Bronx Museum of the Arts

Bronx Museum of the Arts

The Bronx Museum of the Arts showcases artwork by African, Hispanic, and Asian artists. This cultural institution has a rich heritage that dates back to the 1970s. Based in the heart of the Bronx, the museum supports educational and social programs in the local community. The permanent collection consists of more than 1,000 paintings, sculptures, and other crafts. Click to book your NYC Uptown Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour.

Galleries and Features

More than 1,000 items are in the hands of the Bronx Museum of the Arts. For decades, this institution has been expanding its permanent collection of artwork by talented artists from Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia. Most of the paintings and sculptures were originally created in the 20th century.

The Bronx Museum of the Arts continues to seek innovative and experimental artwork that defines new styles and genres in the 21st century. Books, drawings and other handmade media are also included in the permanent collection. Thanks to major contributions from the Ford Foundation, the Bronx Museum of the Arts has acquired dozens of items from artists all over the world. Some of the temporary exhibits are installed outside of the museum, such as in public spaces and commercial buildings.

After browsing the galleries, you can enjoy some light fare and drinks at the XM Cafe at the main level.

History

Just like many residential districts in other parts of New York City, the Bronx was plagued by urban decay during the 1950s and 1960s. The Bronx Council on the Arts was established to introduce some culture into a part of the borough that has been in rapid decline. In the spring of 1971, the Bronx Museum of the Arts opened to the public as part of a citywide effort to prevent further deterioration.

In its early years, the institution occupied the historic Bronx County Courthouse through municipal funding. Just over a decade after opening, the Bronx Museum of the Arts moved into a new location a few blocks away from the courthouse. An empty synagogue was renovated and transformed into the new home of the expanding museum.

In 2014, a Florida-based architectural firm was hired to improve and expand the main building. More than 16,000 sq feet of space was added as part of a long-term improvement initiative. Known as the Accordion, the new wing added some contemporary appeal to the original building that was already in unison with the traditional architecture of the surroundings.

Visiting The Bronx Museum of the Arts

The Bronx Museum of the Arts is situated along the historic Grand Concourse, which is one of the busiest roads in the southern part of the Bronx. This important thoroughfare accommodates traffic heading south or north through the heart of the borough. The museum doesn’t have its own parking lot for visitors, but there are some metered spots and garages in the vicinity.

To get to the Bronx Museum of the Arts by bus, just take advantage of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) network. The Bx1, Bx2, and BxM4 routes stop just steps away from the museum’s entrance. Located about three blocks away from the museum, the 167 Street station gets service from the B and D trains of the New York City Subway. Whether you’re coming from Manhattan or Brooklyn, these routes will get you to any major point in the Bronx.

When looking for the Bronx Museum of the Arts in densely developed neighborhoods, try to use Yankee Stadium as a point of reference. This famous baseball stadium is just a couple blocks southeast of the museum. After exploring art and history, you’re also encouraged to visit the neighboring Joyce Kilmer Park which has some impressive monuments and other decorative installations.

Location: 1040 Grand Concourse, Bronx, New York, NY, 10456

Click here to visit The Bronx Museum of the Arts official website.

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