The Bronx Museum of the Arts

This place somehow remains a "hidden gem" of the Bronx & NYC in general, despite being a wonderful exhibition space. I'm glad to see that they're greatly expanding their square footage! Since the museum was fee-free, I enjoyed making it my temporary living room for a couple of hours. P.S.: The best restrooms are downstairs. The main level only has one single-occupancy toilet & sink.

Absolutely loved it! The pieces were really nice. Not too busy on a Saturday afternoon. Its definitely worth checking it out, especially since its free.

Well organized. Went for the futura 2000 “breaking out” exhibit. A really well curated show. Wasn’t too hard to get there. Just wished they didn’t run out of gallery pamphlets by the time I got there.

Pretty cool place. I loved looking at the art, Futura 2000 made some cool art. Came here on a school field trip during the renovations, so we could look at all the art but still cool.

If you are into graffiti or want to know about the history of NY graffiti then this is the place to see. It’s free entrance and a 15 minute walk from the train. It’s a hidden gem in the Bronx.

Free museum (but donations are always excepted!) currently only one floor available to view, but 2025/26 should have big changes coming

A great small museum on the Grand Concourse in the Bronx. The exhibition of Michael Richards ("Are You Down?") was great and stimulating. The artist died tragically on 9/11 at age 38. His studio was located in the World Trade Center. A particular focus of his show were the Tuskegee Airmen with allusions to both Icarus and Saint Sebastian. I also enjoyed the current "Bronx Calling: The Sixth AIM Biennial." The architect of the beautiful new building from 2006 was Arquitectonica. Entrance is free.

Small museum but free and featuring local artist. They have a teen council internship that also displayed their culminating art. We were really impressed by the deep thoughts and art of those teens! It doesn't take long at all to visit here and very easy to get to from D train. Opened until 6pm, not crowded at all

I've only been to this museum twice in my 10 years of living here, but both shows were absolutely amazing. One time I came with a friend and the second time I went solo. Reception staff was friendly. Admission is always free. As of 2023, reservations to visit are no longer required. There is a wheelchair ramp to get into the gallery once you walk into the building. There is one restroom on the first floor and more downstairs. Gift shop is extremely tiny.

Came here with my family. Great experience. Not really many people were there. So had the whole museum to ourself for the most part. There are a couple of exhibits to see and there no cost to enter the museum. Which is nice. My only two complaints are parking can be difficult, but I was lucky enough to find parking on the street since the lot was $28. Also, since the museum is small, it's very short tour and there was only one floor that was open and it was a little limited. But we did all have a good time nevertheless. Would recommend visit the museum and take in the beautiful of art and experiences of the artist.

I am waiting for an event to occur to go back inside, so when that happens, I will do a review.

Beautiful museum with amazing exhibits and community programming. Well worth the visit every time I go!! The art is always dope!

I genuinely liked this museum. It's quick enough where if you get the timing right, you can enjoy yourself here and then take in a Yankee game. Also, it's free. I came here via happenstance and thoroughly enjoyed the exhibit on subway graffiti. It was tastefully done. I look forward to coming back to see their other exhibitions.

Museum was okay. Pros is staff is very nice, space is nice and clean. Exhibit itself was not impressive. Poor use of such a large space

I received an email about a new exhibit named Bronx Calling: The Fifth AIM Biennial. I decided to make a reservation. It had been awhile since I visited a museum. I reserved for 5:30pm, the last reservation of the evening. The exhibit was great and had a lot of variety. I wish the reservation was longer then 30 minutes. I would've liked more time.

This tiny museum has exactly two galleries on its main floor, one small and one medium. Check the special exhibits before you go because there is no permanent collection. Free to get in which is awesome. When we visited the smaller space had assemblages of found objects, the larger space had plaster-cast sculptures. No café and you do not exit through the gift shop lol, it's just a little nook with a few books. So you're probably not going to make a special trip here, but if you're in the Bronx definitely check it out.

Great museum highlighting NYC's artistic heritage in all its diversity. Free admission, on Grand Concourse near Yankee Stadium.

