Flatiron – NoMad – Culture

Madison Square Park is likely the brightest gem in the Flatiron District/NoMad’s cultural crown. Along with lush lawns and greenery, a dog run, a playground, and the original Shake Shack, the park is also home to stately statues and temporary art exhibits. It’s hardly the neighborhood’s only notable site, however. Previously, we spotlighted the contemporary photography museum Fotographiska New York and the National Museum of Mathematics, among other cultural highlights. Below are a few more.

 

Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace

 The 26th president of the United States spent the first 14 years of his life in this brownstone. Well, not this exact brownstone: The original was destroyed to make way for a store, which was subsequently replaced with this replica. Inside are exhibits about Roosevelt complete with artifacts, memorabilia, and a collection of political cartoons. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the five restored period rooms, including his nursery and the family’s sitting room.

 

The Jazz Gallery

More than a jazz club, the Jazz Gallery was founded to support up-and-coming musicians and composers with residencies, mentoring, rehearsal space, and of course, opportunities to perform. The venue’s nearly 400 annual shows include seasoned pros as well as relative newcomers. Craig Taborn, John Chin, and Gabriel Chakarji are just a few of the performers who have recently taken the stage here. The organization also hosts several visual arts exhibitions each year.

 

Poster House

 Are posters art? Most definitely, as this museum proves. In addition to a permanent collection of more than 10,000 posters from as far back as the 19th century, Poster House hosts temporary exhibits such as “Art Deco: Commercializing the Avant-Garde” and “We Tried to Warn You! Environmental Crisis Posters, 1970-2020.”

 

Pen + Brush

 This not-for-profit organization has supported women writers and artists since 1894; today it features works by nonbinary talents as well. It does so with art exhibits, workshops, discussions, and other events. Fiber artist Orly Cogan, ceramicist Rennie Jones, and multidisciplinary artist Sarah Stolar are among the visual artists recently featured.

 

Rizzoli Bookstore

In addition to selling a dizzying array of books and magazines in a lavish setting, Rizzoli offers a robust events calendar. In January 2024 alone, Paul Barbera discussed “House Cat,” his lavishly illustrated book about felines lucky enough to live among some of the world’s most elegant interiors; Jamie Oliver unveiled his latest cookbook, “5 Ingredients Mediterranean”; Grammy-winning trumpeter Michael Leonhart performed; and fashion designer B Michael presented his photographic memoir, “Muse: Cicely Tyson and Me.”