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The Rubin Museum of Art

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At a Glance

Time Needed: 90 min.

Ages: All

Allows Food/Drink: No

Luggage Storage: No

The Rubin Museum of Art, located in New York City, is a must-visit destination for tourists interested in the art and culture of the Himalayas, India, and neighboring regions. The museum's collection includes over 4,000 objects, including paintings, sculptures, textiles, and ritual objects, that span a range of time periods and geographic locations. Visitors to the museum can expect to be transported on a journey through the history and art of the Himalayan region, with exhibits that explore themes such as religion, power, and everyday life. One of the most popular exhibits is the Tibetan Shrine Room, which is a recreation of a traditional shrine room from the 19th century. In addition to the museum's exhibits, there are also a variety of programs and events that take place throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, and workshops. These events provide visitors with opportunities to learn more about the art and culture of the Himalayan region, and to engage with the museum's collection in new and exciting ways. The Rubin Museum of Art is a fascinating and enriching destination for tourists who are interested in exploring the art, culture, and history of the Himalayan region.

150 W 17th St, New York, NY 10011 Get Directions





The Rubin Museum of Art Videos

Theme: Compassion  Artwork: Ushnishavijaya; Tibet; 18th century; ground mineral pigment on cotton; Rubin Museum of Art; gift of Shelley and Donald Rubin;  http://therubin.org/373 Teacher: Elaine Retholtz The Rubin Museum of Art presents a weekly meditation session led by a prominent meditation teacher from the New York area, with each session focusing on a specific work of art. This podcast is recorded in front of a live audience, and includes an opening talk, a 20-minute sitting session, and a closing discussion. The guided meditation begins at 11:04.  This meditation is presented in partnership with Sharon Salzberg, teachers from the NY Insight Meditation Center, the Interdependence Project, and Parabola Magazine.  If you would like to attend Mindfulness Meditation sessions in person or learn more, please visit our website at RubinMuseum.org/meditation. If you would like to support the Rubin Museum and this meditation series, we invite you to become a member and always attend for free.  Have a mindful day! 01:03 - Art Connection 11:04 - Meditation Mindfulness Meditation Podcast Episode 383 August 4, 2023 ★ Episode details: https://share.transistor.fm/s/1324288b ★ Additional episodes: https://rubinmuseum.org

Theme: Compassion Artwork: Unidentified Religious Master; Tibet; 16th century-17th century; Parcel-gilt silver, pigment; repoussé; Rubin Museum of Art; http://therubin.org/371 Teacher: Lama Aria Drolma The Rubin Museum of Art presents a weekly meditation session led by a prominent meditation teacher from the New York area, with each session focusing on a specific work of art. This podcast is recorded in front of a live audience, and includes an opening talk, a 20-minute sitting session, and a closing discussion. The guided meditation begins at 13:01. This meditation is presented in partnership with Sharon Salzberg, teachers from the NY Insight Meditation Center, the Interdependence Project, and Parabola Magazine.  If you would like to attend Mindfulness Meditation sessions in person or learn more, please visit our website at RubinMuseum.org/meditation. If you would like to support the Rubin Museum and this meditation series, we invite you to become a member and always attend for free.  Have a mindful day! Mindfulness Meditation Podcast Episode 382 July 28, 2023 ★ Episode details: https://share.transistor.fm/s/ccc8a352 ★ Additional episodes: https://rubinmuseum.org

Discover Project Himalayan Art, a first-of-its kind interdisciplinary resource for learning about Himalayan, Tibetan, and Inner Asian art and cultures from the Rubin Museum of Art. This three part-initiative —digital platform, publication, and traveling exhibition—is designed to support the widespread incorporation of these cultures into undergraduate teaching on Asia. Developed in collaboration with specialists in the field, Project Himalayan Art focuses on cross-cultural exchange with Tibet at the center and Buddhism as the thread that connects the diverse cultural regions. Hear from the project’s leads, Elena Pakhoutova and Karl Debreczeny, senior curators at the Rubin Museum; Jorrit Britschgi, Executive Director of the Rubin Museum; along with scholars Annabella Piktin, Riga Shakya, and Gautama Vajracharya; as well as students from Lehigh University who share their impressions and experiences working with the material. Discover Project Himalayan Art: https://projecthimalayanart.rubinmuseum.org/ About the Rubin Museum of Art: The Rubin Museum of Art in Chelsea, New York City, explores and celebrates Himalayan art, cultures, and ideas across history and into the present. With its globally renowned collection, centered largely around art from the Tibetan Plateau, the Rubin fosters understanding and appreciation of Himalayan art by interpreting and relating it to our shared human experience today. Inspired by the tenets of Buddhism, Hinduism, and indigenous religions, and aligned with ongoing research into learning, behavior, and the brain, the Rubin offers innovative exhibitions and programs that examine provocative ideas across the arts and explore the mind. Through this work, the Museum serves as a space for reflection and personal transformation, opening windows to inner worlds so visitors can better navigate outer ones. Learn more about the Rubin Museum: https://rubinmuseum.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rubinmuseum Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RubinMuseum Subscribe for our latest videos and invitations to live events: https://rubinmuseum.org/site/e-news Commit to Himalayan art and ideas. Support the Rubin by becoming a member today: https://rubinmuseum.org/support/membership

