Travel Guide

Fotografiska New York City

Fotografiska in New York City

At Fotografiska New York, the art of photography mingles with vibrant cultural events, making every visit uniquely inspiring. Whether you're a photography aficionado or a newcomer to the art form, this venue promises to engage your senses and ignite a passion for the visual narrative.

Fotografiska in a nutshell…

Fotografiska New York is a vibrant cultural hub that blends world-class photography with a robust schedule of events.

Location: Situated at 281 Park Avenue South in the Flatiron District, just a short walk from iconic landmarks like the Flatiron Building.

Transportation: Easily accessible by subway (23rd Street station on the 6 line), with multiple bus routes including the M1, M2, and M3 also stopping nearby. Limited parking is available for those driving.

Tickets: Available for purchase online , with discounts available through various New York City tourist passes.

Visiting Hours: Open from 10:30 am to 9:00 pm on weekdays and until 11:00 pm on weekends, providing flexible visiting options for both early birds and night owls.

Fotografiska New York isn’t just a museum; it’s a cultural hub in the heart of the city. Opened in December 2019 as an extension of the renowned Fotografiska Museum in Stockholm, this venue has quickly become a cornerstone of New York’s artistic landscape. Located in the iconic Flatiron District, the museum is housed in a stunning 1894 Renaissance Revival building, originally the Church Missions House, now a registered New York City landmark. This architectural gem provides the perfect backdrop for the compelling photographic art displayed within its walls.

The museum was founded by Swedish brothers Jan and Per Broman, who grew up with a deep-seated passion for photography, instilled by their father, a darkroom manager. Their lifelong engagement with photography led them to establish Fotografiska in Stockholm in 2010, aiming to inspire a more conscious world through the power of photography. Following the success in Stockholm and later in Tallinn, Estonia, the Broman brothers brought their vision to New York, offering a space that is as much a social meeting place as it is a place for art.

Visitors to Fotografiska New York can expect to find an ever-changing array of exhibitions featuring both emerging and established artists. The museum’s philosophy of rotating displays ensures that each visit offers a new perspective, with bold and striking photographic works that challenge and captivate. It’s a place where the night comes alive, allowing you to explore the art with a glass of wine in hand, making it a perfect cultural outing in the city.

Practical information

Fotografiska New York is more than just a place to view beautiful photographs—it’s an immersive experience that caters to art lovers and casual visitors alike. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit effectively and ensure a memorable experience.

Location

Nestled in the heart of Manhattan, Fotografiska New York resides at 281 Park Avenue South.

This historic location places it within walking distance of other iconic sites, including the Flatiron Building, making it a pivotal stop in any New York City cultural tour.

How to Get There

With easy access via various modes of transport and a range of ticket options to suit every need, planning your visit is straightforward. Let’s ensure your visit is as enjoyable and efficient as possible!

Subway

The most convenient way to reach Fotografiska is by subway. The closest subway station is the 23rd Street station on the 6 line, just a brief walk from the museum, offering a quick and easy access route for visitors.

Bus

For those preferring surface travel, several city buses, including the M1, M2, and M3, stop near Fotografiska, providing ample connectivity from various points in the city.

Hop-on Hop-off Buses

Utilizing hop-on hop-off buses is an excellent choice for those who wish to explore multiple attractions without the hassle of navigating through New York’s busy streets. These buses provide flexible travel options between major sites, making them ideal for tourists.

View more sightseeing bus options

Driving

While driving in New York City can be challenging due to traffic and limited parking, those who choose to drive will find several public parking options nearby. Here are a couple:

  • Icon Parking: 5 E 22nd St
  • Manhattan Parking Gramercy Corp: 32 Gramercy Park S # 1

Tickets

Exploring Fotografiska New York is an accessible experience, with ticketing options that accommodate everyone from individual art lovers to groups seeking a cultured outing.

Entrance with Discount Passes

Maximize your visit to New York by taking advantage of discount passes that include entry to Fotografiska. These passes not only reduce the cost of visiting multiple attractions but also streamline your travel experience in the city.

The New York Sightseeing Pass

The New York Sightseeing Day Pass is your gateway to over 100 attractions, making it an essential addition to any tourist’s itinerary.