This little gem in the bronx is not big but what a amazing space. My goal is to visit every museum in the City of New York. In my own backyard, The Bronx Museum of Arts is a great place to visit and spend half the afternoon. My only wish is that they incorporated Art from Bronx natives.

The museum was preparing for their next exhibitions so only one gallery was open. Angel Otero's wall hangings are collages of oil skins on fabric. While fascinating in their assembly, I was disappointed that there wasn't more to see in other galleries. Exhibitions here can be hit-or-miss so repeated visits can be necessary to appreciate what an important resource this museum means to The Bronx.

Based on the hours posted on the museum's website (which only stated that the museum was closed on Christmas Day) and on Google, we planned a visit to the Bronx Museum of the Arts on Christmas Eve. Never having been to the Bronx, we were excited to venture out of Manhattan. We were exceedingly disappointed. We arrived around noon and the doors were locked, ALTHOUGH the signage on the door and the website indicated the museum opened at 11 on Sunday. When we called, we got a recorded message stating the museum would open at 1 p.m. After walking around for an hour, we returned only to find the doors still locked. When we tried to call for assistance and couldn't reach anyone we left. Shortly thereafter, someone from the museum left a VM that the museum was closed for the holidays. WHAT? How can an organization designed to disseminate information and ideas be so poorly equipped to disseminate accurate information about itself? You should update your website to provide current, accurate information.

There's usually more going on here but right now they're doing a lot of construction so very limited rooms and art. The museum listings is small but very unique. The Bronx museum is great for Its art history. They have a gift shop and they also have a terrace with pop up art. There's also a cafe on the upper level and I did see some Bronx brewery beers on the lower cafe level. The museum is free and donations are welcome. Make sure to check out the building next door to them as there is more art to see

A nice museum with some interesting art pieces and welcoming staff. If you're in the neighborhood, it's well worth a stop. Go before a Yankees game, or after a tasty meal in the area. You won't regret it. Free.

Getting to the Bronx Museum of the Arts was a trek, but I was really excited to check this museum out. This museum is known to have innovative contemporary art works and exhibitions and also offer education programs for cross-cultural dialogues. I love how this museum is an advocate in making art accessible to the community. My favorite pieces include Shimomura's 'Rape of Nanking,' Biggers' 'Afropick,' Taylor's 'Untitled,' Kwami's 'Lanier Place Goddess II,' and Osorio's 'The Scene of the Crime (Whose Crime?).' Bright space with lots of natural light, I really enjoyed checking this museum out! :D +having art accessible to the community :D

Great museum. 1) The museum is free; so if you are around the area, give it a shot. 2) The exhibits are nice. Worth looking around. 3) They have many special events and festivals. Check their website before visiting.

They are displaying one or two artist here. One was Jose Paris. It's yours. It' was only using 2 floors at this time. It displayed quilts in different shape boxes. Some quilts hanging on wall. The upper floor contain patrias artwork and displayed his earlier work as a graffiti artist. They showed what he used starting out his career. I liked most of them. In the lobby I think it's him telling how he got started.

Number of visits: Once. I went here on a date on a chilly day in January. Living in Queens, the Bronx typically wouldn't be my destination for a date, but admission was free and I love art museums. Upon entering the lobby is a cafe serving coffee and sweets with plenty of seats and tables. Off to the side of the front desk is a tiny gift shop. Bathrooms are in the basement. The place looked quite neat. The guard at the front desk was approachable and we had a nice laugh with him. The offerings were interesting, and I took note of at least two works I'd like to see again in the future. We spent less than an hour walking around. When we came back to where we started, that's when we realized how small the museum was. We thought it would be bigger. But I'm not complaining. Four out of five stars. Will I return? I would if I could, but I would probably stay in Queens. Still, I agree with the consensus that it's "a hidden gem".

This is really a 2.5 star review, but I'm grading on a curve. The museum is super small and as such, there is not much to see. The exhibit wasn't compelling. The gift shop is super small. The staff are friendly, though.

