Chelsea

Overview

Chelsea is a dynamic Manhattan neighborhood best known for its world-class contemporary art gallery district, the High Line elevated park, and the bustling Chelsea Market food hall.

Highlights

• Gallery District: Over 300 art galleries concentrated between 10th and 11th Avenues from 19th to 28th Streets, making it the world's largest contemporary art gallery district.
• Chelsea Market: A massive food hall and shopping arcade inside a former Nabisco factory (where the Oreo was invented), featuring 35+ food vendors.
• The High Line: The southern terminus of the elevated park begins at Gansevoort Street and the Whitney Museum.

History

Chelsea was a theater and entertainment district in the early 1900s, then became known for the bohemian Hotel Chelsea where artists from Mark Twain to Patti Smith lived. The art galleries began migrating from SoHo in the 1990s.

Visitor Tips

• Gallery Thursday: Many galleries have opening receptions on Thursday evenings with free wine — a quintessential New York art experience.
• Gallery Hours: Most galleries are closed Sunday and Monday. Tuesday–Saturday are best.
• Duration: 2–3 hours.