GoCity Explorer Pass

With the Go New York Explorer Pass, choose from a list of over 90 attractions and design a visit that fits your schedule and interests.

The New York Pass

The New York Pass offers an exhaustive array of over 100 attractions, from museums to bike rentals, catering to every preference and pace.

Visiting Hours

Fotografiska New York welcomes visitors with extended hours, reflecting its aim to offer a flexible visiting experience. Here are the hours:

  • Sunday – Thursday: 10:30 – 21:00
  • Friday – Saturday: 10:30 – 23:00

The museum is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, and the last entry is one hour before closing.

Best time to visit

Thanks to its thoughtful planning, Fotografiska New York maintains a comfortable visitor flow, ensuring that it never feels overcrowded. You can choose to visit at any time that suits you without concern for large crowds.

What to Expect at Fotografiska

Fotografiska New York redefines the museum experience, integrating art with social and cultural events. This venue is not only a place to see incredible photographs but also a space to engage with art through a diverse range of activities such as talks, workshops, fashion shows, DJ nights, poetry readings, and wine tastings.

The museum’s unique approach of hosting rotating exhibitions means there are always fresh and relevant works to view. With no permanent collections, Fotografiska stays current and responsive to global and local events, offering exhibitions that range from fashion and commercial photography to fine art and documentary works. At any given time, you can explore up to five different exhibitions, frequently updated to keep the museum experience dynamic and engaging for repeat visitors.

Tips to Visit Fotografiska

Planning your visit to Fotografiska New York can enhance your experience and make your time both enjoyable and efficient. Here are some tips to consider:

  • Dining and Drinks: The museum houses a café, bar, and restaurant, providing a variety of dining options. The Museum Café offers coffee and light bites, perfect for a quick refreshment. For a more elaborate dining experience, visit Verōnika on the second floor for dishes inspired by French and Eastern European cuisine. For a unique evening, stop by Chapel Bar, a speakeasy-style venue right next to Fotografiska.
  • Photography: Guests are encouraged to take photos and videos for personal use. This is a fantastic way to engage with the exhibitions and keep a memento of your visit.
  • Adult-Friendly: While Fotografiska New York is welcoming to all, it is particularly well-suited for adults. The museum offers mature themes and sophisticated events that cater more to an adult audience.

Accessibility

Fotografiska New York ensures that all visitors can fully enjoy the art and events it offers, with thoughtful accessibility features throughout the venue.

The museum is wheelchair accessible, making it easy for everyone to navigate the exhibitions and events. Additionally, strollers are allowed, accommodating guests with young children. Service animals are welcome, ensuring those with support needs can visit comfortably.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fotografiska is open from Sunday to Thursday from 10:30 to 21:00, and from Friday to Saturday from 10:30 to 23:00. It’s a great place to visit in the evening as it is open late.

Fotografiska New York is more geared towards adults, as it does not have interactive exhibits typical of children’s museums and deals with some mature subjects. However, children are welcome under adult supervision.

Yes, you are encouraged to take photos and videos for personal use during your visit to Fotografiska New York, allowing you to capture and share your experience.

Yes, Fotografiska houses a café, bar, and restaurant. The Museum Café offers coffee and pastries, while Verōnika serves dishes inspired by French and Eastern European cuisine. Chapel Bar offers a unique speakeasy experience.

You can easily reach Fotografiska by subway using the 6 line to 23rd Street station. Additionally, several city buses like the M1, M2, and M3 stop nearby.

Fotografiska hosts rotating exhibitions, so the content is always changing. You can expect to see a broad selection of photography, from fashion and commercial work to fine art and documentary photography.

Yes, entrance to Fotografiska is included with the New York Sightseeing Pass, GoCity Explorer Pass, and The New York Pass, which are great options for saving on visits to major destinations.

Fotografiska does not typically get very crowded, so you can visit at any time that is convenient for you.

Yes, the museum is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed. The surfaces are also wheelchair accessible.

Yes, Fotografiska is open late, making it a great place to visit in the evening. You can enjoy the art and possibly a glass of wine during your visit.

Nearby parking includes Icon Parking at 5 E 22nd St and Manhattan Parking Gramercy Corp at 32 Gramercy Park S # 1.

Fotografiska New York is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day but is open on other holidays.

