Curated in Harlem
Published 02/10/2026
Harlem has long been a pillar of culture in New York City. What starts here frequently has worldwide impact, whether that’s the Harlem Renaissance, hip-hop, Amateur Night on the Apollo stage or dances that had their origins on 125th Street and went on to become global phenomena.
As we anticipate the opening of the Urban Civil Rights Museum (2026) and Casa Belongo (2027) as well as the reopening of Apollo Theater (2026) and National Black Theatre (2027), we’re taking a look at places you can experience the arts in Harlem right now. A cluster of longstanding, just reopened and brand-new cultural attractions stand in walking distance of one another, making for a worthwhile and convenient visit. Read below to learn about some of them.
Note: While the Apollo is under renovation, all programming there is taking place at the Apollo Stages at the Victoria, just a few doors away.
1
Hispanic Society
1
3741 Broadway
The Hispanic Society Museum & Library is dedicated to Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American culture and art. Its extensive collection is one of the finest outside Spain and features paintings, sculptures, textiles, archaeological finds and other historical relics. The museum, situated on Audubon Terrace, is free to visit during open hours.
2
Sugar Hill Children's Museum
2
898 St. Nicholas Ave.
Update, April 2026: The museum is closed until further notice. At Sugar Hill Children's Museum of Art & Storytelling, children and their families discover, appreciate and create a world of art and stories. Visitors can meet working artists, play in art-making studios, see significant historical and contemporary artwork and hear stories told in many forms. Located at the intersection of Harlem and Washington Heights, the museum offers a window into the diverse art and culture of these legendary neighborhoods.
3
Dance Theatre of Harlem
3
466 W. 152nd St.
Dance Theatre of Harlem, started by Arthur Mitchell—the first African American to perform with the New York City Ballet—and Karel Shook back in 1969, is an acclaimed performance company committed to access, opportunity and excellence in the arts for all. The troupe has a forward-thinking repertoire that includes classics as well as innovative contemporary works. In addition to a Sunday matinee series at their studio, they perform at other venues, including an annual season at New York City Center. Catch their 2026 national and international tour of Firebird, the Russian folktale about the triumph of love over evil set in the Caribbean.
4
Harlem Stage
4
150 Convent Ave.
Harlem Stage is the performing arts center that bridges Harlem’s cultural legacy to contemporary artists of color and dares to provide the artistic freedom that gives birth to new ideas. In 2006, Harlem Stage opened the landmarked, award-winning Harlem Stage Gatehouse—a New York City landmark built in 1890 as the pivotal facility within the Croton Aqueduct system. This historic building has been restored into a state-of-the-art, flexible performance, rehearsal and support space. What was originally a pivotal source for distributing fresh water to the City, is now a vital source of creativity, ideas and culture.
5
Schomburg Center
5
515 Malcolm X Blvd.
Founded in 1925 by Puerto Rican–born Black scholar and bibliophile Arturo Alfonso Schomburg, this important library is a national research center devoted to collecting and preserving documents that reflect the experiences of people of African descent throughout the world. The center’s collection first won acclaim in 1926, and since then, it has grown to more than 11 million items, including manuscripts, recorded sound, photographs and prints. It’s a one-of-a-kind New York institution.
6
National Jazz Museum in Harlem
6
58 W. 129th St.
Sporting a visitors’ center overflowing with books, CDs and DVDs, the National Jazz Museum in Harlem offers jazz education and entertainment to its visitors. Various educational series are on offer, while performance fans can attend Jazz in the Parks events, jam sessions and Live from Harlen concerts.
7
The Studio Museum
7
144 W. 125th St.
Recently reopened in a brand-new building, the Studio Museum in Harlem is a showcase for and of artists of African descent who are influenced and inspired by Black culture. The architectural design of the 2025 structure takes its inspiration from the Harlem community the museum has called home since 1968. Among the items in their permanent collection is an archive of works by James Van Der Zee, the legendary Harlem Renaissance photographer. Find a complete guide here.
8
Caribbean Cultural Center
8
120 E. 125th St.
Located on East 125th Street in historic East Harlem, the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute (CCCADI) is a multidisciplinary organization dedicated to presenting and preserving the diverse cultures of the global African diaspora. CCCADI carries out its mission through public art exhibitions, performances, educational programs, workshops, conferences and international exchanges. Their landmarked building has three art galleries and presents vibrant programming year-round. They have presented artists like Dizzy Gillespie, Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, A Tribe Called Quest, KRS-One and Oshun.
9
El Museo del Barrio
9
1230 Fifth Ave.
Located on New York City's historic Museum Mile, El Museo del Barrio is the nation’s leading Latinx and Latin American cultural institution. The museum welcomes visitors of all backgrounds to discover the artistic landscape of these communities through its extensive permanent collection, varied exhibitions and publications, bilingual public programs, educational activities, festivals and special events.
10
Museum of the City of New York
10
1220 Fifth Ave.
The Museum of the City of New York explores all things New York, from the actual buildings, apartments, parks and streets that make up its urban landscape to the cultures, people, sights, sounds and styles that give it its unmistakable personality. A centerpiece of the experience is "Timescapes," a 28-minute multimedia history of New York City narrated by Stanley Tucci.