Theme: Compassion Artwork: Green Tara; Tibet; 18th century; pigments on cloth; Rubin Museum of Art; gift of Shelley and Donald Rubin; http://therubin.org/370 Teacher: Kimberly Brown The Rubin Museum of Art presents a weekly meditation session led by a prominent meditation teacher from the New York area, with each session focusing on a specific work of art. This podcast is recorded in front of a live audience, and includes an opening talk, a 20-minute sitting session, and a closing discussion. The guided meditation begins at 10:57. This meditation is presented in partnership with Sharon Salzberg, teachers from the NY Insight Meditation Center, the Interdependence Project, and Parabola Magazine.  If you would like to attend Mindfulness Meditation sessions in person or learn more, please visit our website at RubinMuseum.org/meditation. If you would like to support the Rubin Museum and this meditation series, we invite you to become a member and always attend for free.  Have a mindful day! 01:03 Art Connection 10:57 Meditation Mindfulness Meditation Podcast Episode 381 July 21, 2023 ★ Episode details: https://share.transistor.fm/s/db4da07e ★ Additional episodes: https://rubinmuseum.org

Theme: Compassion Artwork: Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara Nepal; 13th-14th century; Gilt copper alloy with semiprecious stone inlay; Rubin Museum of Art; http://therubin.org/36-Z Teacher: Tracy Cochran The Rubin Museum of Art presents a weekly meditation session led by a prominent meditation teacher from the New York area, with each session focusing on a specific work of art. This podcast is recorded in front of a live audience, and includes an opening talk, a 20-minute sitting session, and a closing discussion. The guided meditation begins at 13:28. This meditation is presented in partnership with Sharon Salzberg, teachers from the NY Insight Meditation Center, the Interdependence Project, and Parabola Magazine.  If you would like to attend Mindfulness Meditation sessions in person or learn more, please visit our website at RubinMuseum.org/meditation. If you would like to support the Rubin Museum and this meditation series, we invite you to become a member and always attend for free.  Have a mindful day! Mindfulness Meditation Podcast Episode 380 July 14, 2023 ★ Episode details: https://share.transistor.fm/s/78c1712f ★ Additional episodes: https://rubinmuseum.org

Theme: Impermanence Artwork: Buchung Nubgya (b. 1979, Shigatse); New York City; 2020; mineral pigments on cloth; Rubin Museum of Art; http://therubin.org/36z Teacher: Elaine Retholtz The Rubin Museum of Art presents a weekly meditation session led by a prominent meditation teacher from the New York area, with each session focusing on a specific work of art. This podcast is recorded in front of a live audience, and includes an opening talk, a 20-minute sitting session, and a closing discussion. The guided meditation begins at 10:12. This meditation is presented in partnership with Sharon Salzberg, teachers from the NY Insight Meditation Center, the Interdependence Project, and Parabola Magazine.  If you would like to attend Mindfulness Meditation sessions in person or learn more, please visit our website at RubinMuseum.org/meditation. If you would like to support the Rubin Museum and this meditation series, we invite you to become a member and always attend for free.  Have a mindful day! Mindfulness Meditation Podcast Episode 379 July 7, 2023 ★ Episode details: https://share.transistor.fm/s/f02c5b1e ★ Additional episodes: https://rubinmuseum.org

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The Rubin Museum of Art News

New York Festival Of Song to Present 15th Annual NYFOS Next Festival

The New York Festival of Song's 15th annual NYFOS Next Festival returns with concerts on September 29 and November 3 at the Rubin Museum of Art, featuring new works by Kamala Sankaram and LJ White.

Mimi Garrard And Her Collaborators Present GLOBAL Four Works For Video

Mimi Garrard and her collaborators will present four provocative dance works for video at the Rubin Museum of Art in New York.

New York Festival of Song Announces 2024-25 Season

Discover the exciting lineup for the New York Festival of Song's 2024-25 season, featuring a diverse range of performances and events celebrating the art of song.

