What you encounter on East Harlem streets may be a bit overwhelming, but you might be surprised to find that "contained" local culture in museums and galleries is often overlooked.
The Taller Boricua Gallery has exhibits featuring various forms of artwork created by Puerto Rican and other Latino artists. The gallery's located in the newly remodeled Julia De Burgos Cultural Center, built in the mid-1800s and once even serving as a Civil War hospital. In addition to the first floor showroom, there's a large community room and courtyard in the back that often hosts live concerts featuring traditional Latin music.
The Cultural Center is on the southwest corner of 106th St. and Lexington Ave. The gallery is open from Tuesday through Saturday (except Thursday) noon to 6pm, on Thursday from 1 to 7pm, and on closed Sundays and Mondays (except for special events). Admission is free, though donations are "suggested". For exhibit information, call 212/831-4333 or check website.
Museo del Barrio is a neighborhood classic featuring exhibits from the global Spanish community, including ancient artifacts of Taino, Maya, Inca, and other Native American cultures that inhabitated lands before the Spaniards came. Newer artists are displayed along with the likes of Picasso or Dali. Location within the Hecksher School for Children, which includes a large auditorium, allows for concerts, theatrics, and dance performances from Hispanic groups from around the world.
Their website lists scheduled exhibitions and events. There's a $5 admission fee for adults, $3 for seniors, and children under 12 are free. The museum is open from 11am to 5pm Wednesday through Sunday at 1230 5th Ave/104 St. -- the farthest facility north on the city's famous Museum Mile.
Just a block south is the Museum of the City of New York, which, as the name suggests, displays various historical aspects of the city rather than have them scattered about in specialized museums. Their website lists all you'll need to know . . . including that they're closed on Sundays and Mondays, open from 10am to 5pm Tuesday through Saturday, and that they open at noon on Sundays. There's a $7 "suggested" donation admission for adults, $12 for families.
* You'll notice El Barrio's walls/sidewalks covered with paintings signed James de la Vega. This budding creator "supposedly" moved his gallery during March 2003 to the Lexington Ave. block between 103rd/104th where his work is displayed or for sale -- definitely worth checking out for art enthusiasts.