Neue Galerie

Description

Checklist

Doors:  double
Number of floors:  4
Elevators:  1
Ramps:  to main entrance
Steps and staircases:  to all floors
Width of aisles:  ample space
Places to sit:  benche in most galleries
Location of restrooms:  lower level
Type of restroom:  multi-stall, handicapped-accessible
Ease of entry and exit:  good
Baby changing station:  yes
Available food services:  Cafe Sabarsky
Friendliness of staff:  friendly and helpful
Notes:  *There is no dedicated parking garage. Parking must be found on the street (very difficult) or in a nearby garage.

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I had heard about the Edvard Munch ( sometimes considered the father of Expressionism) exhibit and wanted to see it. Also, I had never been to the Neue Galerie. So…on a Saturday in March I made my way there.  This museum, a former Rockefeller mansion, is located on the corner of Fifth Avenue and 86th Street. I took the bus up Madison Avenue from an earlier appointment on 43rd Street.  If you are coming by car, find out about one of the nearby garages, as this museum does not have a dedicated garage. I would say that street parking is not likely!

As I approached I was surprised to find a line.  As I turned the corner onto Fifth avenue I was even more surprised to see how long the line was.  When I asked one of the people supervising the line I was told that there have been lines like this since the exhibit opened.  I joined the line and about 35 minutes later I was close to getting in.

The doulbe-door entrance is on 86th Street.  Two steps, plus a ramp on either side of the steps, led to the entryway.  Another five steps were required to reach the main lobby.  If needed, there is an elevator to take guests to the lobby level.

The centerpiece of the main lobby is a beautiful winding marble staircase leading to the second   floor. The staircase from the second to thrid floor is much marrower.

I made my way to the second floor where “The Woman in Gold” (Portrait of Adele Block-Bauer  I, by Gustav Klimt) is located.  This work alone is reason enough to pay a visit to this venue.  “The museum’s entire ollection…covers a range of media, including painting, sculpture, works on paper, decorative arts and photographs created in Austria and Germny between 1890 & 1940.” (website)

After viewing some of the permanent collecton, I made my way to the Munch exhibit.  If I thought the line outside was long, the crowds inside were more of a problem.  Because of the great number of people,  it was difficult to linger at any one work.  The star of the exhibit, “The Scream,” was in a small gallery, with quite a line to get to it.  Even with all of the people it was so worthwhile to see the range  of  Munch’s work.

Most galleries have benches. Marble or wood floors make navigation easy.

An elevator can get one to all floors. I took it to the lower level where the only restrooms are located. They are multi-stall, handicapped-accessible, with baby-changing stations.  This level is also home to the lower level of Cafe Sabarsky.

I returned to the main floor to visit the extensive book store and small gift area.  I thought I would stop by Cafe Sabarsky and have something to eat.  Once again,to my surprise, I discovered that the wait was more than an hour.  I found out that this is typical. This obviously popular cafe not only serves lunch/brunch, it is also home to “Cabaret Nights at Cafe Sabarsky.”  If interested, you can get more information at (212) 628 – 6200, ext 485, or visit www.neuegalerie.org/programs/cabaret.  Based on a conversation I had with some of the people waiting to be seated, I will definitely have to return.

As always, we at Destination Accessible advise you to check a venue’s website www.neuegalerie.org, when planning a visit, to know before you go

Location

Nearby