Neue Galerie New York | New York

The Neue Galerie New York is a specialized museum in Manhattan dedicated to early 20th-century German and Austrian art and design. It is renowned for its exquisite collection of Expressionist and Art Nouveau works, focusing on the cultural output from Germany and Austria during the period roughly from 1890 to 1930.

History and Location

The museum opened in 2001 and is housed in a historic limestone mansion at 1048 Fifth Avenue, located on the Upper East Side of New York City. This elegant townhouse, built in 1914, provides an intimate and atmospheric setting that complements the art on display. The museum was co-founded by art dealer Serge Sabarsky and businessman Ronald S. Lauder, both passionate collectors and experts in German and Austrian art.

Collection Highlights

The Neue Galerie’s collection is world-class, featuring masterpieces from some of the most influential artists of the period:

Gustav Klimt: The museum owns Klimt’s iconic Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I (1907), a shimmering, gilded masterpiece that is among the most famous works of Austrian art.

Egon Schiele: Known for his raw, expressive figurative paintings and drawings, Schiele’s work is a highlight of the museum’s collection.

Oskar Kokoschka: A leading figure in Austrian Expressionism, Kokoschka’s intense, psychologically charged portraits are well represented.

Franz Marc and Paul Klee: Both pivotal members of the German Expressionist movement “Der Blaue Reiter,” their vibrant, abstract works illustrate the era’s revolutionary spirit.

The collection also includes decorative arts, furniture, and design objects that capture the elegant aesthetics of the Wiener Werkstätte and the broader Art Nouveau movement.

Exhibitions

The Neue Galerie regularly organizes thematic exhibitions that explore various aspects of German and Austrian modernism. Recent and current exhibitions often highlight movements like Neue Sachlichkeit (New Objectivity), which reacted against Expressionism with a more realistic and socially engaged style.

Café Sabarsky

One unique feature of the museum is Café Sabarsky, modeled after a traditional Viennese coffeehouse. It offers visitors an authentic culinary experience with Austrian pastries such as Sachertorte, Apfelstrudel, and Wiener Melange coffee. The café’s interior is styled with period furnishings, creating a refined atmosphere that transports visitors back to early 20th-century Vienna.

Visitor Information

Hours: Thursday to Monday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM; closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Admission: General admission is $28, with discounts for seniors, students, and teachers. The first Friday of every month offers free entry from 5 PM to 8 PM.

Address: 1048 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10028

Importance

The Neue Galerie is regarded as the premier institution outside Europe dedicated exclusively to the art and culture of early 20th-century Germany and Austria. It plays a vital role in preserving and promoting the rich artistic heritage of this era, making it a must-visit for enthusiasts of modern art, design, and history.