Nestled between Midtown’s corporate energy and Gramercy’s residential charm, NoMad (North of Madison Square Park) has emerged as one of Manhattan’s most dynamic cultural neighborhoods. This historic district, centered around the iconic Flatiron Building and anchored by Madison Square Park, offers a rich tapestry of artistic experiences that blend contemporary creativity with architectural grandeur. From cutting-edge galleries showcasing emerging artists to innovative public art installations that transform the streetscape, NoMad represents the intersection of New York’s creative spirit and its entrepreneurial dynamism.
Whether you’re seeking intimate NoMad art galleries, local theater productions, or great examples of public art, the neighborhood’s compact geography concentrates an impressive array of NoMad arts and culture offerings all within walking distance.
Contemporary Art Galleries
Cheryl Rubin Studio & Gallery
Address: 28 W 27th St, Suite 403
Instagram: @cherylrubin
Cheryl Rubin Studio & Gallery showcases the work of local artist Cheryl Rubin, who creates contemporary abstract paintings that express her search for rhythm, harmony, and the unknown through layers of drawing and painting. The gallery provides an intimate setting to experience Rubin’s approach to abstraction, and the studio setting allows visitors to witness the creative process firsthand.
ArtStar
Address: 1133 Broadway, Suite 1402
Instagram: @artstar
ArtStar was created to bridge a gap in the market between basic posters and blue-chip fine art. Here, you can shop curated collections of fine art prints, and limited-edition photography—amd also have your pieces professionally framed. Artwork for children’s rooms is also available. The ArtStar team travels to art fairs, galleries, and studios around the world to select standout pieces, all of which are fully authenticated. If something grabs your eye, act fast, because once a series is sold out, they’re gone forever.
Evey Fine Art
Address: 39-41 W 23rd St
Instagram: @art.evey
Located at Flatiron House, Evey Fine Art curates exhibitions of contemporary art from the Americas and Europe, with a focus on presenting work by renowned Cuban artists. Co-founders Carla Groh and Joseph J. Knapek have an impressive knowledge of the international art market and strive to showcase artists at pivotal moments in their careers.
The Old Print Shop
Address: 49 W 24th St, 2nd Floor
Instagram: @theoldprintshop
The Old Print Shop was founded in 1898, and was housed in different locations before moving to its current home in NoMad. The gallery specializes in artist-made works on paper, drawings, watercolors, paintings, sculpture, and antique maps—most of it created in America or relating to the Americas from the 17th century up to today. The incredibly knowledgeable staff are thorough researchers and can help you find just what you’re looking for, as well as suggest something you didn’t realize you needed in your life.
Pen + Brush
Address: 29 E 22nd St
Instagram: @penandbrushnyc
Pen + Brush is a long-running, publicly supported not-for-profit that fights for gender equity in the arts. The Pen + Brush gallery features the work of women, non-binary, and female-identified transgender artists and writers, bringing groundbreaking art to a broader audience.
CUE Art Foundation
Address: 137 W 25th St, Ground Floor
Instagram: @cueart
CUE Art Foundation is a nonprofit organization representing emerging and underrecognized artists and art workers. Through both their gallery space and public programs, CUE presents thought-provoking exhibitions and events, fosters arts mentorship, and facilitates the exchange of ideas. When you visit the gallery, you are likely to experience a wide range of artists but a common thread is the support of artists who experiment and challenge tired perceptions. CUE also aims to shine a light on artists whose work has been less visible in other commercial or museum spaces.
Nearby Art Galleries
The Flatiron and NoMad districts continue to attract new galleries and artistic ventures, drawn by the neighborhood’s creative energy and historic architecture. Many galleries occupy converted commercial spaces, featuring rotating exhibitions that showcase both established and emerging artists working across various media. Devoted gallery-hoppers will also find a whole host well-known art galleries a short walk away in Chelsea. There, in a longtime hub of the arts, you can encounter big names of the art world along with emerging artists at major galleries such as David Zwirner and Gagosian.
Public Art and Installations
The Flatiron NoMad Partnership
The Flatiron NoMad Partnership has established itself as a leader in public art programming, from installations in the neighborhood’s public plazas, to talks and other events that invite participants to explore the relationship between technology, art, and community engagement. This month, events organized with the partnership’s support include author readings at Rizzoli Bookstore, a 15th birthday celebration for Eataly, and Photoville and the New York Immigrant Coalition’s public art exhibit, New York Proud: A Portrait of New York City, which features work by photographer Oscar B. Castillo. The exhibition is on view at the Flatiron South Plaza through September 30th.
Madison Square Park Conservancy Art Program
Madison Square Park serves as more than just green space; it functions as an outdoor gallery featuring rotating sculptural installations and public art projects, too. The park’s art program has featured works by internationally renowned artists, creating a dynamic cultural landscape that changes throughout the year. From September 30th, visitors to the park will be able to experience the work of Taos, NM-based artist Larry Bell. His exhibit, Improvisations in the Park is Bell’s first public art commission in New York, and his largest outdoor presentation to date. Six lawns across Madison Square Park will be adorned with vibrantly colored cubes and nested arrangements, and visitors will catch glimpses of the work from different sections of the park, emphasizing the improvisational way art can be configured and interpreted.
Theater and Performance Venues
While NoMad may not host large theaters like those on Broadway, you will sometimes encounter off-Broadway shows here, thanks to the area’s intimate venues and converted spaces ideal for experimental theater. NoMad’s central location also provides easy access to some of New York’s most important cultural institutions, whether in the commercial theater district or downtown’s more experimental venues.
A few cultural venues in the neighborhood include the Irish Repertory Theatre, which has presented more than 190 productions over 25 seasons. Today, it remains a beacon for Irish and Irish-American theater-makers and audiences.
When it comes to live music, some of NYC’s smaller venues are in or near NoMad, giving audiences a great opportunity to see their favorite performers in a more intimate setting. Venues nearby include Irving Plaza, The Gramercy Theatre, and The Cutting Room.
Cultural Events and Festivals
NoMad often participates in citywide cultural events such as the NYC×Design Festival, which features programming and pop-ups throughout the neighborhood. This year, the festival was held in May.
The Flatiron NoMad Partnership also organizes seasonal cultural programming that activates public spaces throughout the year. These initiatives range from art installations and performances to community engagement projects.
Architecture & Design
With the iconic Flatiron Building as a symbol of the neighborhood’s creative identity, NoMad is home to some of NYC’s best architecture and design showrooms, all fuel for creative and cultural pursuits. The neighborhood’s numerous Beaux-Arts buildings illustrate how historic architecture can be repurposed to serve contemporary cultural functions, and the numerous showrooms and design studios blur the lines between commerce and culture. These spaces often host events, exhibitions, and installations that contribute to the neighborhood’s overall artistic vibe.
Getting the Most from NoMad’s Cultural Scene
NoMad’s compact size makes it ideal for your own walking tours taking in multiple galleries, public art installations, and architectural landmarks in a single afternoon. The area’s excellent public transportation connections also make it easily accessible from other parts of Manhattan.
Whether you’re exploring intimate galleries, experiencing public art installations, or simply appreciating the interplay between historic architecture and modern style, NoMad offers an abundance of cultural experiences. From the experimental to the established, NoMad continues to exude cultural vitality and innovation. As the neighborhood continues to evolve, so too does its commitment to arts and culture. Get yourself to NoMad and be a part of it all.
