi.
In contrast to Martin Lawrence, this gallery is for the abundance of emerging artists in New York City, although it boasts a nice mixture of famed contemporary art also. Paintings and print are equally important to this gallery, which has made SoHo its home for about a decade.
In a 1904 firehouse that is now a museum, the history of fire-fighting is told through a collection of historic NYC Fire Department artifacts, including uniforms, tools and fire engines. The Museum's first floor houses a permanent exhibit and memorial to the 343 members of the FDNY who made the Supreme Sacrifice on September 11, 2001.
The setting of this museum is downright stunning – it is located in the historic U.S. Customs House Building. There are more than one million items in the museum, and you can take a guided tour with one of the guides who are Native Americans, as well as enjoy live concerts, films and lectures. Very cool, educational and most importantly (for the parents), kid-friendly. Bonus: Admission is free.
The Best Galleries and Museums in SoHo and TriBeCa
Staley-Wise: 141 Prince St., at Wooster St.
Louis K. Meisel: 141 Prince St., at W. Broadway
Martin Lawrence: 469 W. Broadway, between Grand & Broome Sts.
Gallery Juno: 568 Broadway, near Prince St.
The New York City Fire Museum: 278 Spring Street, between Varick & Hudson Sts.
The National Museum of the American Indian: 1 Bowling Green, across from Battery Park
