Hispanic Society of America
Museum Museum and library of Spanish and Latin American art
The Hispanic Society of America in New York houses paintings, sculpture, manuscripts and Iberian decorative arts gathered to document Spain, Portugal and Latin America; scholars and art lovers visit the galleries and reference library.
The Hispanic Society of America is a museum, library and research institution in the Washington Heights area of Manhattan, New York City, devoted to the arts and cultures of Spain, Portugal and Latin America. It was established to collect and preserve visual arts, manuscripts and books from the Hispanic world.
The collection encompasses painting, sculpture, decorative arts, prints and a substantial research library with rare books and manuscripts pertaining to Iberian and Latin American cultures. The institution supports scholarly research as well as public exhibitions.
The Society was created by a private collector to provide a center for the study and display of Hispanic arts and literature; its holdings were assembled in the early 20th century and have been used by scholars and the public since. Its galleries and library reflect the founder’s emphasis on comprehensive collection and research.
The Hispanic Society is located on Audubon Terrace in the Washington Heights neighborhood of northern Manhattan.
- Founding: Founded in 1904 by philanthropist Archer M. Huntington to house his collection of Iberian art and cultural materials.
What to See #
- Galleries: Public galleries display painting, sculpture, decorative arts and tapestries spanning medieval Iberia to the early 20th century, arranged to reflect the founder's collection priorities.
- Research library: The research library and archive hold rare books, manuscripts and documentary material focused on Hispanic and Lusophone cultures and art.
How to Get to Hispanic Society of America #
The Hispanic Society of America is on Audubon Terrace in Washington Heights, Manhattan (W. 155th Street). Take the 1 subway to 157th Street (about a 5-10 minute walk south to Audubon Terrace) or use local buses that run along Broadway/Amsterdam; by car it’s about 6-7 miles north of Midtown Manhattan (allow 20-40 minutes depending on traffic) with curbside parking and short walks from local stops.
Tips for Visiting Hispanic Society of America #
- Confirm current opening hours and any reservation or research-access requirements before visiting - the Hispanic Society is a research institution and public access can be limited or seasonal.
- Plan to arrive early in the day to view galleries before groups and to have time for the museum's decorative arts and print/coin collections, which many visitors overlook.
Best Time to Visit Hispanic Society of America #
Visit on weekday mornings in the low or shoulder seasons for the quietest experience at this indoor museum.
Weather & Climate near Hispanic Society of America #
Hispanic Society of America's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -5°C to 29°C. Abundant rainfall (1204 mm/year), wettest in May, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -5°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (112 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 19°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (112 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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