I've lived in NYC for six years but I only made it to the Bronx Museum a couple weeks ago, and wow. What a great little museum! I feel guilty admitting this but I was not expecting to enjoy it so much. After visiting I really feel certain that the "neighborhood" museums (Studio Museum in Harlem, Queens Museum, and this one) are the best places to see art in New York--not as sterile or predictable as the famous ones in uptown and downtown Manhattan. There were three exhibitions up when I visited. One was of a Brazilian artist, Paulo Bruscky, in two galleries. The first one featured works where the artist inserted himself in maps, urban space, and the postal system with his drawings, collages, and performances. I really liked one piece called "I'm Pickling Myself (1974) where he put a photo of himself in a pickle jar, as well as his experiments putting his head and body parts in a copy machine, a new office technology at the time. It all had a do-whatever, anything-goes spirit. The second gallery was more somber: about the artist's use of medical technologies to record his existence as a biological organism, shuffling through the qualities of life and archives. I liked the work in the first gallery better but the shift in tone was a smart way to highlight the range of the artist's work. The big galleries had sculptures by Tony Fehrer, which were colorful, simple, ingenious, and delightful. He's the kind of artist who looks at the properties of ordinary things and finds beauty in them. The walls were almost bare, except for some small pieces of cardboard torn off boxes, and so viewers ended up navigating the space by encountering all sorts of assemblages on the floor or hanging from the ceiling, which animated the gallery. Tables of colored glass bottles, filled with various levels of liquid, doodads and washers arranged in a circle--there was a shamanistic aura around this dollar-store detritus. I noticed that several visitors seemed particularly enchanted by a collection of colored mop sticks laid out like a sunburst or a blooming flower. The last gallery featured photographs taken at a beach in the Bronx. They were large-format, high-quality photojournalistic images. I personally preferred the other exhibits but this was a cool thing to have at a community museum and rounded out the experience with another kind of art-making. Everybody takes photos at the beach so in a way, like the Paulo Bruscky and Tony Fehrer, the photo exhibit is encouraging viewers to find (and make) art in everyday life and that's great.

The exhibits often have local relevance-- but for the best experience go for one of their events. The film festivals and dance workshops are amazing! The Museum is pretty big and worth the trip. Plan for at least two hours to see everything. They have a lot of video art and a lot of work that captures the gritty NYC spirit. It's modern art, but not in the pretentious blank canvass sense... this is modern urban art and ANYONE can "get it" and enjoy it. It's fun, silly, angry and poetic. I was very impressed with the artists they selected and moved by a few of the pieces. I like the artists they have here better than what you find at MoMA (mostly) it's just more New York and more relevant --and all Bronx.

It's a small museum but it gives space for serious artists and it's a good intimate setting for small exhibits. Plus, it's free. Only problem, went on a weekend and the café didn't seem operational and there aren't many alternatives outside.

This is a great space to visit if you've never been...or if you have, you should go back! The exhibits chance periodically, so you should check out their website for new exhibits! Also, they have First Fridays and can feature live music, and other performances!! There is a current showing of graffiti as art...and there are some gorgeous pieces. Check it out...you won't be sorry!!

Amazing museum. A true gem. The curators find incredible forgotten artists and draw attention to them. We have been going there for years and no show has been disappointing. We always leave inspired by the exhibits.

This is definitely a hidden gem. Admission is free. It is actually a nice museum. Everyone that works there is friendly. They have some really nice and creative pieces of art. They even have contributions from local high school students. They have a cafe that seeks pastries, salads, and sandwiches. The second floor has a terrace which is very nice as well. Looks like it could be rented out for a special event. Definitely check this out if in the area.

Not bad for a museum with free admission. The staff are very polite and friendly though the exhibitions are just limited. I loved how they feature works of contemporary and upcoming artists. They also have a number of mixed media art which are so interesting and really creative. They have a small museum store and I'm not sure but I don't think they have a cafe.

I attend this museum a few times per month. Am a member. Always a great experience. The currentGordon Matta-Clark "Anarchitect" exhibit is superb in it's historic sentiments.

