Fotografiska New York is the Manhattan branch of the popular Swedish contemporary photography museum chain known as Fotografiska. Located in the charming Gramercy Park neighborhood, Fotografiska specializes in temporary exhibitions that promote the power of photography to move and inspire people to change the world. You’ll also find here multiple restaurants and a gift shop, as well as a lively calendar of events comprised of entertaining and creative programming.
Fotografiska New York History
Fotografiska was founded in Stockholm, Sweden, in 2010 with the goal of using photography as a means to increase inclusivity in communities throughout the world. It quickly built a reputation for curating provocative exhibitions of contemporary photography by both emerging artists and established superstars of the art form.
Fotografiska New York opened its doors to the public in 2019. It’s located in the historic Church Missions House in the Gramercy Park neighborhood of Manhattan. Dating to the 1890s, this six-story landmark has a steel structure, and a granite-and-limestone exterior designed to evoke the architecture of medieval Amsterdam. For decades it served as the home of the Episcopal Church’s Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society. It was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
What’s at Fotografiska New York
Fotografiska New York is an ever-evolving institution whose primary focus is on presenting temporary exhibitions that showcase the finest in contemporary photography. This means that every trip to Fotografiska New York is a unique experience, as different exhibits are liable to be on display each time you visit the museum.
Given the diversity of its offerings, it’s difficult to summarize the types of shows found at Fotografiska New York. However, recent exhibitions at the museum have profiled artists as distinctive as Andy Warhol, Ruth Orkin, Jerry Schatzberg, and Sarah Moon, just to name a few. Subjects covered by recent exhibitions here include the female-identifying gaze, exonerated survivors of Death Row, and climate change.
There are multiple dining options at Fotografiska New York. The Café at Fotografiska offers a beverage-forward menu featuring creative coffee drinks, tea, cocktails, wine, and beer. The Café also serves a small selection of sandwiches, baked goods and snacks. Fotografiska members may enjoy drinks, live programming, and more at the exclusive Chapel Bar. This stylish lounge occupies a dark and moody space that was once used for religious services.
Near the museum’s café you’ll find Fotografiska’s gift shop. There you’ll have your pick of elegant coffee table books, photograph reproductions, souvenirs, and clothing. Best of all, the shop enables you to take home a piece of the museum with you, as it’s the perfect place to grab a poster version of your favorite artwork you see during your visit.
Tips for Visiting Fotografiska New York
- The Fotografsika is included on several money saving tourist passes including the New York Pass and NY Explorer Pass.
- Fotografiska hosts numerous special events on a weekly basis. The types of events held here range from family fun days to vinyl record listening parties to guided tours of the museum that include brunch. To see what sort of special event might be available to you at the time of your planned visit, be sure to check out Fotografiska New York’s official website.
- If you plan on driving to the attraction, there are several parking garages located in the general vicinity of Fotografiska New York. However, be advised that you’re going to spend at least $50 to park here even just for an hour or two.
- Alternatively, public transportation will get you to Fotografiska, too. There’s a subway stop—the 23rd Street Station—just a block away from the museum, and multiple bus routes pass nearby as well.
- Keep in mind as you plan your visit that the final entry of the day occurs one full hour before whatever that day’s posted closing time happens to be.