Exploring art beyond Manhattan in springtime New York

While Manhattan's storied art institutions like The Met, MoMA, The Whitney, and The Guggenheim are legendary centers of cultural excellence, the borough is not the only place to discover artistic treasures this spring. Throughout the wider New York region, lesser-known but equally impressive galleries, studios, and shows await those willing to venture beyond the city center. From Brooklyn to Queens to the outer boroughs, creative hotspots rivaling Manhattan await the intrepid explorer seeking fresh artistic perspectives off the beaten path.
 

Venture north to the Bronx for vibrant artistic finds off the beaten path. The Bronx Museum of the Arts continues its acclaimed "South Bronx Film Hall" exhibition through August, showcasing shorts and features created in and about the borough from the 1970s to today. Curated with a commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices, the exhibition offers novel insight into the Bronx's rich cultural history through the lens of local filmmakers. Additionally, the museum's permanent collection includes over 2,000 works highlighting the experiences of Bronx residents and artists of the African diaspora. For a complimentary look at creativity blossoming in one of New York's outer boroughs, the Bronx Museum proves there is inspiring art to be discovered beyond Manhattan's most famous galleries this spring.
 

Queens welcomes art lovers to explore inventive exhibitions in varied neighborhoods. At MoMA PS1 in Long Island City, the shows "Greater New York" and "Series" run through mid-May, juxtaposing emerging and established artists' commentary on the city, culture, and communities. Among the striking works is Arthur Jafa's towering Big Wheel I, blending Mississippi's truck culture with reflections on Black Americans' full experiences--both pleasures and pains. Through bold, experiential pieces like this, PS1's expansive exhibitions inspire viewers to consider the intersecting forces that have shaped the culturally diverse region encompassing New York City and well beyond.
 

Across the harbor, Staten Island welcomes visitors to explore its emerging cultural landscape. The Staten Island Museum debuts "Coastlines" on April 30th, celebrating the borough's rich maritime history through diverse lenses. The exhibition features over 50 works examining Staten Island's identity as an island from artistic, ecological, and communal perspectives. Included are photographs documenting the Arthur Kill Coastal Club's efforts to preserve urban wetlands, as well as Natalia LL's video installation envisioning a more sustainable island future. Alongside local history galleries, "Coastlines" spotlights Staten Island's relationship with surrounding waters and commitment to environmental stewardship through compelling contemporary art.
 

In addition to the fascinating exhibitions "Greater New York" and "Series", MoMA PS1 debuts the essential retrospective "Pacita Abad: We Avatar Be Prayzt" on April 4th. Forbes raved about this exhibition when it previously appeared in San Francisco, praising Abad's vibrant exploration of spirituality and cultural hybridity through her eclectic multimedia practice.
 

Queens is also home to the acclaimed Noguchi Museum in Long Island City. This spring, the museum opens "Toshiko Takaezu: Worlds Within," its first major retrospective in two decades celebrating the revolutionary ceramic sculptures of the late artist Takaezu (1922–2011). Forbes praised the exhibition for its revelatory examination of Takaezu's boundary-pushing ceramic works that reimagined Japanese artistic traditions through a modern feminist lens. Between these must-see exhibitions, art lovers have much to discover through Queens' diverse cultural offerings spotlighted both on-site and within the pages of Forbes.
 

When exploring New York City, having a centrally located home base is important. The Refinery Hotel, located at 63 West 38th Street, is an excellent option. It is adjacent to Bryant Park and just two blocks from Times Square, providing proximity to many top attractions. Though the Refinery Hotel's sophisticated jazz bar lacks the raucous energy of Motley's legendary venues, it offers a relaxed atmosphere perfect for enjoying live music over artisanal cocktails. With no cover charge and music nightly, it is a welcoming spot to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
 

The rooftop restaurant draws a trendy crowd thanks to its breathtaking views of the Empire State Building and photogenic setting ideal for social media. Whether gathering with friends or taking in the stunning skyline alone, it serves as a chic destination for both lingering over modern cuisine or simply soaking in the vibrant scene.