Overview
The Neue Galerie is an intimate museum of early 20th-century German and Austrian art and design, housed in a magnificent 1914 Beaux-Arts mansion on Fifth Avenue at 86th Street. Its star attraction is Gustav Klimt's golden Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I.
Highlights
- The Klimt: The iconic Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I (1907), purchased for $135 million in 2006, is displayed in a dedicated gallery. It is one of the most famous paintings in the world.
- The Mansion: The stunning William Starr Miller House, designed by architects Carrère and Hastings (who also designed the New York Public Library).
- Café Sabarsky: A Viennese-style café on the ground floor serving authentic Sachertorte, strudel, and Viennese coffee — one of the finest café experiences in New York.
History
Co-founded by art dealer Serge Sabarsky and Ronald Lauder, the museum opened in 2001. The centerpiece Klimt painting was the subject of a famous legal battle and the 2015 film Woman in Gold.
Visitor Tips
- No Children Under 12: The museum enforces a strict policy — children under 12 are not admitted.
- First Friday: Free admission on the first Friday of each month from 6–9 PM.
- Duration: 1–1.5 hours.