Mimi Garrard Dance Theatre to Present A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY at the Rubin Museum of Art

Mimi Garrard of Mimi Garrard Dance Theatre will present a special invitation only film event, A Spiritual Journey at the Rubin Museum of Art. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Apollo Chamber Players to Present Free 'Holiday Voyage' Program Benefiting Healthcare For The Homeless

Apollo Chamber Players presents 'Holiday Voyage,' a free annual concert celebrating religious pluralism as a means of fostering compassion and cultural harmony. All proceeds from the event will benefit Healthcare for the Homeless - Houston.

NYFOS Next Festival Continues With IN HER OWN WORDS at Rubin Museum

​​​​​​​New York Festival of Song (NYFOS), led by Artistic Director Steven Blier, presents the second concert in its annual NYFOS Next Festival, a mini-series for new song curated by Nathaniel LaNasa, on Sunday, November 19, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. at the Rubin Museum of Art. 

 New York Festival of Song Returns in November

 New York Festival of Song (NYFOS), led by Artistic Director Steven Blier, presents its annual NYFOS Next Festival with two performances on Sunday, October 15, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 19, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. Learn more about the upcoming performances here!

NYFOS Next Festival to Return with New Song Performances at Rubin Museum of Art

New York Festival of Song, led by Artistic Director Steven Blier, will present its annual NYFOS Next Festival with two performances on Sunday, October 15, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 19, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. at the Rubin Museum of Art.

Peter Dugan, César Andrés Parreño & More Set for New York Festival Of Song 2023-24 Season

New York Festival of Song has revealed its 2023-24 season of performances, including four Mainstage Series programs at Merkin Hall, co-presented with Kaufman Music Center.

DEATH IS NOT THE END Opens March 17 At The Rubin Museum

The Rubin Museum of Art presents “Death Is Not the End,” a new exhibition opening March 17 that explores notions of death and the afterlife through the art of Tibetan Buddhism and Christianity.

New York Festival Of Song Continues Mainstage Series At Kaufman Music Center With KABARETT, November 16

New York Festival of Song (NYFOS), led by Artistic Director Steven Blier, continues its 2022-23 Mainstage Series with KABARETT on Wednesday, November 16, 2022 at 8:00pm. The program highlights songs from Berlin's fabled nightspots during the Weimar era, featuring music by Hollaender, Spoliansky, Bienert, Tucholsky, Eisler, and others. Soprano Sari Gruber, mezzo-soprano Naomi Louisa O'Connell, and baritone Justin Austin join Mr. Blier at the piano.

New York Festival Of Song Presents NYFOS NEXT FESTIVAL At The Rubin Museum Of Art's Theater

​​​​​​​New York Festival of Song (NYFOS) continues its 2022-23 season with the 12th rendition of its NYFOS Next Festival on October 16, 2022 at 3:00pm and October 23, 2022 at 3:00pm at the Rubin Museum of Art's Theater.

Queer|Art Announces The Winner Of 2022 Barbara Hammer Lesbian Experimental Filmmaking Grant

Queer|Art, New York City's home for the creative and professional development of LGBTQ+ artists, has announced the winner of the 2021 Barbara Hammer Lesbian Experimental Filmmaking Grant, collaborative duo, Desireena Almoradie and Barbara Malaran. The New York City-based duo will receive a $7,000 cash grant, as well as studio visits with members of the judges panel in support of their creative and professional development.

Grounds For Sculpture Announces Four New Members of its Board of Trustees

Grounds For Sculpture announced that four new members have been elected to its Board of Trustees. Michelle J. Bajwa, Cataldo Doria, and Umesh Gaur joined the Board in December 2021, and Nick Pahade joined in June 2022.

The Rubin Museum Of Art Launches Three-Part Initiative, Project HIMALAYAN ART

The Rubin Museum of Art has announced Project Himalayan Art, an ambitious, three-part initiative with the goal of creating resources for the inclusion of Himalayan, Tibetan, and Inner Asian art for teaching on Asia in higher education and other learning environments.


The Rubin Museum of Art Frequently Asked Questions

What are the closest subway stops to The Rubin Museum of Art

The closest subway stops to The Rubin Museum of Art at 150 W 17th St in New York City are:

1. 14th Street Station: This station is served by the 1, 2, 3, F, M, L, and PATH trains. It's just a short walk from the museum.

2. 18th Street Station: This station is served by the 1 train and is also within walking distance to the museum.

I recommend checking the MTA website for the most up-to-date subway schedules and service changes. You can visit their website at https://new.mta.info/.

