Art lovers looking for a museum focused on Austrian and German art will find what they are looking for at Neue Galerie New York, which is probably one of the few Austrian Museums outside of Austria. Located smack in the middle of New York's Museum Mile, the museum features German and Austrian art as well as design dating back to 1900.The museum preserves the high level of culture and innovation that was Austria prior to World War Two. Serge Sabarsky fled his native Vienna in 1939, as the Germans and their Austrian collaborators imposed severe restrictions on the Jews. Serge Sabarsky, unable to pursue his love of art and design in Vienna, set up shop in New York. His collection grew, as did his influence in the art world. Ron Lauder, former US ambassador to Austria and a well-respected art collector and philanthropist was instrumental in creating the museum.
A visit to an Austrian museum would not be complete without a break at a Viennese café and there are two in the museum. Order a Sachertorte at the Café Sabarsky and imagine the intellectual life in 1920 Vienna as the apricot and chocolate teases your palate. Even if Austrian art is not your cup of tea, a nice afternoon coffee break in Café Fledermaus, surrounded by décor inspired by Cabaret Fledermaus in Vienna, is certainly an experience not to miss.
Neue Galerie is located on Fifth Avenue at 86ths street, a few blocks north of the Met and three blocks south of the Guggenheim.
Activities: Tours
Open from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Closed on Tuesday, Wednesday)
$$$ (Expensive); Reduced Rate for Children