El Museo del Barrio

Founded in 1969 by Puerto Rican educators, artists, and activists in East Harlem, El Museo today presents a wide range of Caribbean and Latin American art and culture. While El Museo concentrates on arts education, exhibitions are often historical in scope, and the institution promotes awareness of cultural history through community events and festivals, the examination of traditional practices, and outreach to Caribbean and Latin American youth in New York.

On-site programs: Students explore the art and culture of Latin America and the Caribbean on guided tours or workshops led by artist educators. Hands-on workshops build upon observation skills. Tours can be tailored for groups with special needs. The museum offers special workshops connected to the Day of the Dead, Puerto Rican Heritage Month, Three Kings Day, and Dominican Heritage Month. Self-guided tours may be arranged. Pre- and postvisit materials are available for most exhibitions. (Grades K–12; $)

In-school programs: The Classroom Connections program arranges eight-week artist residencies that combine content from museum exhibitions with curricular goals. Themes and topics can connect to themes in New York City history such as immigration, the impact of Latinos in the United States, and diversity. (Grades K–12; $)

Professional development: Half-day or full-day workshops introduce teachers to collections, exhibitions, and educational programs, provide resource materials for classroom use, and offer guidance in the integration of museum exhibitions and programs into cultural, arts, and history curricula. Workshops can tailored to meet curricular needs (For teachers of grades 1–12; $)

Student/teacher events: Student groups and teachers can participate in the annual Three Kings Day Parade held on January 6 and the annual Day of the Dead Festival held in October or November.

General information: Address: 1230 Fifth Avenue at 104th Street, New York, NY 10029; Phone: (212) 660-7113; Web: www.elmuseo.org.

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