Make sure not to miss the diverse range of events and programming that goes beyond photography, including fashion shows, DJ nights, poetry readings, and wine tastings.

Yes, you can enjoy a variety of dining options within Fotografiska, including a café, a high-end restaurant, and a speakeasy bar.

Exhibitions at Fotografiska are frequently updated, with about five different photo exhibitions on at any time, ensuring a fresh experience for regular visitors.

Where to Stay Near Fotografiska

Staying near Fotografiska New York offers numerous advantages for visitors. The museum’s location in the Flatiron District is not only central but also close to other key attractions and a variety of dining and entertainment options.

This makes it a convenient and appealing area for tourists who want to immerse themselves in New York’s vibrant culture. Additionally, the area is well-connected by public transport, making it easy to explore other parts of the city. Whether you’re in New York for a short visit or a longer stay, the vicinity around Fotografiska provides an ideal base for your adventures.

Exploring More of New York City’s Museums

New York City is a treasure trove of cultural experiences, with an array of museums that cater to every interest and passion. From history and art to science and innovation, these institutions not only complement a visit to Fotografiska but are essential destinations on any cultural itinerary in the city.

9/11 Museum

The 9/11 Museum serves as a poignant reminder of the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Located at the World Trade Center site, the museum offers a deep and respectful exploration of the impact of 9/11 through personal stories and artifacts.

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The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Known as “The Met,” this museum is one of the world’s largest and most prestigious art galleries, featuring over two million works from across the globe and throughout history. From ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary art, The Met provides a comprehensive look at human creativity.

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Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

MoMA is a dynamic center for modern and contemporary arts, renowned for its avant-garde exhibitions that include works of architecture, design, photography, and film. Its collections and temporary exhibitions showcase some of the most revolutionary and influential artworks from the 20th and 21st centuries, making it a pivotal visit for those passionate about modern artistic expression.

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The American Museum of Natural History

This museum is one of the largest and most celebrated natural history museums in the world, offering a vast array of exhibits that showcase the wonders of the natural world, from dinosaur fossils to outer space explorations.

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The Guggenheim Museum

Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the Guggenheim is as famous for its spiral structure as for its impressive collection of modern art. This architectural icon hosts a superb collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, early Modern, and contemporary art, and visiting is as much about experiencing Wright’s visionary design as the art itself.

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Discover Nearby Attractions

Fotografiska’s prime location in the Flatiron District makes it an ideal starting point to explore more of New York’s diverse attractions. The area is rich with architectural beauty, historical landmarks, and lush green spaces, perfect for continuing your exploration of this vibrant city.

Madison Square Park

A serene green space in the midst of Manhattan’s hustle and bustle, Madison Square Park offers not only relaxation but also a rich program of art installations and seasonal events. It’s a great place to unwind, enjoy nature, and experience the community spirit of New York City.

Flatiron Building

An iconic New York City landmark, the Flatiron Building is famed for its unique triangular shape. Built in 1902, it’s a photographic gem and a must-see for architecture enthusiasts, standing as a testament to the innovation of its time.

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Union Square

Known for its vibrant energy and cultural diversity, Union Square hosts a variety of community events, including a bustling farmers’ market. It’s a dynamic area where artists, farmers, and activists gather, making it a lively spot for visitors to get a true taste of New York’s local life.

Empire State Building

An emblem of New York City, the Empire State Building offers breathtaking views from its observation decks. This historic skyscraper is not just a feat of architecture but also a pivotal piece of New York’s cultural narrative.

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Summit ONE Observation Deck

Offering a newer vantage point in the city, the Summit ONE Observation Deck provides panoramic views of New York from above. Its interactive exhibits and unique design make it a modern addition to the city’s array of scenic viewpoints.

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Museum of Sex

Located nearby, the Museum of Sex provides a daring exploration of the history and cultural significance of human sexuality. With thoughtful exhibits and educational programs, it invites an open and informed discussion on a topic central to human nature.

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Explore Our Comprehensive Travel Guide

On this page

  1. Introduction
  2. Practical information
  3. What to Expect at Fotografiska
  4. Tips to Visit Fotografiska
  5. Accessibility
  6. Frequently Asked Questions
  7. Where to Stay Near Fotografiska
  8. Exploring More of New York City’s Museums
  9. Discover Nearby Attractions