NYC Arts: The Complete Guide to Art and Culture

115th Street Branch—New York Public Library

Manhattan

Mon & Wed: 12 pm-7 pm
Tues & Thurs: 11 am-6 pm
Fri & Sat: 10 am-5 pm

The 115th Street branch of the New York Public Library, built with funds given to the city by Andrew Carnegie, opened in 1908. A three-floor building, its distinctive facade and enduring elegance inspired its designation as a New York City landmark building. The New York City Landmarks book describes it as "an uncommonly rugged and handsome structure designed by McKim, Mead & White in the rusticated Italian palazzo style." Old-fashioned in character, the library is furnished with lovely wooden display cases positioned along the wall on the first floor. Materials for adults and teenagers are located on the main floor. The children's room is located on the second floor. The branch has a tradition of encouraging neighborhood groups to use its location as a venue for meetings and programs. The library has evolved into a focal point of community activity and learning as well as a testing ground for new artistic productions and talent.

For more information on the branch, click here.

Abrons Arts Center

Manhattan

The center is a program of Henry Street Settlement, which has provided services to the Lower East Side since 1893. Its landmarked 300-seat Neighborhood Playhouse houses Henry Street’s visual and performing arts programming alongside its community-based arts training.

Andrew Freedman Home

Bronx

It is the Grand Concourse's grandest building, a broad limestone palazzo set back behind a wide grassy lawn between 166th and McClellan Streets in the Bronx. But the building, paid for by the somewhat mysterious Andrew Freedman, is not a mansion or a museum. It is a home for the elderly, and it has an unusual history. The 1924 building, the Andrew Freedman Home, operated by the Mid-Bronx Senior Citizens Council, has its own signs of age, and of rejuvenation. - Excerpted from The New York Times No Longer Empty is curating a program of arts and culture events at the home during the spring and summer of 2012.

Angel Orensanz Foundation

Manhattan

Within a former synagogue, the Angel Orensanz Foundation presents the installations and art works of Angel Orensanz as well as other artists. Performances are held here as well.

Art Students League of New York

Manhattan

The league offers kids art classes on the weekends. The league also offers portfolio development classes for high school students.