I was here last Sunday for an hour tour of the HIV/AIDS history exhibit with a group. We were met by our tour guide assigned to us once we checked in with the desk. We were led to a floor away from the exhibits where he could give us a brief preview of what we would see and also checking to see what we know regarding HIV and AIDS history smd personal experiences. Since I was one of the few "older" people who was beyond elementary school in the late 80's I had a bit more personal knowledge than others in the room besides him. He explained some of the stuff we might see and how intense some of the people's feelings were who have seen this exhibit. Apparently this exhibit has happened for a few years annually. Some of the exhibits are definitely parental guidance suggested or for restricted audiences since they might be a bit graphic. Our tour guide asked us questions about what some of the pieces might mean and if we had the money which exhibits we might like to buy them if they were available for sale. He also asked us sone trivia questions about the history of AIDS and HIV as relates to certain exhibits. When he was done with the tour, he let us know we were free to see some of the other exhibits in different sections. By this time I knew that the museum was free. We went upstairs to get our stuff then back to the lobby. Our group wanted to take a picture by the ramp. He was kind enough to take our picture so our entire group could be in the picture.

Beautiful, intimate, approachable space with tons of free programming not to mention free entrance. Absolute community gem!

This is not an art museum with a static collection and a rotation of exhibits. It's a rotation of exhibits and isn't always operating at full capacity. We made a special trip and had a challenging time with travel arrangements. It was disappointing to see there was one exhibit with a sparse selection scattered through two rooms. Nice building, free admission, friendly staff. ... skip it if you need to make a trip for it. Go if you need to kill a few minutes and are walking by.

Love this place! I am a huge museum fan. Admission is free. Love the beautiful art. It is quite varied and captivating. The terrace is also beautiful. Worth going if you are in Bronx or nearby. They have many special events and festivals so keep an eye out. I appreciate all they do. Tour guides are also very knowledgeable and helpful in answering any questions. Highly recommend this museum!!!

Is an okay museum but I know they can be better and offer more cultural arts especially because is located in the Bronx which has multiple ethnicities they can improve with more activities for the public!

I've always meant to come here, but didn't get the chance until recently. It's a surprisingly large space, as most museums I've been to in the Bronx have been tiny closets of curios on display. This is a large, well-lit space with an interesting variety of things to see. The historical collection balances well with the contemporary art, allowing both your modern and past minds to blend. My only gripe is the lady at the reception desk--she wasn't into it. Just...wasn't into it.

On my last trip to New York I wanted to go to some of the smaller museums and sites I didn't get to see on my first trip several years ago. I took the subway up to the Bronx to go to Wave Hill, but decided to go to the BMA instead. I'd heard a lot of good things about the BMA I went in and loved loved it. This was one of my favourite attractions that I went to. The exhibits were interesting, the museum was a good size, not too big and not to small. The admission is by donation, but you should put in the $5 they suggest because its well worth it.

It is very nicely curated when they actually have exhibits and update the website properly. It is mortifying to bring an excited group of students to an empty museum after triple-checking the website the afternoon prior. Call first if you want to come here, because you can't trust their website.

I am so impressed by the BMA. I came here on Christmas Eve with my friend, because they are free (!) on Fridays. So I willingly trekked all the way from killer Queens to the boogie down just to see the museum. That's dedication. The BMA was a quick walk from the 167 Street subway stop on the 4 (the closer one being 167 Street on the B/D line), and I was struck by the glass facade, and how, despite its very modern design, seemed to blend in with the neighborhood just fine. When I entered, it was free, so my friend and I were free to roam about. The security guy/receptionist advised us not to go upstairs, so we only got to see the first floor. I'm not sure if they were changing exhibits, or if they're undergoing renovations, but just from the one floor I got to see, the BMA knows how to work their space. Between exploring Asian American identity in "Urban Archives: Happy Together," the side-by-side presentations of Tracey Moffatt's colorful "Montages" and Bosco Sodi's gritty red "Pangaea," and Paul Strand's exemplary "Mexican Portfolio," modern art is what they know best, and play best. I can only imagine how the BMA is when they show itself in its full glory with their festivals and workshops. Solid place that deserves more street cred.

I have loved the events there. The last couple of exhibits I've checked out were very well done. The space is small, but makes sense for the mission. The member events are a great way to gain appreciation for the collections. Younger kids might not be amused, but the three year old nephew enjoyed the Lords along with the eight year old. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly.

