SoHo & TriBeCa
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SOHO & TriBeCa (South of Houston Street and triangle below Canal respectively) is an artistic though increasingly commercial part of lower Manhattan. Formerly an industrial district, preservationists saved the area's cast-iron buildings (the greatest concentration in the world) from demolition in the sixties. Soon after, artists began to move into the area's lofts, followed by galleries, cafes and shops. Rents rose and artists have been moving to neighboring TriBeCa. TriBeCa itself is not becoming as trendy as SOHO, offering galleries and the city's newest restaurants.The part of SOHO outlined by West Broadway, Houston, Crosby, and Canal Streets is designated as an historic district in the National Register.
Related Attractions
Museum for African Art
In 1984, the Center for African Art was founded as a venue to mount special exhibitions on African art. In the fall of 1992, the Center, then located on East 68th Street, changed its name to the Museum for African Art, a name that more accurately reflect the institution's expanded activities. In February 1993, with public and private support, the Museum moved to its present location in Manhattan's SoHo District. Designer Maya Lin, creator of the National Vietnam Veterans' Memorial, re-vamped the museum's interior. The Museum also joined the new "SoHo Museum Row" community along with neighboring institutions such as the Guggenheim Museum SoHo and the New Museum of Contemporary Art.
New York City Fire Museum
The New York City Fire Museum is housed in a renovated beaux-arts 1904 firehouse. The museum's collection of fire related exhibits include art, artifacts and fire-fighting equipment from the eighteenth century to 1917. Pre Civil War hand pumped fire engines, horse drawn vehicles and early motorized machinery are on displayed. The Fire Museum is also a great way to learn about modern day firefighting, with a collection of modern tools and accessories. On display is a Jaws of Life, among other items.There is also a permanent memorial dedicated to the FDNY members who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.
New Museum of Contemporary Art
Founded in 1977 by the former curator of the Whitney Museum, the New Museum of Contemporary Art features works by living artists such as Jeff Koons, and the late John Cage. The purpose of the museum is to exhibit artists who perhaps deserve, but lack, recognition from the more traditional art museums.Although it has been around since the late 1970s the current building housing the museum was only completed in 2007. The creatively designed building resembles unevenly stacked boxes, and is quite striking, particularly given the surroundings.
Chaim Gross Studio Museum
The Chaim Gross Studio Museum features the works of sculptor Chaim Gross (1904-1991). The gallery is set in the former townhouse which was owned by the artist and his wife. On display are his sculptures, drawings, photos, and other personal items, including his own art collection from around the world.Gross was born in East Austria and eventually moved to New York City in 1921.
E.V. Haughwout Building
The Haughwout Building is an example of the cast-iron building that is endemic to SoHo: rows of windows framed by arches set on columns flanked by taller columns. The building was the first to use the steam-driven Otis elevator which later made possible the skyscraper.
Greene Street
Walking along Greene Street, a visitor will encounter five cobblestone blocks of 50 cast-iron buildings dating from 1869-95. Those at 72-76 are the King of Greene Street, considered the finest cast-iron buildings along this stretch. Galleries abound along here.
Children's Museum of the Arts
The Children's Museum of the Arts was founded in 1988 to offer children the chance to explore their artistic creativity through performance and visual art. Exhibitions focus on art by children.
Drawing Center
Established in 1976, the Drawing Center focuses on contemporary and historic drawings. Emerging and under-recognized artists are featured in the Main Gallery or the Drawing Room.
Guggenheim Museum SoHo
The Guggenheim Museum SoHo opened in 1992 to acclaim. Like its parent museum uptown, this Guggenheim features contemporary art including a permanent exhibit of Andy Warhol work.
Alternative Museum (closed)
ATTRACTION IS CLOSED - EXHIBITS AVAILABLE ONLINE.The Alternative Museum features exhibits which are political in nature. Also featured are lectures and concerts.
Harrison Street
Harrison Street contains a row of eight restored Federal townhouses built in the late 1700s and early 1800s.
Singer Building
Named after the sewing machine company, the Singer Building is an ornate terra-cotta structure adorned with wrought-iron balconies and arches painted in dark green.
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