Located between West 116th Street and West 59th Street, the Upper West Side is perhaps known for its beautiful residential neighbourhoods. However, regular visitors to the Big Appl
e, such as Tunde Folawiyo, will probably be aware that it is also considered to be the cultural hub of Manhattan. Here, we’ll be taking a look at just a couple of its most interesting intellectual offerings.
The first is the American Folk Art Museum; this space houses a wonderful collection of both traditional folk art, and more modern efforts from American and international artists, Art fanatics like Tunde Folawiyo might know that this genre has, and continues to play an important role in the merging of traditional methods with new creative concepts.
This museum is a fantastic place to explore if you’re interested in the evolution of this particular artistic genre, as it houses works dating from the 1700s, all the way up to the present day. Some of the most fascinating items include paintings by Sheldon Peck and Edward hicks, as well as a series of Shaker gift drawings and Pennsylvania German pieces. You can explore the museum on your own, or take a guided tour, led by a gallery educator. The latter is a good option if you wish to better understand the context and themes of the art on display; however, tours must be booked at least three weeks in advance.
In the same neighbourhood, you’ll find one of the city’s oldest museums; the New York Historical Society. Established in the early 19th century, it is home to a wealth of art collections, as well as a large research facility. In total, there are more than 1.6 million items on display here, including work by Eastman Johnson, William Sidney Mount, Frederic Edwin Church and Thomas Cole. You’ll also find an enormous collection of historical items within the Museums Centre for the Study of American Culture, including everything from 19th-century board games, to the camp bed of George Washington, and the writing desk of Clement Clarke Moore.
If, like Tunde Folawiyo, you are interested in American history, this museum’s research library is the perfect place to while away an afternoon; filled with millions of architectural drawings, photographs, prints, maps, pamphlets and books, as well as a comprehensive collection of newspapers dating back to the 18th century, it will fascinate even the most knowledgeable of history enthusiasts.