$5 admission fee. $3 with studen i.d. I think. A few years ago, I was here for the Hip Hop and Contemporary Art exhibit and it was well worth the low admissions fee I paid. They consistently have interesting new exhibits and film screenings. While the museum itself is relatively new (started in the seventies), it is really growing in membership; you should totally stop by if you have time. This musem is way overlooked.

This museum is wonderful and is very professionally put together. I went over this weekend to see the bold and beautiful HIV/AIDS exhibit. It was one of the best exhibits I have seen in a long time, each of the plaques are very informative and tell you insight into what the artist was thinking. It is free! Can't get much better than history and free! It is close to a train station across the street for the B and D trains.

Went there to see the clear plastic bottles semi-filled with blue liquid hanging on a rope. But was impressed with the 350 coke bottle delivery crates stacked to form a red cube with the logos erased.

This is a wonderful museum. It's small but very beautiful. It has very interesting exhibits all the time. The programs offered are incredible! And there are many different kinds of programs. They have had an art competition and a Coquito tasting; a Flamenco christmas performance; a screening of "the weight of the nation", with a healthy version of lunch and a discussion of sugar in soft drinks; a panel discussion about contemporary Latino media; a performance by Grammy winners La Santa Cecilia; a fashion show and many, many other community based events and cultural events. You can choose from family or adult events or just stop by for the excellent exhibits. The cafe offers great food and it's a good place for a business meeting; to catch up with a friend or eat with the family. It also offers a happy hour. During the summer, they offer Boogie on the Boulevard, which is a wonderful outdoor event that spans several blocks on the Grand Concourse (which are closed off for the event). They also provide excellent senior luncheons, with great entertainers and food. There is a very fun holiday market with local vendors too. The museum is wheelchair accessible, via ramps or the elevators.

The cafe here is a real gem; a quiet place to get a coffee n' scone, do some work and check out an exhibit (museum is free).

This place is a gem. They have a fantastic space, very easily navigated. (No issues with flow like MOMA.) They're committed to art made by people who are good, not famous. And the gallery attendants are easily the best around. They invite you to interact with work, are happy to turn up the volume on audio and video pieces, and are seemingly glad to be helpful. AT A MUSEUM. Crazy.

It's a small museum, but for the price (free!) it was more than I was expecting. Their largest exhibit explores artists' reactions to and experiences with AIDS in the 80s and 90s. Nice pieces, well curated.

This is a cool museum tucked beside the Grand Concourse up in the Bronx. It's a mini trek for those who are based downtown or in BK, but it makes for a nice day trip. Unlike a lot of popular museums, which seems to be very crowded on the weekends, this place is relatively less so. The staff is friendly and laid back, and security doesn't hawk you like a lot of other places.

The museum has great spaces for events like wedding receptions and other parties. We were very pleased with our experience hosting an event there. It was affordable, especially when you compare it to other venues in NYC. They have different spaces to accommodate different numbers of people. The museum staff coordinating rentals for such events are very helpful, as were the security and maintenance staff. Our event went out without a hitch (at least that we knew of!). The museum let us bring alcohol and decorations ahead of time to be stored there. If you are using this space, know that it is really just the space and things like tables and chairs. Everything else you must rent or provide yourself (e.g., linens, dishes, catering company, etc.). Also, the museum does not permit any open flame (so no sternos) and if you are considering having an event there, be sure that there are not other events on the day of or day before/after that may cause issues with your event space and other logistics.

Bronx Museum is all about access to Art and Culture, so the museum is free/donation-based. They have events throughout the month to engage the community. Most of the exhibits have are more contemporary and urban. They also have live music at some events.

Cool space. Went on a free admission weekend to check it out. The current exhibits on street art was intriguing. I really enjoyed seeing all the live installations people have done historically on the streets of urban cities.

I live like a block away from the bronx museum and I walk in as much as I can. The people that run the museum are great and the art work is better than most that I see in manhattan and brooklyn. Its a shame that more people don't visit because of the sigma attached to the bronx. Its a must see museum for any true new yorker.