While you're in the area, I also suggest exploring the vibrant neighborhood of Chelsea. It's known for its art galleries, trendy shops, and delicious dining options. The High Line, an elevated park built on a historic freight rail line, is a must-visit attraction nearby. You can take a leisurely stroll along this unique park and enjoy stunning views of the city.

If you're in the mood for some shopping, head over to the nearby Meatpacking District, where you'll find a mix of high-end boutiques and popular brands.

I hope you have a fantastic time exploring the area and enjoy your visit to The Rubin Museum of Art!


What's the best way to get to The Rubin Museum of Art by bus?

The closest bus stops to The Rubin Museum of Art at 150 W 17th St in New York City are:

1. 7th Ave/W 17 St - served by the M7 and M20 buses. You can find the latest updates on these bus routes on the MTA website.

2. 6th Ave/W 18 St - served by the M5, M7, M55, and X1 buses. You can check for any changes or delays on these bus routes on the MTA website.

Remember to check the MTA website or use a reliable transit app for real-time updates on bus schedules and any service changes. Enjoy your visit to The Rubin Museum of Art!


How much time should I plan to spend at The Rubin Museum of Art?

The ideal length of time to plan for a visit to The Rubin Museum of Art in New York City depends on your level of interest in Himalayan art and culture. On average, visitors spend about 1 to 2 hours exploring the museum's galleries and exhibitions. However, if you have a deep passion for this subject or wish to engage in the museum's interactive programs, you may want to allocate more time.

The Rubin Museum offers a diverse range of exhibits, including ancient sculptures, paintings, and contemporary art from the Himalayan region. It also hosts regular events, such as film screenings, performances, and talks, which can enhance your experience. If you plan to attend any of these events, it's a good idea to check the museum's website for the schedule and plan accordingly.

Additionally, the museum has a café and a gift shop where you can relax, grab a bite to eat, or browse through unique items inspired by Himalayan art. So, if you want to fully immerse yourself in the museum's offerings, consider setting aside some extra time for these activities as well.

Overall, whether you have a few hours or an entire day, The Rubin Museum of Art is a captivating destination that offers a rich cultural experience.


Can I bring food and drinks into The Rubin Museum of Art?

The Rubin Museum of Art in New York City has a café called Café Serai that offers a variety of food and drink options. Visitors are welcome to enjoy their meals and beverages in the café, which features a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. However, please note that outside food and drink are not permitted in the museum galleries. So, if you're planning to explore the museum, you'll need to finish your snacks or beverages before entering the exhibition spaces.


Does The Rubin Museum of Art offer luggage storage?

The Rubin Museum of Art in New York City does not have a dedicated luggage storage facility. However, they do allow small bags and backpacks into the museum. If you have larger bags or suitcases, it is recommended to check with nearby hotels or other luggage storage services in the area. There are several options available, such as luggage storage facilities, lockers, or even some hotels that offer luggage storage for non-guests. It's always a good idea to plan ahead and make arrangements for storing your luggage while visiting the museum or any other attractions in the city.


Is The Rubin Museum of Art a good place to visit for foreign travelers who are not native English speakers?

Yes, The Rubin Museum of Art is a fantastic destination for visitors from other countries and non-English language speakers. The museum showcases an extensive collection of art from the Himalayas and surrounding regions, offering a unique cultural experience that transcends language barriers.

While the museum provides English-language information and labels, they also offer audio guides in multiple languages, including Spanish, French, German, Mandarin, and Japanese. These guides provide detailed explanations of the artworks, ensuring that visitors can fully appreciate the exhibits regardless of their language proficiency.

Additionally, The Rubin Museum of Art frequently hosts special events, performances, and workshops that delve into the rich cultural heritage of the Himalayan region. These events often feature live music, dance, and storytelling, providing an immersive experience that appeals to all visitors, regardless of their language background.

Overall, The Rubin Museum of Art is a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring the art and culture of the Himalayas, and its language-friendly offerings make it a welcoming destination for visitors from around the world.


What ages are appropriate for The Rubin Museum of Art?

The Rubin Museum of Art in New York City is a wonderful destination for visitors of all ages. While there is no specific age range recommendation, the museum offers a range of exhibits and programs that can be enjoyed by both children and adults. The museum's collection primarily focuses on Himalayan art, including paintings, sculptures, and textiles, which can be fascinating for art enthusiasts of all ages. Additionally, the museum often hosts interactive workshops, family programs, and storytelling sessions that are designed to engage younger visitors. So whether you're traveling with kids or exploring the city on your own, be sure to include a visit to The Rubin Museum of Art on your itinerary!


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