Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art

Arts organization · Chelsea ·

Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art

Arts organization · Chelsea ·

Himalayan art museum with 38,000 pieces, sculptures, paintings

Information

140 W 17th St, New York, NY 10011 Get directions

@cntraveler

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"Located in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood, the Rubin Museum is dedicated to the art of the Himalayas and India. Spanning 1,500 years and 38,000 pieces, the Rubin's collection is a comprehensive, unparalleled deep dive into the art of the Himalayas, composed of sculptures, paintings, installations (that display rituals such as Nepalese wax metal casting), and reproductions of murals of Tibet’s Lukhang Temple. Fascinating temporary exhibits showcase, for example, photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson's documentation of mid-century India, or the ceremonies, agrarian festivals, and natural environment in Nepal’s Kathmandu Valley." - Andrea Whittle, Charlie Hobbs

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-museums-in-new-york-city

Peter Aaron

Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art

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"Happy hour with live tabla music; a mindful meditation session; a collection of imposing shaman masks; and temporary exhibits like Henri Cartier Bresson’s photos of Gandhi’s final days. These are just a few of the varied reasons to visit the Rubin. It’s a museum on a mission—to promote cross-cultural understanding and provoke an emotional response as you explore the cultures of the Himalayas. The permanent collection dates back about 1,500 years and includes art from India, Mongolia, and Nepal. It’s organized by theme across six floors connected by a grand spiral staircase. For a moment of zen, be sure to stop in the Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room, part of the Sacred Spaces installation, featuring offering bowls, sculpture, and paintings."

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Rubin Museum of Art

Rana S.

Google

It was a nice museum. We went on Friday evening and they had a DJ as well but I’m not sure if they have it every Friday. If you know about Asian art it would probably be more interesting to you, I only knew a bit but overall it was nice. If you buy drinks from the bar make sure you finish it before going up for the museum because they don’t allow drinks/food on that floor. There is also a little shop where you can buy something.

Iván M.

Google

As a Buddhist and art aficionado myself I had been looking forward to visiting The Rubin for a while. The spiral staircase at the center of the museum is almost legendary and in a way resonates with the philosophical exhibits throughout. Housing mainly Tibetan, South and East Asian art - this has become one of my favorite spots in the city. In addition to the permanent exhibits, I'd recommend visiting the Mandala lab, and the sensory experiences. Fantastic!

Caroline C

Google

The Rubin Museum’s location on 17th Street will be closing soon unfortunately, and will be sorely missed. This beautiful space, dedicated to Himalayan art and culture, offered a truly immersive experience. The Gong Room allowed a terrific way to express yourself. While the temple space was a peaceful nook with its intricate details and spiritual ambiance. The mix of contemporary art with more historical pieces was refreshing.

Emily F.

Google

I still cannot believe the museum is closing as soon as early October. The exhibitions were powerfully inspiring and I am disappointed in myself for have only recently coming across it. Please make it a point to go out and visit while you still can. You are bound to have a good time, best to go with a date that you’re excited to see. ☺️

Sue S.

Google

Visited in last day and last moment before the museum getting closed after 20 years. Unique closing party with performance from traditional culture born from Himalaya. A lot of spectacular sculpture in this museum from 16-17th century when people spent decades to craft a master piece instead of leveraging 3D printer. Hopefully the exhibition will be available somewhere else in the world.

Nicole M.

Google

The Rubin Museum is truly a beautiful place that houses a collection of art from the Himalayan region. The sculptures and other artifacts are magnificent. I came in on a Thursday and was able to participate in the mindfulness meditation session which was lovely. The Mandala Lab is an absolute must see and a sensory experience very much unique to the museum. For $19 a ticket (including the meditation) the Rubin is well worth a visit. They also offer a delicious lunch that is provided at an additional charge. I highly recommend this. The Rubin is truly a wonderful museum that everyone should visit!

Samrudha D.

Google

Wonderful museum in the beautiful Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan. I believe the theme of exhibits is typically based on Asia. When I visited there were Tibetan art and a fascinating death related exhibition. The building has a spiral staircase at the center and I would recommend starting from the top and walking downwards. Apart from their own, the museum also supports memberships like ICOM.

Spencer O.

Google

Really great museum tucked away in Chelsea. I was really pleased with the entire museum and thought that everything was displayed in a way that was incredibly flattering to the art itself as well as to the building as a whole. The museum is all centered around a beautiful staircase that spirals up the center of the building. There were a great amount of interactive exhibits and some very helpful staff!