The number of exceptional galleries and museums located in New York City never ceases to amaze me. I'm sure you're all familiar with some of them: The Whitney, The Guggenheim, The Met, The Frick. But I would like to tell you a bit about a lesser known, equally sensational art institution here in New York, known as The Neue Galerie.
Located at 1048 Fifth Avenue in a gorgeous 1914 townhouse, the artwork on display in the Neue is just one of the many reasons to pay visit to the gallery. Designed by the renown duo Carrere and Hastings (architects of the New York Public Library), the building in which the gallery resides boasts grand staircases and beautifully molded-oak walls. It once belonged to Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt III, and now features two fashionable cafes, and a fabulous design shop.
Here's a bit of history for you on the Neue. Art collectors Ronald S. Lauder and Serge Sabarsky, in a concerted effort to attract interest in German and Austrian art, decided to open a gallery in the early 90's. However during their planning stages, Mr. Sabarsky died suddenly. Lauder, keen on realizing the pair's shared dream, founded the gallery himself in November, 2001. The space is dedicated to the memory of Lauder's dear friend, Mr. Sabarsky.
Currently on view is the exhibition "Selections from the Permanent Collection." Have a look at some of the photos I took while at the Neue.
1 On the first floor of the gallery, there is a wonderful design shop.
2 Inside, you can find a variety of fine and interesting glassware, jewelry, and gift items.
3 These light fixtures hang all around the gallery. They are so modern and elegant.
4 This photo gives you a sense of the stunning architecture and decor of the building.
5 The staircase is marble and spiraling.
6 During my visit, a guide shared with me that the paint on the walls is touched up once a week!
7 Another shot of the amazing second floor entrance hall.
8 Vienna 1900: Style and Identity was the name of the exhibition on display when I visited in early August.
9 Famous paintings by Gustav Klimt hang on the marble and gilded walls.
10 I was in awe of the detail and beauty of Klimt's paintings up close.
11 Viennese fashions were also included in the exhibition.
12 Klimt's renown portrait of Adele Bloch Bauer, completed in 1907.
13 Klimt's portrait of Baroness Elisabeth Bachofen-Echt, completed in 1916.
14 A close-up of the marble molding, used to frame the works of art.
15 Klimt's portrait of Serena Lederer, completed in 1899.
16 Another gallery on the second floor houses books by Sigmund Freud, architectural models, and paintings by other German and Austrian artists.
17 A reproduction of Freud's famed psychoanalysis sofa.
18 The walls of the gallery are very elaborate.
19 There are many things to look at inside the building, besides the amazing artwork.
20 Vienna 1900, the last exhibition, highlights a period of Modernist thought. The sanitarium was a popular development of the time — a reproduction of one is pictured here.
21 These chairs are from a 1900's sanitarium.
22 I love how multimedia the exhibit is — paintings, books, and decor all help illustrate this important time frame in Vienna.
23 What amazing floor to ceiling windows!
24 A gorgeous, gilded mirror hangs over the marble fireplace of the gallery.
25 The third gallery of the second floor shows provocative sketches by various artists.
26 Much thought went into curating the Vienna 1900 exhibit. Everything from the red paint of the walls to the layout of the art is really spectacular.
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28 The German painting gallery.
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30 Klimt landscapes are not as well known, but still brilliant works.
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34 Expressionist painting is highlighted in the German gallery.
35 One of the galleries on the top floor of the Neue had different printed papers covering the wall. They lent the space a very graphic, timely design.
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37 Fine and decorative art were very closely related during this time in Vienna.
38 Glassware by Otto Prutscher.
39 A cutlery set by Josef Hoffman.
40 A gallery on the third floor dedicated to modern, twentieth-century architecture.
41 This was my favorite gallery. I love seeing furniture from this era.
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43 Furniture of the time was very detailed and ornate.
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46 Old advertising prints from the 1900's line one of the corridors between galleries.
47 At the end of the exhibition there is an interesting video installation.
48 This is a shot of the book store. I could spend hours here browsing the gallery's collection of art and design titles! And once again, the space is truly beautiful.
49 There is a cafe, Cafe Sabarsky, on the ground floor of the building. The atmosphere is charming, the coffee, strong, and the Viennese pastries, delicious!
With the ten year anniversary of the Neue coming up in November, I wanted to make sure you all were paying attention to this remarkable gallery. Communications Manager at the Neue, Leah Ammon, explained to me that in honor of the big birthday, there will be a phenomenal exhibition coming up soon.
Keep an eye out for this show. I am certain it will exciting.
Kevin Sharkey 
From: Trish | 8/22/11 at 11:49 am
Thanks for the introduction to this gallery Kevin. It is absolutely beautiful and I don't understand why it is one of the lesser known. I could spend all day in there. You took fabulous pictures!
From: Jan Erickson | 8/22/11 at 6:03 pm
Hi Kevin, This is one of your most interesting, beautiful blog post about a museum in New York City and it would be fun to vivit some day. I will add it to my list of favorite places to visit if I ever make it to NYC. These photos are stunning and your comments are terrific. Thanks for sharing. Jan
From: Robert | 9/19/12 at 2:54 pm
I love the 7th photo of the 2nd floor entryway- it has such a classic look to it.