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Offered languages
- English
The street art of Spanish Harlem (AKA East Harlem or El Barrio) tells us so much about the history, culture, & politics of this under-appreciated NYC neighborhood & its residents. Some of the colorful murals & mosaics are dedicated to accomplished citizens of Spanish Harlem, such as the writers Julia de Burgos & Nicholasa Mohr. Others honor world-famous people including Celia Cruz & Che Guevara. Many of the artworks celebrate the Latin culture of the neighborhood. They also bring into the streets the gorgeous scenery of the tropical islands which so many members of this community left behind. Visitors to Spanish Harlem are always dazzled by the street art there. Here is what one of them said: "The Spanish Harlem tour with Leigh was a great investment of 2 hours. The tour was rich in information & cultural & neighborhood significance. Leigh is a terrific guide to it all. I have done many walking tours, and this is one of the best. Not to be missed if you are visiting New York".
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Nearest subway: 110th Street stop on the #6 train on the East Side of Manhattan
We end by the 103rd St. Street stop on the #6 train. The stop is on Lexington Avenue, next to the church.
Itinerary
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1
There are 4 outdoor murals at our meeting place, and we spend time looking at and commenting on all of them. We also discuss the church, which is nicknamed “The People's Church” for its association with the Young Lords. They were a social justice and community empowerment group in Spanish Harlem from 1969-76, and they left a great legacy in the neighborhood. We do not go inside the church.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
We see one mural on the outside of this restaurant and one on the inside. This stop is one block East of our starting place.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
We walk 8 blocks from North to South, zigzagging between Lexington and Third Avenues, which are only a block apart. So, not much walking, but that is because this area is chock-a-block with public art! We stop to look at about 2 dozen murals and mosaics. And, all the while, we are just North of the Upper East Side and only 3 blocks from Central Park. The mosaics are all by the brilliant artist Manny Vega, who was recently celebrated in a year-long exhibit at the Museum of the City of New York.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
We talk briefly about why there is a large Greek Orthodox Church in a neighborhood which has never been associated with residents of Greek heritage. But mainly we stop here to see the final mural on our route and say farewell. And because next to the church is the East 103rd St. stop on the #6 subway train. So that is an easy way to get to your next destination.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
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Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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