What is happening SOuth of HOuston.
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Well known in the 1960s for its art galleries tucked away everywhere, SoHo has always kept that bohemian, artistic side, which today translates into small independent boutiques, charming coffee houses and lofts overflowing with ‘illuminated artists. A district to discover absolutely, and it starts here!
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SoHo, where is it, what is it?
Appointed because of its geographical location (SoHo = SOuth of HOuston Street), SoHo is bordered by Houston Street to the north, Canal Street to the south, Crosby Street to the east and 6th Avenue to the west.
A district cherished by the textile industry in the 19th centuryth century – which can be seen in front of the imposing buildings that punctuate the streets of the district – SoHo then welcomed in the 60s many artists who installed their workshops then galeries in large buildings abandoned by factories. Architecture anecdote: SoHo is one of the districts with the most cast-iron buildings in the world.
Very popular with galleries, the district then saw the price of its rents skyrocket, forcing artists to find another refuge. Most of the galleries have remained, accompanied by new fashion shops rather upscale and chic little shops.
In the streets of SoHo: stop on architecture
Cast iron is therefore very present in the streets of SoHo, and its large imposing buildings actually house – for the most part – studios and lofts of much more human dimensions. Its architectural beauty has raised it to the rank of a National Historic Landmark (historic monument) in 1973, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites.
Among the most beautiful buildings in the district, we can mention:
– Queen of Green Street – 28 Green Street
– Cheney Building – 477-81 Broome Street
– EV Haughwout Building – 488-492 Broadway
– Gunther Building – 469 Broome Street
– Roosevelt Building – 478-82 Broadway
Rather condensed in the same streets, these buildings often have only a few storeys (max 6), are decorated with external ladders and have beautiful windows and many elements borrowed from the architecture of the Second French Empire.
Shopping? Shopping!
Well known to addicts of shopping, SoHo is full of designer boutiques, which rub shoulders with clothing, jewelry, decoration, and textile giants. SoHo is undoubtedly a shopping destination in New York, whose pretty cobbled streets are busy on weekends.
Basically, any shopper will find something to buy there, especially on Prince Street or the essential Broadway, where you will also find charming coffee shops for a well-deserved break between 2 fittings and 3 credit cards.
For a rather exhaustive list of stores which you can find in SoHo, Click here.
SoHo, art and culture side
The SoHo Art Galleries
La Galerie Artists Space
Founded in 1972 in TriBeCa, Artists Space was at the time very controversial, hosting provocative works – for some. Now housed in SoHo, the gallery continues to house works by artists from all walks of life, catering to all audiences.
ArtistsSpace.org
The Morrison Hotel Gallery
THE Art Gallery for music lovers, with photos of musicians, singers and artists at the height of their glory.
MorrisonHotelGallery.com
Franklin Bowles Gallery
This pretty Art Gallery of SoHo houses (and has housed) works by modern painters of the 20th century, such as Rembrandt, Matisse, Dali, Miro or even the genius Dali.
FranklinBowlesGallery.com
Louis K. Meisel Gallery
Specializing in Pin Up art, this gallery welcomes works by photorealists, sculptors, photographers …
MeiselGallery.com
For an overview of all SoHo galleries, Click here.
Le Children’s Museum of the Arts de SoHo
SoHo doesn’t just contain art that adults can decipher: the Children’s Museum of the Arts hosts more than 2,000 works within the reach of children, who can also follow workshops led by artistes, artistic programs specially designed for them or even take part in summer camps.
CMANY.org
Le New Museum of Contemporary Art
Founded in 1977, the New Museum of Contemporary Art houses works bycontemporary art from all over the world, housed in an improbable futuristic-looking building.
Created under the impetus of Marcia Tucker, art historian and critic but also curator, the Museum has a fine collection, which initially had to be renewed every 10 years, of works in all media.
NewMuseum.org
New York City Fire Museum
Yes, well, we are perhaps moving away from the artistic side, but still it is that the New York City Fire Museum from SoHo is a very nice museum to visit.
Very beautiful and very American of course, because the Museum pays tribute to the city’s firefighters, the big arms who wear FDNY polo shirts, and the history of this very hot department.
NYCFireMuseum.org
credit photo : Beyond My Ken, jorgeroyan
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